Blue Notes

month and a half ago, i had my doubts about this blueshirt team, but still very proud to support them. they were confused, lacking any direction, and weren't consistent.

however, this team, and how they regrouped and refocused, i couldnt be more proud. they faced a very good and tough buffalo team. the 6 weeks of "playoff" hockey prior to playoffs beginning took its toll on many of the rangers, inlcuding older guys like shanny and jagr. but don't discount the courage and leadership those two, as well as others, displayed for this team.

the late goal by buff fri. night defalted the rangers balloon and certainly the OT winner killed all momentum. different outcome fri night....different series.

i look forward to some personnel changes this summer. this defensive group should stay intact - perhaps throw in pock and staal. offensively, we need more scoring chances and oppertunities. look to hartford for some younger guys. perhaps a younger guy can be sought after for weekes via trade.

also, and perhaps most importantly, go after either briere/ drury and/ or another free agent. thats certainly a hefty wishlist, but a younger free angent can get us into next round, next year.

thanks rangers

Great series, good luck next year.

i would also like to pick up Souray (spelling) this free agency season, he would be awsome fromt he point.

Allow me to clear something up.

What I meant was that it scared th hell out of me that such a sorry bunch of loosers could take two games from us. I never doubted the outcome of this series.

Thank you for giving me the space on your fine blog to clarify my statement.

Steve-

Thanks for all the great coverage and I look forward to your offseason updates. I love reading the inside stuff that doesn't make the paper.

Great season and great future. If that Swedish paper is correct I would lock up the King ASAP.

Souray would be a huge mistake. Whatever he gives you on the power play is more than offset by the fact that he is a defensive liability. He was a big-time minus player this year. I think it's time for Rachunek to go and give Pock some regular playing time. If Staal, Liffiton or Baranka are ready to come up, that's fine. Malik is signed through next year, so he's staying - all you misguided Malik-haters should look at his plus-minus (including the playoffs) and keep your mouths shut. The best defenseman in the UFA market is probably Kimmo Timonen, but he's a definite top-4 (more like top-2) defenseman, and I'm not sure we have a hole there. Also, the Flyers have an inside track on him as his brother is in their system.

Similarly, the Flyers will use Marty Biron to pitch for Briere. We should make a big run at Chris Drury - as he proved once again Friday night, he is the ultimate clutch player and he has indicated he wouldn't mind coming home. Gomez wouldn't be a bad addition, but Drury also gives you a presence in the slot, which is something the Rangers visibly lack. (Most of the goals on Miller in the Sabres series were scored with traffic in front, yet we seemingly failed to adjust and create more traffic in the crease.)

Signing Lundqvist is a no-brainer. The only things I ask of Hank and Benoit Allaire is that they work on stopping high shots and staying in the net. In the playoffs especially, Lundqvist had a tendency to go down and get beaten high, a la Dan Blackburn. (The Sabres scouting report specifically called for this.) He needs to either find a way to "make himself big" after going down, or resist the instinct to go butterfly immediately. And anyone who watched any games down the stretch knows that everytime he left the net, all of MSG collectively held their breath.

As for a backup, Kevin Weekes has served admirably despite limited work, and on a personal level, I would be sorry to see him go. I can't imagine that he's happy in the current situation, so it likely suits both sides to part ways. There may be a couple of backup netminders on the market this summer, I'm not really sure. Montoya is supposed to be our prized goaltending prospect - not sure if his stock dropped as a result of the Wolfpack playoff loss as I didn't see it - but I don't know where he fits in if Lundqvist becomes our goaltender-for-life. (Probably trade bait.)

I can't see how you don't re-sign Ortmeyer. It would be nice to roll 4 solid lines like the Sabres do, but most clubs are forced to live in reality, where you need a line of grinders and solid penalty killers. Ortmeyer has the intangibles to be the captain of this team one day. On the same token, locking up Blair Betts was a great move - he's a solid penalty killer and scores a goal every now and then.

I wouldn't touch the Cullen-Prucha-Callahan line at all. Prucha is an RFA and his performance certainly declined from last year, but if anything, that makes him more affordable to re-sign. He'll find his touch again and that line will be deadly.

