NHL Playoffs 2012: Why the New York Rangers Will Win the Stanley Cup

Source: Bleacher Report

Say what you will about their fans and accents, but Boston is a great sports city. Despite the success of the Celtics (and at times the Bruins), Boston was known for its tortured but passionate Red Sox fans for decades. Then, in February 2002, the Patriots won a highly improbable Super Bowl when they were 14-point underdogs, and a boy named Brady became famous. Besides launching Tom Brady into Australian sheep shoe fame, that Super Bowl win for the Patriots started a historic run of Boston dominance in major sports.

From 2002 through the present, there have been 40 champions crowned across the four major US sports (11 in the NFL because the Super Bowl is in February and nine in the NHL because of the ‘05 lockout).  Boston teams have won seven out of the 40, roughly 18 percent. This is a staggering success rate. To give some perspective on how dominant Boston has been, New York City (and New Jersey) teams have only won four championships over that same span, despite having nine teams to Boston’s four. All four Boston teams won championships, as well as BC and BU winning four out of the last five Frozen Fours.

So, why the sustained success streak in the land of Sawx? Coaches and athletes would probably credit conditioning, their teammates, and a little luck, but I have an alternative hypothesis: Having friends who are champions provides that little extra motivation needed to achieve similar success.

The theory is that pro athletes hang out with pro athletes and most guys that play pro sports are used to being the biggest deal around. Once someone else steals their thunder, they are highly motivated to return to their throne as top dog.

Before 2002, the Patriots were the red-headed stepchild of Boston (and given its immigration history, Boston must have its fair share of red-headed stepchildren). The Patriots had never won a Super Bowl; in fact, they’d never won more than 11 games. Then, they won the big one against all odds and somehow the chants of “NINETEEN-EIGHTEEN” grew louder when the Sox were playing.

Admittedly, I wasn’t there to witness the turning point in Boston, but I like to imagine it happened at a long wooden table in a secret bunker built during the Revolutionary War with Brady sitting at the head being fanned by models, while Rodney Harrison paced around the room nodding his head and cracking his knuckles. That meeting concluded with Trot Nixon and Kevin Millar committing their facial hair to the devil for a World Series ring. Johnny Damon licensed his image upstairs.

Whether a secret meeting of all Boston athletes took place above or below ground is moot. The fact is the Patriots won two titles over three years, and months after their second, the Red Sox won a championship. The Red Sox won two titles over three years, and months after their second, the Celtics won a championship. The Celtics nearly kept the exact same streak going but lost game seven of The NBA Finals two years after hoisting their first banner since 1986. The Bruins must have read the box score incorrectly because they won the next Stanley Cup.

While the dominance in Boston is the best evidence of the Friends with Champions theory, they are not the only city that can produce multi-sport success. In 2009, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup about five months after the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII. It was the Steelers 2nd Super Bowl win in four years.

So, what does any of this have to do with the Rangers? The Blueshirts were mediocre for the last decade. A couple playoff appearances here and there, but they never got further than the Conference Semifinals. As for their friends in Gotham, the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2008, and then the Yankees won the World Series in 2009. Then, two and half years passed before the Giants most recent Super Bowl triumph. While this doesn’t follow the same easily identifiable pattern we saw in Boston, we did see Justin Tuck going crazy behind the Rangers bench after they beat the Capitals in game seven of The Eastern Conference Semis. If the captain of the Super Bowl champs is a friend, the Rangers should reap the benefits. The timing is right for New York franchises to go on a run.

Of course, the Giants do play in New Jersey.

Read more New York Rangers news on BleacherReport.com

Game 4: Some morning reading

Source: Ranger Rants by grossa@northjersey.com

The Rangers face the Devils tonight at The Rock in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference final, hoping to take a commanding 3-1 series lead for the first time in the playoffs. The Rangers are conducting a morning skate at Madison Square Garden before heading to Newark. However, it likely won’t be until game time that we learn who will fill the suspended Brandon Prust’s spot in the Rangers’ lineup. Until the Rangers hit the ice, here’s some morning reading from The Record to tide you over: - The NHL suspends Prust while coach John Tortorella lobs accusations at the Devils. - Record teammate Tom Gulitti reports the Devils are shuffling lines for tonight’s game. - Record teammate Art Stapleton examines Chris Kreider’s success story. Speaking of Kreider, Tortorella spoke about his super rookie yesterday. Specifically, I asked Tortorella how much of the team’s offensive-zone structure he believes Kreider truly understands. “He’s instinctive,” Tortorella said. “The puck follows him. I think his legs get him where he wants to be as far as getting to pucks. And we’re not doing a lot of teaching and a lot of structure with him. It’s just the wrong time. There’s enough things going through his head where we just want him to play. He’s had some breakdowns away from the puck. Those are things we’ve tried to teach a little bit but not too much. But this is instinctive. He’s an instinctive player. We’re just trying to let him go.” Tortorella was then asked whether it was tough for him to let a player play instinctively in this way. That’s where you box me in the wrong way,” Tortorella said. “I think offensively we try, we try to get out of their way. Now, the teaching away from the puck, sure, we want to teach them. But this is not, I mean, it’s not like we’re not showing them a couple of clips here and there as far as play away from the puck. We just don’t want to give them too much, because we just want to allow him to play. Offensively, we really don’t get too much in the offense at all. They need to be instinctive. I hope some of our instinctive guys allow themselves to play a little bit more now as we go into our next game. But away from the puck it’s little by little. We’re certainly not at the mode we would be at regular season, I guess that’s what I’m saying, away from the puck.” Lastly, I asked Tortorella if considering how raw Kreider is, he might have doubled his goal output (he has five and has set an NHL record with five goals and two assists before playing in a regular-season game) if he was more indoctrinated into the Rangers’ system. “Maybe if he’s more seasoned, he’s coached, we might screw him up,” Tortorella said. “I don’t know how to look at it. Right now he’s doing some good things for us and we’re going to leave him the hell alone.” Updates throughout the day… ====================================================== Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/AGrossRecord Follow the Record Sports Staff at twitter.com/TheRecordSports

2012 Eastern Conference Finals: Rangers Vs. Devils - Another Chance For The New York Rangers

Source: Blueshirt Banter by Joe Fortunato

The New York Rangers have an opportunity to take a strange hold of this series again ... again. After a 3-0 victory Saturday afternoon in Game 3, the Rangers will try to walk out of the Rock with a victory in Game 4 along with a convincing 3-1 lead in this Eastern Conference Finals.

