Game 5: Rangers at Bruins tonight (5:30) … pre-game notes

Source: Rangers Report by Carp

Courtesy of the NYR:

NEW YORK RANGERS at BOSTON BRUINS
2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 5
Saturday, May 25 (5:30 p.m.) – TD Garden
BOS leads 3-1

TONIGHT’S GAME:
The Rangers will face-off against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden (5:30 p.m. — TV: NBC Sports Network; Radio: ESPN 98.7), in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series. The Blueshirts trail in the series, 3-1, following a 4-3 overtime win in Game 4 on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers enter the contest with a 213-232-8 record all-time in 453 playoff contests (120-89-2 at home;

Kreider Given Maintenance Day; McD on Power Play; Same Line-up Likely

Source: Yardbarker

Hank Winnick/Newsday Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record reports that Chris Kreider was given a maintenance day from the team's optional practice today. ...reward for the game winner? lol Meanwhile, Pat Leonard at the Daily News says that Ryane Clowe, Brad Richards, Darroll Powe and Marc Staal all skated with the taxi squad players before the optional. Anton Stralman did not practice today. Gross adds that Michael Haley, Kris Newbury and Roman Hamrlik all participated in the optional. ...can you say same line-up in Game 5? If it ain't broke.... ...having said that, I'm concerned about Hamrlik as he was made to look like a parking cone a few time during the game last night. Really need Stralman back soon. Finally, John Tortorella admitted during his post practice press conference today that he liked what he saw from Ryan McDonagh on the power play last night and he screwed it up by not putting him there sooner. ...as I said last night, for ...

Penguins oust Sens in five, reach Eastern finals (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Boston or the New York Rangers? To be honest, Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson doesn't think it matters who the Pittsburgh Penguins face in the Eastern Conference finals.

Tortorella: More ‘power’ to underused McDonagh

Source: New York Post by By BRETT CYRGALIS

BOSTON — For all of the good things Ryan McDonagh has done, he may have spent this whole time being underutilized. At least that’s the opinion of Rangers coach John Tortorella, who Friday admitted he has made a mistake in not playing his top-pair defenseman on the power play more...

R2, G4: The Gift Of Life

Source: Scotty Hockey

On Thursday night Tuukka Rask gave the (allegedly) greatest gift one can give: the gift of life. The Bruins goaltender fell on his ass and revived a dead Ranger squad, starting them off on a comeback that was completed as an 4-3 overtime win.

The series is not over, rigor mortis is not yet setting in. Rask's stumble set up a Game 5 on Saturday afternoon, the Rangers' season extended at least another two days.

Seeing as those two days are almost up, onto the Late Hits:

*Spectacular feed from Nash to Kreider. Best thing the former Blue Jacket has done in weeks, too bad it likely came a

Brassard swats Boston’s gnat

Source: New York Post by By LARRY BROOKS

BOSTON — There he was, a Ranger who finally had enough of Brad Marchand and his verbal challenges. There he was, a Ranger not only standing his ground, but standing up for his teammates. There was Derick Brassard, of all people, dropping his stick and gloves with about four minutes remaining...

Rask mistake gives Rangers new life heading into Game 5

Source: New York Post by By BRETT CYRGALIS

BOSTON — Sometimes it’s the smallest of things — say, about the size of a rut in the Garden ice — that can shift an entire playoff series, an entire season, an entire team’s destiny. So maybe, just maybe, that supposed rut in the ice on Thursday night that forced Bruins...

Torts: More ‘power’ to underused McDonagh

Source: New York Post by By BRETT CYRGALIS

BOSTON — For all of the good things Ryan McDonagh has done, he may have spent this whole time being underutilized.At least that’s the opinion of Rangers coach John Tortorella, who yesterday admitted he has made a mistake in not playing his top-pair defenseman on the power play more...

Rangers going ‘fourth’ with new focus

Source: New York Post by By HOWIE KUSSOY

It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.Rangers coach John Tortorella didn’t want to bench Brad Richards, but he felt he had no other choice. The game was passing the veteran center by on the top lines and Tortorella and Richards agreed the time allotted to him on...

Rangers Score Saddest Goal Ever

Source: Yardbarker

The Rangers narrowly escaped being swept on Thursday night as they beat the Bruins 4-3 in overtime.  Upon further review, they REALLY narrowly escaped, especially after seeing one of their goals in slow motion.  Check out the Rangers first goal which featured Carl Hagelin falling down and shooting as he fell but barely getting a stick on it.  Instead of being an easy save, Bruins’ goalie Tuukka Rask also fell and just sort of let the puck trickle on by.  Very odd all around. Article found on: Next Impulse Sports

What to do with Hamilton (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Nobody doubts Doug Hamilton’s upside and potential when it comes to being a future star for the Bruins. But the 19-year old defenseman has struggled in the postseason, and has been on the ice for five of the last seven New York Rangers goals.