As for the coaching staff, the results pretty much speak for themselves. None of us saw the team going this far after the way we started the season. The only thing I ask for here is some adjustments. During this series, Renney himself spoke about the different looks the Sabres were going to throw at us. Yet there was no talk of any different looks from us (e.g. creating traffic in front, working on breakouts to move forward and not backward). Breakouts and defensive zone turnovers have been a problem since after the lockout, and I haven't seen any improvement. I'd like to see some of these addressed in the offseason.

Excuse the length - that's the best I can muster for a brain dump. I look forward to hearing others' thoughts - if I see any through all the inevitable flamebait.

-T

?

Well,

speaking of having brothers in the system, one of the Rangers better future prospects is Tom Pyatt, and his brother Taylor Pyatt is a UFA and is coming off a season with 23 goals.

He is 6-4 and only 25 years old.

Too me, this signing is a no brainer.

As posted already--Drury is the best "prize" that probably all 30 clubs will try to go after on July 1. I'd love to see him in Broadway Blue. So clutch, and hard working, and he offers great leadership.

I don't think the Rangers need to do much. Give the young guys a shot. Cally should have a permanent roll on the big club, and will hopefully start to grow into a better player. The other young guys should get chances to develop.

Lundy...give him whatever he wants. I wish Ortmeyer could stay for the PK, but I wouldn't be too upset about his loss. I'd like to have Shanny back just for what he brings to the locker room, but at what kind of salary determines if he stays or goes.

I omitted Shanahan and Nylander because they're an afterthought - both should be resigned. Nylander (26-57-83 in 79 games) will command a raise from his current $2.8M, and deservedly so. If he continues to seek opportunities to shoot, his goal production will rise. As for Shanahan, 29-33-62 in 67 games is impressive. We'll see how the market values that kind of production.

Instead of re-signing nylander, why not give the job to a young guy from the farm?

nylander compliments jagr..and is one of a few on that team that can go end to end, especially on PP.

betts and ortmeyer are solid Pk players, but i'd like to see some hartford guys move up and play for good. dawes, callahan, etc. can contribute.

bring shanny back for leadership and lockerroom presence. drury would be a nice fit.

weekes is good trade bait...perhaps esche for back-up?

The Rangers only need to sign a couple forwards and a back-up goaltender.

On defense, everyone returns except for Rachunek. The Rangers organization loves Rachunek, but I don't see where he fits in especially if Staal is ready. If Staal can play on Broadway next year, the pairings would be Rozsival-Malik, Tyutin-Girardi and Mara-Staal with Pock as a seventh defenseman again. Plus they have others in Hartford that could step up. Plenty of depth which is always needed to replace the sprained MCL's. In short, the only decision on defense is whether or not to keep Rachunek who is a restricted free agent.

In goal, give Henri what salary he wants, he has earned it, but a seven year deal is scary. In this salary cap era, having flexibilty year-to-year is a key and if something were to happen to Henri where the Rangers had to eat that contract for a few years, it hurts (refer to Ozolinsh, Kasparitis, Yashin). Montoya is unbelievably streaky, showing how great he can be in stretches along with giving up 5 goals on 20 shots. I think he needs more consistent playing time and that'll only come in Hartford. The Rangers will be better served leaving him in Hartford to continue developing and use him in a trade when needed. Signing a veteran back up is probably the way to go.

Up front is where the more difficult decisions will come. Prucha, Callahan, Hollweg, Betts, Orr, Cullen, Straka and Jagr are signed all at reasonable salaries against the cap. That leaves room for about 5 spots on the roster up front. The decision is how many do they leave open for a Dubinsky or Dawes? I think they will sign Nylander (unrestricted), Avery (restricted) and Hossa (restricted). Shanahan if he decides to play again I think will be back. Everything points to him and his family loving NYC, so it's just a matter if he wants to go through another season. I see him wanting to come back to unfinished business. If those four signings happen they realy only have one spot for a free agent from another team. And they will have the cap room to make that player a Drury or Gomez. I think the best shot is for Gomez. All indications are Drury is going to the West Coast. Wouldn't be surprised to see him in LA next year playing with one of his best friends, Rob Blake. The Kings have a lot of money to spend and need a top veteran center to compliment the young talent. That leaves Gomez who fits the Rangers glaring need for a second line, playmaking center. All speculation, but hey thats why this is fun but next year could start with lines of Jagr-Nylander-Hossa, Shanahan-Gomez-Straka, Avery-Cullen-Prucha, Callahan-Betts-Hollweg/Orr.