Easier said than done.

Let's go over some stats about this playoff run the Rangers are having:

- 3-0 in Game 1's.

- 0-3 in Game 2's.

- 3-0 in Game 3's.

- Thus far, 0-2 in Game 4's.

If the Rangers can manage to change that tonight, they will take a firm grip on this series and force the

John Tortorella vs. Pete Deboer Part Deux

Source: The Rangers Tribune by Nick Montemagno

John Tortorella and Pete Deboer had their first run-in during the regular season when Deboer sent out a starting lineup of goons to set the tone in a regular season game between the Rangers and Devils at Madison Square Garden on March 19. Tortorella was provoked to the point where he grabbed the stick from the hands of Brad Richards, stormed over to the end of the bench and hacked at the glass separating he and Deboer, screaming all sorts of expletives the entire time. Clearly Torts was frustrated with the fact that Deboer matched up his fourth line against the Marian Gaborik line, which the Rangers had originally sent out to start the game. 

The dispute carried over into the following days, beginning with Tortorella claiming that there was no respect in Deboer's decision, to which Deboer responded by calling Torts a "hypocrite" and a person with "short-term memory." Torts put an end to the war of words by suggesting that they both just "shut up."

They did, that is, until this past weekend's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

A high elbow to the head of Anton Volchecnkov by Brandon Prust in the second period sparked an uproar from the Devils' side of things being that it went uncalled. Prust, of course, would later be suspended one game for the reckless play, but that's beside the point. 

What the Devils, led by their coach, would say following the tilt about Prust stirred the pot in what has been a rather calm series to this point. First it was the recipient of the hit, Anton Volchenkov, making a case that the hit was "pretty dirty", which Deboer backed by saying "it's head hunting plain and simple."

Tortorella did not take kindly to these comments, making a few of his own following Sunday's practice...

“Pruster’s played probably 300-plus games without any hearing, anything going on with him,” Tortorella told Andrew Gross of Ranger Rants. “He’s probably one of the most honest players. I look at (Dainius) Zubrus elbow to (Anton) Stralman, I look at (Zach) Parise launching himself at (Michael) Del Zotto. Maybe if our players stay down on the ice, we’ll get something. We tell our players don’t stay down on the ice, get up.

“The picking on the power plays, set plays, picking on the power play, if we want to start discussing officials with the media, I have a long list here,” Tortorella added. “That’s a set play by Jersey, picking so we can’t get to (Ilya) Kovalchuk to block a shot. You want some more?”

And now you're probably anxiously awaiting to hear what Deboer had to say in retaliation to those remarks, right? To the disappointment of us all, he did not say much, but rather muttered one simple word: "Comical."

But in Tortorella's defense, and maybe Prust's as well, Volchenkov did take a heavy flop to the ice for what looked to be light contact between his head and Prust's elbow. That sure does not excuse Prust's recklessness on the play, and still, the suspension can be justified just based on that, but you can certainly make a case claiming there was some embellishment on Volchenkov's part there. And if such is the case, you cannot blame Torts for getting riled up over the situation and it's result.

The John Tortorella vs. Pete Deboer rivalry became a sideshow in this match-up in mid-March and is now picking up right where it left off in these playoffs. Will it have an impact on which club wins this series? Absolutely not. But will it bring up the intensity and hatred in a rivalry series? You bet. 

PRUST SUSPENDED ONE GAME

Monday (5/21/12) Headlines

Source: The NY Rangers Blog

Bergen Record - NHL suspends Rangers' Brandon Prust for Game 4

Bergen Record - Stapleton: Kreider keeps on delivering for Rangers

Bergen Record - Rangers notes: Looking to break trend in Game 4

New York Post - Rangers coach takes shots at rivals

New York Post - Rangers' Prust gets 1-game ban for elbowing

Daily News - Bondy: Picking this fight may backfire

Daily News - Torts trashes Devs after 'head-hunting' comments

Daily News - Rangers' Prust slapped with one-game suspension

New York Times - Rangers Don’t Rest, Lobbying for Calls From the Officials

New York Times - Day After Game 3 Loss, the Devils Make Changes

Wall Street Journal - Tortorella Has Words For Devils' Playoff Tactics

Wall Street Journal - In Rangers-Devils,Battles to Watch

Newsday - NHL suspends Rangers' Prust for Game 4

Newsday - Tortorella decides to turn up the volume

Newsday - Rangers look to change Game 4 fortunes

Newsday - Devils won't let Lundqvist get them down

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com.

WATCH: Zubrus Elbow On Anton Stralman

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

Pictures: Today’s Rangers Newspaper Covers (Torts on GSN)

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

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Rangers at Devils Game 4 tonight; Live Game 4 Chat at noon

Source: Rangers Report by Carp

Reminder: We’ll have that Live Game 4 Chat today at noon. Should be some good stuff to discuss, no? Be there.

*****************************************************

NEW YORK RANGERS at NEW JERSEY DEVILS
2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference Final, Game 4 (NYR lead 2-1)
Monday, May 21, 8:00 p.m.
Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
Rangers (Regular Season): 51-24-7 (109 pts), 1st in East
Devils (Regular Season): 48-28-6 (102 pts), 6th in East

• All information through NHL games on May 20

  TONIGHT’S GAME:
  The Rangers will face-off against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center (8:00 p.m.; TV: NBCSN; Radio: ESPN 98.7FM), in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. The Rangers lead the series, 2-1, following a 3-0 win over the Devils in Game 3 on Saturday at Prudential Center. The Rangers enter the contest with a 208-223-8 record all-time in 439 playoff contests (116-87-2 at home; 92-136-6 on the road). New York has posted a 39-31 record all-time in Game 4 of playoff series.

  New York entered the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference having posted a record of 51-24-7 overall (27-12-2 at home; 24-12-5 on the road) for 109 points. The Rangers’ 51 wins ranked second in franchise history, while their 109 points tied for second all-time. The Blueshirts finished second in the NHL overall, tied for first in wins and led the league with 47 wins in regulation and overtime. New York is one of four Eastern Conference teams to have posted 40 or more wins in at least six seasons since 2005-06, and one of four teams in the East to have advanced to the playoffs in six of the last seven years.