Penguins polish off Senators (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH -- On Friday night in Pittsburgh, the Penguins were looking to not only eliminate the Ottawa Senators but capture their first series victory on Consol Energy Center ice and move on to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2009.

Pregame Notes: Rangers at Boston

Source: NHL.com

Tonight's Game The Rangers face-off against the Boston Bruins tonight at TD Garden (5:30 p.m.), in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series. The Blueshirts trail in the series, 3-1, following a 4-3 overtime win in Game 4 on Thursday at...

Tortorella's bunch seems loaded for Bruins

Source: NY Daily News

The Rangers showed fight on Thursday night. Now if only the Bruins would do the same. On numerous occasions in the Blueshirts’ 4-3 Game 4 overtime victory at the Garden, Rangers fourth-line agitators Derek Dorsett, Kris Newbury and Micheal Haley challenged Boston skaters to drop the gloves in an effort to rile up the crowd and the Ranger bench. 

Brassy Blueshirts out to stay alive in Game 5

Source: NY Daily News

Another elimination game. Right where the Rangers want to be.The Blueshirts elevate their urgency in do-or-die showdowns such as Saturday’s Game 5 against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.  

Penguins blow out Senators again, advance to Eastern Conference finals (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Canada, you may want to sit down. The Pittsburgh Penguins advanced to the Eastern Conference finals Friday, eliminating the Ottawa Senators -- the last remaining Canadian team -- with a decisive 6-2 victory in Game 5. With that, an American club will win the Stanley Cup for the 19th straight season. Now comes the annual Canadian tradition where the country shifts from counting Canadian teams in contention to Canadian players on American teams. The Senators made a slight improvement in Game 5, holding the Penguins to fewer goals than in their previous game. Unfortunately, it was just one fewer, and that's not nearly enough when they allowed 7 the last time around. This game was a lot like Game 4, come to think of it: All Pittsburgh, and not all that close.

NHL-Pittsburgh beat Ottawa to book Eastern Finals berth (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

May 24 (Reuters) - The Pittsburgh Penguins have advanced to the National Hockey League Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2009 after smashing the Ottawa Senators 6-2 in Game Five on Friday, taking the semi-final series 4-1. James Neal notched a hat-trick and added an assist to help clinch a place in the Eastern finals for the top-seeded Penguins for the first time since they last won the Stanley Cup. Brenden Morrow opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the opening period for the Penguins who then scored three goals in the second, which proved the difference. ...

Penguins 6, Senators 2 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH -- On Friday night in Pittsburgh, the Penguins were looking to not only eliminate the Ottawa Senators but capture their first series victory on Consol Energy Center ice and move on to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2009.

Penguins rip Ottawa 6-2, move to conference finals (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Eight playoff wins down, eight to go for Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Torts (rightfully) defends Richards in post game presser

Source: Yardbarker

After the Rangers overtime win last night, coach John Tortorella held his usual post-game press conference. This one was a lot different than his previous press conferences, as the coach was very candid and very passionate about his defense of Brad Richards. You can watch the video above for the full interview, but the Richards excerpt is below: “I think it’s important to spend a couple of minutes on that out of respect to Brad. By no means is this a situation where I take him out where I’m blaming him. I’m playing Brad on the fourth line, he’s playing seven or eight minutes, it’s not good for him, it doesn’t work playing Brad Richards that way. I also feel some other guys have played better so that’s where he is right now in our lineup. It just doesn’t work, I’m not playing him the proper way but I can’t put him on the other lines becausre I think the other lines have stepped up. I look at the fourth line, I’m looking to get some kind of life, some sort of identity on that fourth line

You Can Kiss Tortorella's Ass

Source: Yardbarker

After last night's 4-3 overtime win, John Tortorella defended Brad Richards and his decision to bench the Rangers alternate captain... ...Tortorella is 100% correct with his assessment that Richards does himself and the Rangers team no good playing on the fourth line. And with how poorly he's played, he doesn't deserve a spot in the top nine. Having said that, I think this series against the Bruins and an absolutely terrible match-up for Zuccarello and the Rangers might be better off with Richards and his playoff experience playing on the third line than the Hobbit. But as I said last night, real hard to change the line-up after a big win. ...this interview is vintage Torts. Amazing job deflecting the embarrassment of being a healthy scratch away from Richards and putting the focus on himself by saying the word "ass" in front of the media. Amazing how easily distracted the fourth pillar is. Speaking of Richards, Katie Strang at ESPN.com describ...