It should be an interesting offseason, but really there aren't too many decisions to make.

Vere are all de blue shirts that vere supposed to comfort me in the Mens Room @ Macys last night? Oy! Did you all go to the Hellfire Club or vot? O vell...one cup to suck in 67 yeras ain't too bad, nu?

LOL

Don't count out a spot up front for Alex Bourret.

This guy is the real deal, he had a great playoff for Hartford.

He will be a steal. Glen got him for a 3rd rounder and Dupuis.

Don't foget about this guy, he will definitely compete for a spot in training camp.

What do Ranger Fans know about winning?

How would you know if you have good a or bad players and prospects?

What is your frame of reference?

You are a bunch of dreamers who applaud mediocrity.

And yes...your team is mediocre.

Couldn't agree more SENS VS SABRES. Good luck in the Eastern Finals.

Really real Jim,

At least there is a Ranger fan who appreciates quality hockey.

Do you guys still think Jagr is one of the top hockey players in the world?

Here's one to think about all summer and next year for that matter.

7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.

It's laughable...Jagr is your Bill Buckner...he didn't cover Connolly on the point.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

SENS VS SABRES,

Again you are correct. Besides missing a defensive assignment, he took way too many lazy penalties and was not on the top of his game. Plus he is too injury prone. I hope Glen buys him out this offseason.

I want to win now!!!
Daddy told me when he gave me the knicks and rangers to play with that we'd win a championship. He promised me. I should have known better with the rangers. They've won ONE Cup in 67 YEARS!
They've driven me to eat this box of munchkins from Dunkin Donuts.
I hate them! I hate them! I hate them!

Renney should have dressed Pock and Isbister for Game 6. They are cuter than the other guys.

I wonder why you boo Malik and not Jagr? Becasue you pay him more? Malik was your most solid defenseman (+36) all season and you boo him?

Bunch of retards.

Really real Jim,

Now you're talking like a winner...unfortunately they won't do it.

But I can appreciate that idea...thinking out of the box.

THIS JUST IN: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE ON TV 55, THE LOCAL FORECASTS ON THE 8'S ON THE WEATHER CHANNEL AND A BAYWATCH RE-RUN ON CW11 DREW MORE RATINGS IN THE NY METRO AREA THAN THE RANGERS GAME. NICE JOB RAG FANS.

That idiot who keeps bashing Jagr; you realize that he was the most potent scorer on the Rangers, created more scoring opportunities of any Ranger, and yeah, he actually backchecked too ! No, the guy isnt perfect, but no player is anymore.

FYI to those talking about signing Nylander: He and Straka already signed an extension during the middle of the year (i think)

Rachuneck - please go home

Nylander did not sign, although an extension was discussed. He has an option that will be declined for next season cause it's for 1.5 mil. He'll probably get around 3.5 per for two years, the remainder of Jag's contract.

Straka did sign a one year extension with an option for year 2.

The last few posts from Really Real Jim were not me, so, hey imposter.

GO EFF YOURSELF!

Well, to those of you who actually contributed some insight, it was fun.. now that the infestation of flamebaiters has returned, time for me to continue ignoring the comments section..

Tito - no way a 4th liner (at best) like Jed becomes a future captain. That's like all those who said Malhotra would be the captain. He'll be 29 before the next season and not as young or as good as many used to think. He is a great guy but that doesn't cut it when measured against teams with 4 really good lines like Buffalo. Certainly not captain material. I have a feeling Staal will be the captain down the road.