  ALL-TIME RANGERS PLAYOFF RECORDS:

• Overall — 208-223-8
• Home — 116-87-2
• Away — 92-136-6
• Goals for — 1,212
• Goals against — 1,201
  
  ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORDS — RANGERS vs. DEVILS
  The Rangers and Devils are meeting in the playoffs for the sixth time overall and the third time in seven years. Their last postseason encounter was in the 2008 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, a series won by the Rangers, 4-1. Overall, the Blueshirts have a 4-1 playoff series record vs. the Devils, posting an 18-13 mark in 31 postseason contests.

  RANGERS vs. DEVILS:

• All-Time (Regular Season): 101-84-27-6 overall (56-30-20-2 at home; 45-54-7-4 on the road)
• 2011-12: New York was 3-2-1 overall (2-1-0 at home; 1-1-1 on the road). Four of their six meetings were decided by two goals or less. Carl Hagelin led all skaters with six assists and eight points in the season series. Henrik Lundqvist was 3-2-0 with a 1.41 GAA, .940 Sv% and one shutout, while Martin Biron made 26 saves in his only appearance (4-3 shootout loss).
• Thirteen of their last 17 regular season meetings have been decided by two goals or less
• The Blueshirts have seven players with previous playoff experience against the Devils, led by Brad Richards (11 GP) who had registered three goals and eight assists against New Jersey entering the series
• New York lists one former Devil on their roster: Mike Rupp (2002-03 – 2003-04, 2006-07 – 2008-09)

• New Jersey lists one former Ranger on their roster: Petr Sykora (2005-06)

  INDIVIDUAL CAREER LEADERS vs. DEVILS (Regular Season):

• Henrik Lundqvist — 41 GP, 25-11-5, 1.79 GAA, 6 SO
• Brad Richards — 38 GP, 5-28-33
• Marian Gaborik — 24 GP, 8-12-20
• Ryan Callahan — 25 GP, 7-9-16

• Dan Girardi — 35 GP, 1-13-14

  SPECIAL TEAMS:
  The Rangers are 5-2 in games when out-scoring their opponent on special teams in the playoffs.

• Power Play:  The Rangers tallied one goal in two power play attempts (3:08) in Game 3, and are now 4-10 (40.0%) in the series. New York ranks fourth overall (13-67, 19.4%) overall, and seventh on the road (6-30, 20.0%). The Blueshirts are 1-1 in five-on-three situations (0:40; last – 4/23 at OTT), and 0-1 while skating four-on-three (0:30; last – 4/23 at OTT). Shorthanded goals allowed (0).
• Penalty Killing:  The Blueshirts held the Devils scoreless in five shorthanded situations (10:00) in Game 3, and are now 11-12 (91.7%) in the series. New York ranks eighth overall (49-58, 84.5%), and is tied for seventh on the road (22-26, 84.6%). New York is 1-1 in three-on-five situations (0:33; last – 4/28 vs. WSH). Shorthanded goals for (0).

• Four-on-Four: New York did not skate in a four-on-four situation in Game 3. The Rangers are plus-one in nine four-on-four situations (10:22). Four-on-four goals for (1): Richards (4/30 vs. WSH). Four-on-four goals allowed (0).

  HOME SWEET HOME
  The Rangers have won their last seven playoff series in which they held home-ice advantage, including a 4-3 series win against New Jersey in the 1994 Conference Final.

  OPENING ACT
  The Blueshirts have opened six of their last nine playoff series with a win in Game 1. The Rangers’ 3-0 win vs. the Devils on Monday was the 12th shutout by the Rangers in series opening games all-time. New York is 8-3 in playoff series when posting a shutout in Game 1. Overall, the Rangers have posted a 32-11 series record when winning Game 1, including wins in seven of the last eight playoff series in which the Blueshirts won the opening game.

  MILESTONE WIN
  The Rangers won their 100th victory all-time against the New Jersey Devils franchise on Feb. 27. The Blueshirts held the Devils to a season-low, 13 shots against in the 2-0 victory, the fewest shots allowed by the Rangers in a game since they held Calgary to 11 shots on goal on Jan. 19, 1981 at MSG. *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau

  SINCE 2007-08
  The Rangers are 20-8-3 overall (11-4-1 at home; 9-4-2 on the road) against the Devils in the regular season since 2007-08, dating back to a 2-0 win on Oct. 25, 2007. Henrik Lundqvist is 20-8-2 with a 1.96 GAA, .929 Sv% and six shutouts in 30 games over the span.

  HEAD-TO-HEAD
  Henrik Lundqvist has faced-off against Martin Brodeur in 34 career regular season games, posting a record of 23-6-5 with a 1.73 GAA, .935 Sv% and five shutouts over the span.

  IN-KREID-IBLE
  Rookie Chris Kreider notched a goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final and, in the process, established a new NHL record for most playoff goals (five) and points (seven) by a player before skating in a regular season game. In Game 1 of the Conference Semifinals, Kreider recorded two points, including his first goal at Madison Square Garden with the game-winner, to become the youngest Ranger to record two points in a playoff game since Niklas Sundstrom on May 11, 1996, and the first Blueshirt rookie to register a multi-point effort in the postseason since Brandon Dubinsky on May 1, 2008. Kreider is the first New York rookie to register two game-winning goals in the postseason since Mike Allison in the 1981 playoffs. *courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau

  Playoff Goals
  5 – Chris Kreider, NYR (2012)
  4 – Eddie Mazur, MTL (1951, 1952, 1953)
  3 – George McPhee, NYR (1983)
  3 – Ray Cote, EDM (1983)
  2 – John Byce, BOS (1990)
  2 – Rod Brind’Amour, STL (1989)
  2 – Les Costello, TOR (1948)

  Playoff Points
  7 – Chris Kreider, NYR (2012)
  6 – Eddie Mazur, MTL (1951, 1952, 1953)
  6 – George McPhee, NYR (1983)
  5 – Ray Cote, EDM (1983)
  4 – Les Costello, TOR (1948)

  KING HENRIK’S ASCENSION
  Henrik Lundqvist continues to climb the Rangers’ all-time playoff leaders list in several goaltending categories. He posted a 36-save shutout in Game 3 of the Conference Final to pass Ed Giacomin and John Ross Roach for third in franchise history with six career playoff shutouts. In the first round, Lundqvist passed John Vanbiesbrouck for third in franchise history with his 39th career playoff appearance in Game 4 at Ottawa, while his 25-save effort in a 3-2 win in Game 6 of that series moved him past Dave Kerr for third all-time with 18 playoff victories.