NHL roundup: Coyotes GM Maloney signs extension (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Phoenix Coyotes announced on Friday that general manager Don Maloney signed a long-term contract extension to stay with the franchise.

Kreider’s OT Goal Propels Rangers To Game 4 Win

Source: Yardbarker

The New York Rangers staved off elimination Thursday night at MSG with their first overtime win of this postseason. Chris Kreider redirected a beautiful pass from Rick Nash into the upper left corner of the net 7:03 into overtime to complete the comeback in a game where the Rangers never led in regulation. The goal [...]

How Chris Kreider Felt When He Scored Last Night

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

 

“It is so surreal. It’s not something that can really be explained. It is something that just has to be felt, but it was awesome. I’m just excited to give these guys an opportunity to play another game.”

—CP

John Tortorella discusses Ryan McDonagh's value and NY Rangers' need to handle Bruins' surges at Friday practice

Source: The Blueshirts Blog

BOSTON – Here are a few nuggets from the Rangers’ off-day optional practice in Greenburgh to accompany my main story and insider on the Hockey Page:   EASY MAC Ryan McDonagh leads all Rangers defensemen with four points (one goal, three assists), has a plus-two rating in the playoffs, and is ...

 

Coyotes GM Maloney signs contract extension (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Phoenix Coyotes general manager Don Maloney signed a long-term contract extension Friday with the NHL-owned team. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Rangers-Bruins Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

BOSTON (AP) -- Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask saw the replay of his Game 4 gaffe over and over on television.

Read: The Rangers Don’t Give When Close To The Brink

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

In the past two seasons, the Rangers have played in seven elimination games and won six of them.

In 2012 they beat the Senators in game seven and game seven and beat the Capitals in game seven. In 2013, the Rangers beat the Capitals in game six and seven and they beat the Bruins on Thursday.

The Rangers only loss in an elimination game was in overtime to the Devils last year.

On the team’s success in these games, John Tortorella said that it was because “there is no give” with the Rangers.

Penguins seek to close out Senators in Game 5, advance to Conference Final (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Entering Game 5 Friday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to do something they've yet to accomplish under head coach Dan Bylsma: close out a playoff series on home ice. "I'm aware," Bylsma told reporters Friday about that little blip on his NHL resume. Since Bylsma replaced Michel Therrien in Feb. 2009, the Penguins have had six chances to initiate a handshake line on the ice at Mellon Arena and CONSOL Energy Center, and six times they've failed. Up 3-1 in their series versus the Ottawa Senators, the Penguins are also a win away from advancing past the second round for the first time since that 2008-09 season; one that ended with the franchise's third Stanley Cup. "Our team knows exactly how important this opportunity is to get the fourth win and try to do that here as soon as possible and not look at this being three more games," said Bylsma after Friday's morning skate . "We have one game right in front of us and it's important to have that mentality and mindset for us tonight." But as Senators head coach Paul MacLean declared during his only post-Game 4 statement , his team is going to Pittsburgh and coming to play. And like the New York Rangers, Ottawa can only follow the cliche and take it one game at a time.

Praising McDonagh; The long shift; Same lineup?

Source: Ranger Rants by grossa@northjersey.com

A very well-attended optional skate today that only included players who dressed for Thursday night’s 4-3 overtime win in Game 4 against the Bruins as the Rangers avoided a sweep. Chris Kreider was given a maintenance day off bit Kris Newbury, Micheal Haley and Roman Hamrlik continued to skate with the varsity with the assumption that they’ll remain in the lineup for Saturday’s Game 5 at Boston’s TD Garden. The Rangers’ practice squad, the “Black Aces” skated separately. Brad Richards, Ryane Clowe and Darroll Powe skated with that group. However, defenseman Anton Stralman was not on the ice, though he did an off-ice workout. Still, that likely means he will not be in the Game 5 lineup. A few interesting factoids provided

Praising McDonagh; The long shift; who’s a Black Ace?

Source: Ranger Rants by grossa@northjersey.com

A very well-attended optional skate today that only included players who dressed for Thursday night’s 4-3 overtime win in Game 4 against the Bruins as the Rangers avoided a sweep. Chris Kreider was given a maintenance day off bit Kris Newbury, Micheal Haley and Roman Hamrlik continued to skate with the varsity with the assumption that they’ll remain in the lineup for Saturday’s Game 5 at Boston’s TD Garden. The Rangers’ practice squad, the “Black Aces” skated separately. Brad Richards, Ryane Clowe and Darroll Powe skated with that group. However, defenseman Anton Stralman was not on the ice, though he did an off-ice workout. Still, that likely means he will not be in the Game 5 lineup. A few interesting factoids provided

Refocused Rask ready for Rangers, Game 5 (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

BOSTON (AP) -- Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask says he won't dwell too much on his comical mistake in Game 4 against the Rangers that helped New York get back into the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Read/Watch: When Derek Stepan Took The Puck From Zdeno Chara

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

One minute and 10 seconds into the third period last night, Rick Nash dumped the puck into the Rangers zone.