Hey, can someone tell prucha and callahan that the squirt games are during the intermission. I swear I saw about 6 of those kids who are taller than those two.

Jim from woodbury, i want to buy a house on your block so we can talk blueskirt hockey all year long. Is woodbury as nice as new castle? We have some butt kickin pig roasts every summer.
Maybe we can talk rangers at a denny's every friday night.

Where the eff is woodbury? Is that even in new york?

ooh, im salivating over souray. man, he is EXACTLY wat they need. PP point man, lil edgy...give 7 mills he'll be worth it. the defense will have a new look for sure.

hows this -
top pr - rosival, staal
2nd pr - souray, tyutin
3rd pr - malik, mara
depth - girardi, pock

malik has to be demoted to the 3rd pair. hes just not good enough, too many mistakes. rid rachunek and buy out kasperminus.

fowards

straka,nylander,jagr
avery,DRURY,shanahan
callahan,cullen,prucha
hollweg,betts,ortmyer or
SMYTH,RICHARDS,ortmyer..lol

hossa isnt consistent enough, isbister hits goalies and cant score, orr is useless.

prucha gets dealt along with montoya and another prospect or pick for richards...GET ME GLENS NUMBER!!

in comparison..islander roster

fowards-
1st line - the devil (satan), overpaid cpt., asham (usually 4th line guy, on isles he is top foward)..lmao

2nd line - a has-been, a never will be, some beer leauge guy..

..u know, never mind, its useless. isles have no real players to mention..just the truth, sry isle fans :D

all the railing of ranger players by isle fans (most likely)..if u had half of a captain that jagr is, youd be in decent shape. yashin (7 mill plus a year, that was glued to the bench in the playoffs on the 4th line. who has no idea wat commitment is, who was traded to u, for basically the whole farm)..so plz, dont pick on our captain, seein that urs is the laughing stock of the leauge. at least ours showed up in the playoffs. avery is a better player to pick on. even tho, brenden witt is the same player as him, only with less skills. keep on talking here isle goofs. we love to defend NEW YORK'S ONLY TEAM THAT MATTERS.

Thanks for the reminder tj -

I appreciate you letting me know just how bad the Islanders are. Oh, uh, he's a reminder for you. Your sorry a** Rangers finished only 2 points ahead of those bad Islanders. And... you stole those 2 points when Smyth's obvious goal was disallowed in review. And... after those 2 points got you a first round bye (during which round the Islanders played the president cup winner), you lost to the same team that beat those bad Islanders. Except the Islanders took a game in their building. You didn't.

So, keep reminding everyone just how bad those Islanders really are. And your recurring thought for the summer will be... "just 2 points... just 2 points... just 2 points"

Idiot.

Sure, the Isles are nowhere near the Rangers, right? Thats why they were within 2 regular season points and 1 win against buffalo in the playoffs. Get over yourselves, you tools. The cup in 94 belongs to the Oilers, not the rangers, who as I recall didn't make the playoffs the next year when their "savior" Messier bolted north of the border. That led to what, 10 years of failing to make the playoffs with the highest payrolls in NHL history? Yes, it did! 70 million a year and you could not even get in. Too bad you wasted a career performace from your limp goalie, who was as porous as swiss cheese for better than half the season, it was the only one you'll get for the next 50 years. You suck, and the Rangers suck, it is both known and accepted worldwide. Nothing can ever change this.

Don't worry Ranger Fans, you have an opportunity to buy your Championship next year. Go out and spend loads of money on Drury, Briere, Gomez and Souray. Be like the Yankees and spend till you win. That's the way Buffalo did it ....DOH! Errrrr. NOT!!!!

if you know the rangers suck, clap your hands

clap clap

if you know the rangers suck, clap your hands

clap clap

if you know the rangers suck and they never win the cup, if you know the rangers suck clap your hands

clap clap

Wow, that was really good Isles country.

Can you do the hokie pokey too?

I love all the Isles fans dissing us over the TV ratings.

Anyone who takes the time out to post on this blog, I guarantee you either watched the game or went to it, so what is the point of telling us the ratings were bad?