  COOL UNDER PRESSURE
  Henrik Lundqvist has posted 30 or more saves in the playoffs 15 times, posting an 8-7 record with a 1.60 GAA, .951 Sv% and three shutouts in those contests.

  BLUELINE SUPPORT
  Rangers defensemen lead the league in playoff scoring with a combined 11 goals and 34 points in 17 games. Dan Girardi leads all defensemen in points (11), is tied for first in assists (eight), and is tied with teammates Marc Staal and Anton Stralman for the lead in defensemen goals with three apiece.

  BROADWAY HIT
  New York leads the league with 584 hits in the playoffs. The Blueshirts have five players ranked in the top 10 in the NHL – Ryan Calahan (1st, 76), Michael Del Zotto (6th, 56), Brian Boyle (8th, 52), Brandon Prust (9th, 49), and Dan Girardi (10th, 48).

  BLOCK PARTY
  The Rangers rank first in the NHL with 328 blocked shots in the playoffs, paced by Ryan McDonagh (1st, 54), Dan Girardi (2nd, 53), Marc Staal (6th, 34), and Ryan Callahan (9th, 29). Ruslan Fedotenko (21) and Brad Richards (15) also rank third and tied for ninth, respectively in blocked shots among NHL forwards.

  SEVENTH HEAVEN
  The Rangers advanced to the Conference Final behind a pair of 2-1 Game 7 victories, defeating the Ottawa Senators in their Conference Quarterfinal series and the Washington Capitals in the Conference Semifinals. New York remains undefeated in Game 7s played at MSG, having posted a record of 5-0 in those contests. The Rangers are 5-5 all-time in Game 7s, with eight of the 10 games being decided by one goal. Head Coach John Tortorella is 4-1 all-time in Game 7s, with the final score of all five contests being 2-1.

  INJURIES:

• Michael Sauer (concussion, 12/5) — 17
• Mats Zuccarello (fractured wrist, 3/23) — 17
• Brandon Dubinsky (injured, 4/26) — 10
  Total Man-Games Lost (Regular Season): 237
  Total Man-Games Lost (Playoffs): 54

  RECENT TRANSACTIONS:

• May 14 — Recalled Cam Talbot, Tim Erixon, Dylan McIlrath, J.T. Miller, Kris Newbury, and Casey Wellman from Connecticut (AHL)

Rangers coach accuses Devs of flopping; Prust banned for Game 4

Source: New York Post by By MARK EVERSON

Now it’s boiling, as matters turn crucial. A one-game suspension for Brandon Prust, chirping and sniping from coaches and players, one team belittling the other as divers — the gloves are coming off in this Battle of the Hudson. Rangers coach John Tortorella’s admitted “gamesmanship,” ridiculed as “comical” by...

After a tepid start, now we get bad blood on ice

Source: New York Post by By LARRY BROOKS

Look, 1994 was once in a lifetime for the Rangers and the epochal Eastern Conference final was once in a generation for our teams, our fans and our towns. There could be only one 54-year drought, only one “We’ll Win Tonight,” only one Game 7-tying goal with 7.7...

Blueshirts’ goal: Seize opportunity, keep Devils down

Source: New York Post by By TIM BONTEMPS

Three times in these playoffs, the Rangers have taken a 1-0 lead in their series. Each time, the Senators, Capitals and Devils came back to win Game 2 and tie the series. That same pattern played out in Game 3 and 4 in each of the first two rounds of...

Kreider’s instincts take over

Source: New York Post by By TIM BONTEMPS

Chris Kreider keeps finding ways to put the puck in the net, like he did Saturday when he deflected the puck past Martin Brodeur in the third period to help the Rangers to a 3-0 win.But Kreider is still a rookie — a rookie who has never played in a...

Bondy: Picking this fight may backfire on Rangers

Source: NY Daily News

The Rangers have failed in six opportunities this spring to gain a two-game advantage on a playoff opponent, so John Tortorella on Sunday tried something completely different. Something incendiary.

Sunday’s Three Stars: Coyotes survive Game 4 vs. Kings (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

No. 1 Star: Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes   The Coyotes captain beat Jonathan Quick twice in Game 4, leading Phoenix to a 2-0 victory to cut the Los Angeles Kings' series lead to 3-1. Doan's power-play goal in the first period and shot off the goal-cam in the second provided the Coyotes with all the offense they needed. No. 2 Star: Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes With a 36-save performance, Smith notched his third shutout of the postseason and backstopped the Coyotes to a fifth game of the conference final. No. 3 Star: Trevor Lewis, Los Angeles Kings   The Kings forward tied Drew Doughty for the team lead with five shots on goal and led the team with five hits in the Game 4 loss, playing 13:32. Honorable mention: Ray Whitney and Antoine Vermette had assists for the Coyotes. … Oliver Ekman-Larsson was a plus-1 in 24:53. ... Quick made 19 saves. Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; 2. Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings; 3. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers; 4. Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils; 5. Brad Richards, New York Rangers; 6. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings; 7. Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes; 8. Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings; 9. David Clarkson, New Jersey Devils; 10. Dan Girardi, New York Rangers Dishonorable mention: The Kings were 0 for 6 on the power play and gave up a power-play goal. … The Coyotes took eight minor penalties.

Pregame Notes: Rangers at New Jersey

Source: NHL.com

Tonight's Game The Rangers will face-off against the New Jersey Devils tonight at Prudential Center (8:00 p.m.), in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. The Rangers lead the series, 2-1, following a 3-0 win over the Devils in Game 3 on Saturda...

Bondy: Picking fight may backfire

Source: NY Daily News

The Rangers have failed in six opportunities this spring to gain a two-game advantage on a playoff opponent, so John Tortorella on Sunday tried something completely different. Something incendiary.