One minute and 13 seconds into the third period, Zdeno Chara picked up the puck behind the net and started to skate with it toward the side of the net.

One minute and 14 seconds into the the third period, Derek Stepan came in behind Chara and took the puck.

One minute and 15 seconds into the third period, Stepan put the puck into the open part of the net and tied the game at 2.

When asked about the play, Stepan said on MSG that he was just trying to put pressure on Chara and once he got closer he realized he had a chance to steal the puck and put it into the empty net.

About the play,

John Tortorella post-practice press conference video

Source: Rangers Report by Carp

Here is Rangers coach John Tortorella’s post-practice press conference from Friday. He had some interesting things to say about the team’s Game 4 effort, about Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider, among other topics.

Video by Rick Carpiniello.

The post John Tortorella post-practice press conference video appeared first on Rangers Report Blog.

More post-practice interviews: Callahan, Hagelin, Brassard

Source: Rangers Report by Carp

The post More post-practice interviews: Callahan, Hagelin, Brassard appeared first on Rangers Report Blog.

Post-practice interviews: Tortorella, Lundqvist

Source: Rangers Report by Carp

The video of the John Tortorella presser will be up shortly. He had some interesting things to say about Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider.

Also, the news: Brad Richards skated with the Black Aces today. Chris Kreider, apparently still feeling that injury above his left eye, did not skate.

The post Post-practice interviews: Tortorella, Lundqvist appeared first on Rangers Report Blog.

Read: Is The Brad Richards/John Tortorella Relationship Over?

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

2:09PM: At CBC, Ron MacLean, the host on Hockey Night in Canada and a friend of Richards, said that Brad deserved better than to be scratched in game four.

MacLean also says that Richards agents advised against signing with the Rangers because they felt there were situations that would fit him better and also get him more money. Richards wanted to be closer to his family in PEI, Canada and loved the idea of playing for an Original Six team.

MacLean says that Tortorella didn’t respect what Richards did and compared it to when in 1996 Mike Keenan ripped Wayne Gretzky.

He also says that what the Rangers did to

Read: Is The Brad Richards/John Tortorella Relationship Over?

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

James Duthie was on TSN Radio this morning and spoke about Brad Richards and John Tortorella.

Duthie said that when Tortorella worked for TSN, prior to becoming the Rangers coach, there wasn’t a player that Tortorella gushed about more than Brad Richards.

“His face lit up like a high school crush when he talked about Brad Richards. For it to come to this, this is something that, no matter what you say about best for the hockey team and I love this guy, this is a huge embarrassment for a player of that level. I would guess that even though Torts will try to make things better that their relationship gets severed, relationships get

Fired-up Tortorella defends Rangers' benched star

Source: New York Post by By BRETT CYRGALIS

The bad news came with an early-morning phone call, as it often does. When Brad Richards picked it up Thursday, the voice he heard was that of his coach, John Tortorella, telling him for the first time in his postseason career he would be a healthy scratch. That’s what...

Rangers finally flick on the ‘power’ switch

Source: New York Post by By LENN ROBBINS

The Rangers were 10 minutes from going O-for-the-series on the power play, 10 minutes from a garish end to the season. With elimination staring the Rangers in the face and a power play that had been short circuiting since before they laid eyes on the Bruins, the Blueshirts finally scored...

Practice: Game Five Preperation

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

According to tweets from Andrew Gross and Pat Leonard, the Rangers are holding an optional skate this morning and that Brad Richards, Marc Staal, Ryane Clowe and Darroll Powe are not on the ice.

Chris Kreider, according to the team’s twitter feed, is the only member from last night’s lineup that isn’t on the ice.

Crushed Ice: John Tortorella defends Brad Richards and benching of veteran center, notes from NY Rangers Game 4 win

Source: The Blueshirts Blog

The Rangers survived with a 4-3 overtime win in Game 4 at the Garden on Thursday night, but they did it with one of their team leaders, veteran center Brad Richards, made a healthy scratch.   John Tortorella, who won the 2004 Stanley Cup in Tampa Bay with Richards as the Conn Smythe Trophy ...