Coyotes live to fight another day in NHL series (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Phoenix Coyotes weren't about to go quietly into the night as long as captain Shane Doan had a say in the matter.

Blueshirts jump to suspended Prust's defense

Source: NY Daily News

John Tortorella and one teammate after another defended Brandon Prust as “an honest player” Sunday, but those testimonials couldn’t help the Rangers winger avoid a one-game suspension from the NHL for his elbow headshot in Game 3 Saturday against the Devils.

Shanahan explans Prust suspension; Rangers want to reverse their playoff trend of losing Game 4s

Source: Ranger Rants by grossa@northjersey.com

Brendan Shanahan has released his video explanation of his decision to suspend Rangers right wing Brandon Prust one game for his elbow to the head of Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov at 2:31 of the second period of Saturday’s Game 3. You can view the video here. Shanahan describes Prust’s elbow as “reckless” and explains that while Volchenkov turned away from the check, Prust did not “flare” his elbow until he realized he might not make contact with Volchenkov. However, in explaining the one-game punishment, Shanahan said he took into account the fact that Volchenkov was not injured and that Prust has no prior history of supplementary discipline with the NHL. That leaves one spot open in the Rangers’ lineup for Monday night’s Game 4. Coach John Tortorella, of course, would not give any clue to his thinking today. Brandon Dubinsky (right ankle) is an intriguing possibility if he’s ready to play. The Rangers could certainly use his energy along the walls and in the physical game. If he’s not ready - and I suspect Mats Zuccarello is also not ready - Tortorella could choose to dress both Steve Eminger and Stu Bickel, perhaps both as defensemen and double shift say a Marian Gaborik on the fourth line. Or, either Eminger or Bickel have been used as a spare forward, though neither tremendously successfully. Or, and I think this is the least likely scenario, Tortorella could dress somebody from the AHL taxi squad. In any case, the Rangers know how great an opportunity they face in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead - for for the first time in these playoffs. The Rangers have alternated wins and losses since Game 1 of their second-round series with the Capitals. “Yeah, I think it’s a good opportunity for us,” Brian Boyle said. “I think we feel we can elevate our play a little bit.  I mean, they are probably going to do the same.  And especially through the first half of the game maybe in Game 3 we relied a lot on Hank (Henrik Lundqvist). And he’s been great for us. That’s what he’s there for. But we want to dictate play a little more, maybe have the puck a little bit more.” ====================================================== Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/AGrossRecord Follow the Record Sports Staff at twitter.com/TheRecordSports

New York's Prust suspended for one game (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust was suspended for one game by the NHL on Sunday for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov. The incident occurred in Saturday's Game Three of the Eastern Conference final between the bitter rivals, won 3-0 by the Rangers. Volchenkov fell heavily to the ice but was not injured and continued playing. Prust was not penalized at the time but was ordered to a hearing with the NHL's department of player safety, which took a dim view of the hit. ...

Brandon Prust Suspended for One Game (Update)

Source: The Rangers Tribune by Nick Montemagno

The National Hockey League has elected to suspend New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust for one game in response to his reckless elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in Game 3. Prust, who has never received a prior suspension in his career, will now be unavailable for Game 4 at the Prudential Center on Monday night. 

Prust went on record several times since the hit, explaining that there was no malicious intent on the play and that it was more of a reactionary impulse than anything. However, the NHL's rules are working towards eliminating any sort of hit above the shoulders, or at least they claim to, so the suspension was warranted and does not come as a surprise. 

Head coach John Tortorella now has an important spot in the bottom six of his offensive lineup to fill and he has plenty of options with the current AHL taxi squad up with the team, in addition to Stu Bickel and Mats Zuccarello. While the coach likely will not reveal his decision until gametime tomorrow night, Zuccarello does seem to be the stand-out option considering his quickness and offensive ability. He hasn't put on the jersey since late March when he suffered a wrist injury, but from what's been reported, he's ready to go if need be. 

This just may be his perfect opportunity to squeak in and grab a permanent spot in the lineup. Obviously Zuke would not replace Prust, who will return in Game 5, but maybe he could oust a John Mitchell or a Mike Rupp moving forward. 

 

No question, Zach gets back on track

Source: NY Daily News

Zach Parise was back at his stall after practice Sunday, willing to answer any question. The Devils’ captain ha been exceedingly accessible and accommodating throughout the playoffs, which is why his decision not to talk Saturday after the Devils’ 3-0 loss to the Rangers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals was so surprising.

Rangers' Prust suspended for 1 game (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New York Rangers winger Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his elbow to New Jersey Dgvils defenseman Anton Volchenkov on Saturday, the league announced Sunday.

Prust suspended for one game

Source: NHL.com

Rangers forward Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov during the teams’ Eastern Conference Final game in New Jersey on Saturday, May 19, the National Hockey League’s Department of ...

R3, G3: Just do it, right?

Source: Scotty Hockey

"I said to you guys who aren't used to covering hockey or watching playoffs a lot: the most important part of the playoffs are goaltending, special teams, how your top players play. So just do it, right?" --Darryl Sutter, May 20th

Well, the Rangers got it done in Game 3 against the Devils with two of the three. Hank was his sovereign self with 36 saves - mostly tough ones - and the special teams came through with a power play goal and five kills. As for that last part, well, Marian Gaborik and Brad Richard$ had largely forgettable afternoons. So there's that left to do.

The game as a whole was, as everyone was readily pointing out afterwards, a mirror of the series opener: atrocious open, middling middle and exciting end. Girardi scored, then Kreider, then someone added an empty net, and then thousands of Ranger fans went home happy.

Late Hits:

*The Devils' act is getting old. Zubrus did it last round, Volchenkov did it yesterday. Go down, act like you've been bludgeoned and pray for a big call. Then get right back on the ice because you weren't actually injured at all. New Jersey's OHL coach is making his players act like children, whining and crying over every little thing and the sad part is that it is working. And DeBoer's ludicrous claim that Prust was headhunting? Who in their right mind would go after Anton Volchenkov of all people? Especially when he has been the Devils worst defenseman these playoffs. But it must be said that DeBoer's tactics have worked, as Prust has been suspended for one game ... by a man who owes the start and the end of NHL career to the New Jersey franchise. What a farce.

*How is it that this Kreider kid knows more about scoring from the tough areas then his older teammates? He slides through the crease and scores while Boyle and the other guys continue to play on the outskirts. Buzz around Brodeur and things happen. They have to pretend they are bees going after a picnic meal, which should be easy because Brodeur probably smells like sandwiches.

*Heard various stories about fights going on around the arena but there were none in the sections around me (118). Saw one going on downstairs in the third period that was quickly diffused with the Ranger fan, of course, being the one getting tossed.

*Do Devils fans know any words aside from 'sucks'? That seemed to be the insult of choice of the Jersey Mensans. It was so cute that they figured out how to spell their team's name - that's progress for the New Jersey public school systems.

*Loved participating in the Mmmmaaarrrtttyyyy chants, especially the one after the empty net goal. That was just rubbing it in, which is delicious.

*Brad Richard$ stupid interference penalty with four minutes left gave the Devils a golden chance to get back into the game and they came inches away from doing it, ringing a puck off the iron. All season long the Blueshirts have talked about being more disciplined and yet they took some horrid, unacceptable penalties.

*Mike Rupp took one, of course, because how else can he prove to his family that he is actually playing in this series? He can't skate, he can't stickhandle, he won't fight ... really, what's the point? He has the size, he showed he has a shot back in the Winter Classic (and that hat trick he scored against us), and yet he bounces around doing nothing.

*Steve Eminger actually looked better than expected, for his six minutes of ice time.

*Sorry, I don't pay as much credence to Torts' time out as the turnaround point, there was no sudden injection of energy or anything like that. The team that came out for the third period was different than the one that did for the first two.

*Fedotenko continued to be one of the most valuable Rangers of the playoffs, grinding, hitting, working the puck out of trouble areas. It was his work that led to Cally grabbing the empty net, just the usual soldier stuff from the Ukrainian. That's what you're paid for Braden.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Martin Brodeur - 19 saves.
2-Dan Girardi - one goal.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 36 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Kreider - So, working around the net is a good thing?
2-McDonagh/Girardi - Offense, defense, whatever. Just hope that they can survive all of these minutes ...
1-Hank - Yep. Again.

Brandon Prust of Rangers suspended for Game 4 after elbow on Devils’ Anton Volchenkov (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New Jersey Devils Coach Pete DeBoer called Rangers forward Brandon Prust's Game 3 elbow against defenseman Anton Volchenkov "headhunting … plain and simple." New York Rangers Coach John Tortorella called Prust an "honest player" and inferred that Volchenkov sold the incident. Prust himself said "it wasn't vicious at all," while Volchenkov said it was "pretty dirty." The NHL Department of Player Safety? They determined it was worth a one-game suspension for Prust, who will miss Monday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final in Newark: The incident occurred at 2:31 of the second period. There was no penalty called on the play. As the video shows, Prust flailed out his arm to clip Volchenkov in the head after the Devils defenseman spun away from a check. That fact that there was no injury on the play and that Prust has no prior interaction with Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety might make a one-game suspension in the Eastern Conference Final seem severe. But Shanahan and the NHL have sent a message twice about this kind of hit, with this type of result.

Rangers' Prust gets 1-game ban for elbowing

Source: New York Post by By IRA PODELL

Rangers forward Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov during New York's win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Prust had a telephone hearing, his first in five NHL seasons...

Report: Rangers' Prust suspended for 1 game (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New York Rangers defenseman Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his elbow to New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov on Saturday, ESPN.com reported Sunday based on a source.

Rangers' Prust gets 1-game ban for elbowing (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) Rangers forward Brandon Prust has been suspended for one game by the NHL for his elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov during New York's win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Rangers' Prust slapped with one-game suspension

Source: NY Daily News

John Tortorella and one teammate after another defended Brandon Prust as “an honest player” Sunday, but those testimonials couldn’t help the Rangers winger avoid a one -game suspension from the NHL.

Note: If He Can Play…….Brandon Dubinsky Would Replace Brandon Prust

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

If Dubinsky is able to play, he would replace Prust.

— Larry Brooks(@NYP_Brooksie) May 20, 2012

Dubinsky skated today in a regular jersey for the first time since injuring his ankle.

---

Adam: My guess is that Dubinsky is the Rangers top option to replace Prust but that Stu Bickel coming in as a forward is the most likely scenario.

Brandon Prust will miss Game 4 with a one-game suspension

Source: Rangers Report by Carp

Brendan Shanahan’s dart hit “1” on the dartboard.

I’m not saying Brandon Prust shouldn’t have been suspended, because he did after all elbow Anton Volchenkov in the head (and I wonder if they’ve managed to scrape Volchenkov off the ice yet).

I am saying that what Prust did was not nearly as malicious as what Chris Neil did to Brian Boyle, or what Alex Ovechkin did to Dan Girardi, or what Shea WWEber did to Henrik Zetterburg.

And in fact, I wonder if Glen Sather has or will complain to the league that now two of his guys have been suspended in these playoffs—both of them with no priors on their records—while every time one of his Rangers gets clonked directly in the head, it somehow gets forgiven.

Also, I brought this up earlier, if some of the head shots had been punished with more than couch-cushion change fines during the season, and some hadn’t been blatantly ignored during this postseason, maybe we wouldn’t still have these issues.

I will post the official announcement as soon as it is available.

I have reason to believe that Stu Bickel will move up to forward for Game 4 tomorrow night, barring an unexpectedly quick return by Brandon Dubinsky, who skated in an optional (non-contact) practice today.

****************************************

A couple of things. First we will have a Live Game 4 Chat tomorrow at noon, where we can discuss the suspension, John Tortorella’s gamesmanship, Henrik Lundqvist’s mastery, the Rangers’ failure to have a two-game lead at any point in these playoffs, future Ranger Zach Parise, or any other topic you want to bring ot the table. So be here. Or else.

Also, I’m going to be a guest on NY Sports Exchange tonight around 10 p.m., with host Derek Wasiak. You can listen via radio at AM1240-WGBB, or on your computer at sportsradiony.com (which is the better option unless you live on Long Island). Give us a listen.