 

Torts fires back at media over Richards

Source: Yardbarker

John Tortorella has a way with words but it's too bad most of them can't be posted on family media sites.  The New York Rangers head coach once again needed his potty-mouth washed out with soap during Thursday night's postgame presser after the New York Rangers staved off elimination against the Boston Bruins with a 4-3 overtime win. Tortorella made expensive forward Brad Richards a healthy scratch in an eventual Game 4 win, but — in his own profane way — Torts insisted that he and Richards are still close and if you don't believe him well ... “I love that guy,” Tortorella said. “I’ve grown up with that guy. Kiss my [expletive deleted] if you’ve written anything differently.” It’s not the first time the Blueshirts' blue-mouthed coach's comments have needed a five-second delay and, with the second-round series extended for at least one more game, it might not be the last. Tortorella didn’t elaborate on the chances that Richards would be back for

NY Rangers Coach John Tortorella Screams ‘F*ck You’ At Ref (Video)

Source: Yardbarker

  Torts is just being Torts. Rangers Coach and Darth Vader’s step brother, John Tortorella let a linesman have it during Thursday’s game 4 against the Bruins in the 3rd period. After a delayed call by the officials let the Bruins have a second shot at a goal Torts proceeded to go crazy. Tortorella of course has a reputation of being a hot head, but this kind of language is uncalled for. Stay classy

John Tortorella defends Brad Richards, requests that media kiss his posterior (Video) (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The day John Tortorella criticizes Brad Richards for being a $60-million bust during the 2012-13 season will be the first day he does. So Thursday night after the New York Rangers’ thrilling Game 4 OT victory to stay alive against the Boston Bruins – a game for which Richards was a healthy scratch, after being benched as a fourth-liner in Game 3 – Tortorella offered a defense of his fallen star: Said Torts: “Brad Richards is a hell of a hockey player. He has had struggles here. It continues. Me putting him in that role does not help him. So I’d rather have him out and identify how we’re going to run our fourth line. “So none of ya’s, don’t put words in my mouth, it’s not blaming Brad Richards. I’ve already

Read: When The Rangers Came To Life Last Night

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

At 8:39 last night, Carl Hagelin scored after a backhand attempt fluttered off of the stick of Johnny Boychuck and past a fallen Tuuka Rask who tripped over himself and left the net open.

The Rangers had eight shots on goal in the second period and five of them came after that goal. Prior to the goal, the Rangers had six shots on goal.

Derek Stepan said on MSG last night that he didn’t know how to explain what happened, but the Rangers found new life when Hagelin’s shot trickled into the net.

With a smile, John Tortorella said that it’s funny how it works sometimes and that the bounce the Rangers got brought them to life.

Henrik Lundqvist told Katie Strang, at

Videos:Chris Kreider scores in OT, Nathan Horton power play

Source: Yardbarker

When the Boston Bruins Nathan Horton rifled his power play goal past the Rangers Henrik Lundqvist, it was over, Chris Kreider saw to that. The Bruins were on their way to a sweep in their NHL Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Rangers after taking what appeared to be a protectable 2-0 lead. Then came the third period and the Rangers found their heart.  Video: Nathan Horton’s Game 4 power play Video: Chris Krieder scores in OT for the Rangers The post Videos:Chris Kreider scores in OT, Nathan Horton power play appeared first on Players View.

Kreider’s OT Goal Propels Rangers To Game 4 Win

Source: NYRNation by Michael Hurwitz

The New York Rangers staved off elimination Thursday night at MSG with their first overtime win of this postseason. Chris Kreider redirected a beautiful pass from Rick Nash into the upper left corner of the net 7:03 into overtime to complete the comeback in a game where the Rangers never led in regulation. The goal [...]

Read: John Tortorella’s Comments On Brad Richards Being Scratched

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

On MSG last night, John Tortorella talked about why Brad Richards was a healthy scratch last night.

Tortorella said, “By no means is this a situation where I am taking him out and blaming him, I am playing him on the fourth line, he is playing seven or eight minutes. It’s not good for him, it doesn’t work playing Brad Richards that way. I felt some other guys have played better so that is where he is on our lineup. It just doesn’t work and I’m not playing him in the proper way but I can’t put him in a situation with the other lines because they have stepped up. I look at the fourth line, looking to add some life, looking to

Rangers Aren’t Laying Down

Source: Blue Line Station by Matt Josephs

May 23, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) scores the game-winning goal on Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during overtime in game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Rangers win 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Going into last night’s game I wasn’t very optimistic about the Rangers chances. Then after they went down a couple goals I really didn’t like their chances. I didn’t think they showed, grit, or any determination to get back into it.

Then Carl Hagelin’s goal was the turning point. Up