 

Prust Suspended One Game

Source: The NY Rangers Blog

Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record reports that Brandon Prust has received a one-game suspension for his high elbow to the head of Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the Rangers' 3-0 win in Saturday's Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final.

...not unexpected. While Prust doesn't have a past history and Volchenkov wasn't injured, it was still a dangerous hit to the head. For once this playoff season I'm actually ok with a ShanaBan decision.

Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at nyrfan94@yahoo.com.

NHL Coyotes avoid elimination by beating Kings (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Shane Doan scored twice and Mike Smith posted this third shutout of the post-season as the Phoenix Coyotes staved off elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs by beating Los Angeles 2-0 on Sunday.

Tortorella Is Taking The Pressure Off His Team

Source: Blue Line Station by Matt Josephs

Prust suspended one game for elbow

Source: Ranger Rants by grossa@northjersey.com

The NHL has yet to release VP of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan’s video explanation but the Rangers’ Brandon Prust has received a one-game suspension for his high elbow to the head of Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov at 2:38 of the second period in the Rangers’ 3-0 win in Saturday’s Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final. Coach John Tortorella was asked today who might take Prust’s spot in case of a suspension and Tortorella said he hadn’t thought that far ahead because he didn’t think Prust deserved to be suspended. However, Shanahan’s decision can’t be called surprising. “It’s right,” Volchenkov told reporters in Newark today. “I got hit in the head. But it’s not my decision. It’s a decision for Brendan Shanahan. My decision is just to play hockey.” Like Tortorella, who called Prust an “honest” player and noted he had not been fined or suspended in his 279-game NHL career (not including playoff games), Prust’s teammates were quick to defend him today. “I’ve known Prusty to be an honest player all year long,” Derek Stepan said. “He plays physical and he plays it that way and we’ve never had an incident like this. I think Brandon is just trying to play his game and not trying to do anything.” Said Brad Richards: “We know Prust is an honest player. It’s the game of hockey, sometimes things happen. He’s definitely not going out there trying to head hunt, he’s never done it how many games he’s played. He plays the game the right way, it’s not really big issue in the room with that. Look at the whole game, there’s more than that one incident.” Richards, of course, was saying the same thing as Tortorella did earlier, when he called out Dainius Zubrus for an elbow to Anton Stralman and Zach Parise for “launching” himself at Michael Del Zotto for a hit. “He’s been huge for us,” Brian Boyle said. “I think he does a lot of grunt work. He does a lot of heavy lifting. And he’s been hitting it really hard. He’s really done it the right way, I think. Not a dirty player by any means. He’s done a lot for us.  He stands up to guys a lot bigger than him and heavier than him.  And we played a lot the last couple of years together.  It’s been a lot of fun.” As for Devils coach Pete DeBoer saying Prust was “headhunting, plain and simple,” Marc Staal had this response: “I think calling Prust that is a little unnecessary. He’s a pretty honest player and he’s been that way his whole career. He plays hard.” ====================================================== Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/AGrossRecord Follow the Record Sports Staff at twitter.com/TheRecordSports

Devils vs. Rangers Playoffs: Game 4 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Odds and Analysis

Source: Bleacher Report

The New York Rangers took Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals 3-0 against the rival New Jersey Devils just like they did in Game 1. 

After two scoreless periods, Dan Girardi opened the scoring in the third, Chris Kreider followed up with a deflection and Ryan Callahan netted an empty-net goal to seal the deal.

The Devils were very aggressive early on in the game and that was illustrated by their shots on goal. However, the Rangers were able to capitalize on the Devils’ inability to capitalize on scoring chances.

With the puck set to drop at 8:00 p.m. ET, here is what you need to know for Game 4.

 

Game Coverage

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

Watch: NBC Sports Network, CBC and RDS

Click to Listen: ESPN NY, 98.7 FM (NYR); WBBR, 1130 AM (NJD)

Click to Watch: NHL Gamecenter Premium, CBC Hockey Night in Canada Live!

When: Monday, May 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET

 

Postgame Coverage

TV: MSG Network and NHL Network

When: Following Game 4 for 90 minutes

 

Money Line from Bovada Sportsbook

New Jersey Devils: (-125)

New York Rangers: (-105)

 

Series Schedule: Rangers Lead 2-1

Game 1 - Monday, May 14: New York 3, New Jersey 0 (New York Leads 1-0)

Game 2 - Wednesday May 16: New Jersey 3, New York 2 (Series Tied at 1-1)

Game 3 - Saturday, May 19: New York 3, New Jersey 0 (New York Leads 2-1)

Game 4 - Tonight: @New Jersey Devils (8:00 p.m.)

Game 5 - Wednesday, May 23: vs. New Jersey Devils (8:00 p.m.)

Game 6* - Friday, May 25: @New Jersey Devils (8:00 p.m.)

Game 7* - Sunday, May 27: vs. New Jersey Devils (8:00 p.m.)

 

Playoff Scoring Team Leaders

New York Rangers

Goals: Brad Richards (six)

Assists: Dan Girardi (eight)

Points: Brad Richards (13)

Plus/Minus: Dan Girardi (plus-five)

TOI/G (Defensemen): Dan Girardi (27:21)

TOI/G (Forwards): Ryan Callahan (23:53)

 

New Jersey Devils

Goals: Ilya Kovalchuk (six)

Assists: Ilya Kovalchuk (seven)

Points: Ilya Kovalchuk (13)

Plus/Minus: Bryce Salvador (plus-eight)

TOI/G (Defensemen): Marek Zidlicky (24:11)

TOI/G (Forwards): Ilya Kovalchuk (23:53)

 

Players to Watch in Game 4

Chris Kreider (NYR)

Kreider has been on fire against the Devils so far this series, and he has registered two timely goals for the Blueshirts thus far. Kreider is really starting to look comfortable on the ice and is now playing like the top-six-player the Rangers need in their lineup. 

 

David Clarkson (NJD)

Clarkson was a huge factor in Game 2 against the Rangers because he threw his weight around and was a pest around the net. Look for Clarkson to be on top of Lundqvist all night in an attempt to create traffic and rebounds for the Devils to capitalize on.

 

Goalie Matchup

Henrik Lundqvist

| 10-7-0 | 1.57 GAA | .942 SV percentage | three SO |

Lundqvist earned his third shutout of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs with a 3-0 win over New Jersey in Game 3.

 

Martin Brodeur

| 9-5-1 | 2.05 GAA | .920 SV percentage | one SO |

Brodeur made 19 saves in a Game 3 loss against the New York Rangers.

 

Projected Lineups

New York Rangers

Carl Hagelin, Brad Richards (A), Marián Gáborík

Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan (C)

Mike Rupp, Brian Boyle, Brandon Prust

Ruslan Fedotenko, Artem Anisimov, John Mitchell,  

 

Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi

Marc Staal (A), Anton Strålman

Michael Del Zotto, Steve Eminger 

 

New Jersey Devils

Zach Parise (C), Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus 

Patrik Eliás (A), Jacob Josefson, Ilya Kovalchuk (A)

Alexei Ponikarovsky, Adam Henrique, David Clarkson

Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta, Steve Bernier

 

 Bryce Salvador, Marek Zidlicky

 Mark Fayne, Andy Greene

 Anton Volchenkov, Peter Harrold

 

Prediction: Rangers Win 3-1

The Rangers are due for a big win in Game 4. With the chance to go home up 3-1, the Rangers will come out hard in the first period and will set the tone early instead of sitting back and letting the Devils to dictate the pace.

Henrik Lundqvist will come up huge again, and the Rangers will head back to Madison Square Garden with a chance to claim the Prince of Wales Trophy in Game 5.

Read more New York Rangers news on BleacherReport.com

Brandon Prust Suspended for One Game

Source: The Rangers Tribune by Nick Montemagno

The National Hockey League has elected to suspend New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust for one game in response to his reckless elbow to the head of New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in Game 3. Prust, who has never received a prior suspension in his career, will now be unavailable for Game 4 at the Prudential Center on Monday night. 

Prust went on record several times since the hit, explaining that there was no malicious intent on the play and that it was more of a reactionary impulse than anything. However, the NHL's rules are working towards eliminating any sort of hit above the shoulders, or at least they claim to, so the suspension was warranted and does not come as a surprise. 

Head coach John Tortorella now has an important spot in the bottom six of his offensive lineup to fill and he has plenty of options with the current AHL taxi squad up with the team, in addition to Stu Bickel and Mats Zuccarello. While the coach likely will not reveal his decision until gametime tomorrow night, Zuccarello does seem to be the stand-out option considering his quickness and offensive ability. He hasn't put on the jersey since late March when he suffered a wrist injury, but from what's been reported, he's ready to go if need be. 

This just may be his perfect opportunity to squeak in and grab a permanent spot in the lineup. Obviously Zuke would not replace Prust, who will return in Game 5, but maybe he could oust a John Mitchell or a Mike Rupp moving forward. 

2012 NHL Playoffs: Brandon Prust Gets 1-Game Suspension For Elbowing

Source: Blueshirt Banter by Bryan Winters

According to Tom Gulitti of The Record, New York Rangers forward Brandon Prust has been suspended one game for his elbow to the head of Anton Volchenkov. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise as the play was definitely reckless, and kept Volchenkov down for several moments.

So the Rangers will go into Game 4 without Brandon Prust, but it is still yet to be seen who will replace Prust on the fourth line. Brandon Dubinsky is still a few days away, so

NEWS: Brandon Prust Suspended One Game

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

The NHL, via Tom Gulitti, has announced that Brandon Prust has been suspended one game for his elbow on Anton Volchenkov.

Katie Strang points out at ESPN NY, “according to Elias Sports Bureau, has been assessed only two elbowing penalties in his entire 301-game NHL career. The 28-year-old bruiser has also never had a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, a clean record he hopes will weigh in his favor.”

Click HERE and HERE for more on Prust and the elbow.

Watch: Henrik Lundqvist Montage

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

Note: The Big Faceoff Win Yesterday

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter

Richards: won 63% of offensive zone faceoffs, including win that led directly to Girardi goal – 1st road game where he was won more than 50%

— THE STATS GUY (@TH2NSTATSGUY) May 19, 2012

Richards said after the game that he wasn’t planning to put the puck where he did, he was just trying to win the faceoff.

Richards was 9 of 19 last night on faceoffs. Derek Stepan and Brian Boyle were both 6 and 17.

Torts trashes Devs after 'head-hunting' comments

Source: NY Daily News

John Tortorella, the fiery but often media-unfriendly Rangers coach, traded barbs with the Devils and their coach on the eve of Monday's Game 4 at The Rock after the Blueshirts were accused of "head-hunting".

Rangers-Devils Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) John Tortorella stood out again at a playoff news conference. Only this time it was because of his feistiness toward the New Jersey Devils and not for his brevity and contentiousness with the media.

John Tortorella gets ‘comical’ on illegal hits, power-play picks according to Devils coach (Puck Daddy)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New Jersey Devils Coach Pete DeBoer and New York Rangers Coach John Tortorella have engaged in some ill-mannered discourse this season. Back in March, after the teams had a game-opening brawl, DeBoer called Tortorella a "hypocrite" for criticized the Devils' goonish starting lineup; Torts advised DeBoer to "shut up." After Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday, DeBoer was asked about an elbow by Brandon Prust on Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov, for which Prust earned a hearing with the NHL on Sunday. DeBoer said: "Headhunting, plain and simple" On Sunday, Tortorella had his chance to respond. Boy, did he, via the Star Ledger: "Prust has played probably 300-plus games without any hearing, anything going on," Tortorella said. "He's probably one of the most honest players. I looked at (Dainius) Zubrus' elbow to (Anton) Stralman. I look at (Zach) Parise launching himself at (Michael) Del Zotto. Maybe if our players stay down on the ice, we'll get something. We tell our players don't stay down on the ice, get up." Here's the Parise hit, via SNY Rangers blog: Was he leaping into Del Zotto? Leaping to avoid Del Zotto's skate wedged against the boards? Hard to tell from the clip. What else are the Devils doing to break the rules? Picking like a bluegrass band on the power play, according to Torts.

Tortorella takes shots at Devils, defends Prust (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) John Tortorella stood out again at a playoff news conference. Only this time it was because of his feistiness toward the New Jersey Devils and not for his brevity and contentiousness with the media.

Picture: What. A. Save.

Source: SNYRangersBlog by Adam Rotter