Who gives an eff is nobody is watching.

Rangers get a 1.8 rating, what do you think an Isles game would have gotten, 0.2?

Who cares, we all love hockey, we all watch or go to the games, who cares that the general public doesn't pay attention, the game is still great.

Best sport on earth no matter what Mike and the Doggy say.

Sabre Nation,

we actually don't need to go out and get any free agents, our team is solid and we have loads of youngsters waiting in the wings.

Ask the Islander fans who they will be going after this summer via free agency, they only have Yashin and Dipietro, they will need to get players from somewhere!

Hey, "tj is an idiot in rangerville"

Can you tell me exactly what your forward lines are going into next year for the Islanders?

Boy, there are classless antagonists in every forum. Nasty people without lives, looking to rain on the parades of innocent bloggers who are looking to talk about their team in a forum dedicated to them. Nothing is sacred to some people who just need to be cruel to make themselves feel better about being LOSERS AT HEART!!!!!!!

Islander fans, you are PATHETIC. And to bring the YANKEES up in a Rangers forum? EVEN MORE PATHETIC. I love being a Rangers and Yankees fan for that reason. THEY RULE, BABY!!!

I'm very proud of this team, they played with heart and grit. Lundqvist and Jagr carried us all year and they should be applauded. I'm not sure about re-signing Shanny, that all depends what our options are I suppose. I don't understand Islander fans, and what their obsession with the Rangers is all about but I will say Jagr is 10x the captain that Yashin is. Good job Mr. Zipay all year.

Let me see. As a Rangers and Yankees fan, where should I hang out? Oh, I got it. I'll go over to the forums of the Islanders, the Mets, the Red Sox, the Sabres. Then again, hell no. That nonsense is just for IDIOTS!!!!

Sabre Nation,

Ask Woody how his geriatric francise player is ever gonna lead his team any further in the playoffs. And ask him why he took all those stupid penalties and failed to lead his team further in the playoffs this year (in spite of a 1st round bye).

And ask Woody what the 3 word mantra of every opposing forward in the NHL will be next year when they see his goalie of the future sitting back in the net. He'll be able to tell you loud and clear... HIGH GLOVE SIDE... HIGH GLOVE SIDE... HIGH GLOVE SIDE.

Islanders fans are downright terrified at the state of their team right now, that is why they come here and try to dance on our grave.

How could they not be?

You can't even tell them their team is pathetic, they don't have anyone!

In all actuality, the defense corp of the Isles exists, it sucks but at least it exists.

Bergeron, Meyer, Campoli, Gervais, Witt and Martinek.

Forwards, OMG, OMG (as in, Oh MY God, these guys suck)

Yashin, Park, Bates, Asham, Hunter, Hilbert, Satan, Sillinger. Are Kozlov, Robitaille (LOL) and Simon coming back?

I guess Tambellini will get a shot, I doubt Okposo is ready yet, maybe.

Wow, with that roster, you Isles fans really have the balls to tell us our team sucks.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Jimbo,

Ask me after July 1. This is the "new NHL". You know, salary cap, free agents. It's a brave new world. Lot's of UFA's out there. Lot's of expiring contracts and cap room to be had on the Islanders.

Woody,

But, nobody wants to play for the Islanders.

They cry when they get traded here.

You think they will sign with the Isles on purpose?

Here is a link to the Ryan Smyth press conference when he got traded to the Isles.

Friggin hysterical!

I am gonna win that Cup and bring it back here (Edmonton)

Priceless!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=desNNUzLjZg

"Ask me after July 1. This is the "new NHL". You know, salary cap, free agents. It's a brave new world. Lot's of UFA's out there. Lot's of expiring contracts and cap room to be had on the Islanders"

So you are saying the Islanders are going to go out and "buy a team" this summer.

Have you learned nothing from us?

Buying a team doesn't work!

?

Hey Isles fans, read this, hee hee, Marc Staal, hee hee. Best OHL defenseman:

http://newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=2899

If the Isles had him, Snow would have traded him for Craig Conroy or somebody.

Kyle Okposo played 40 games with the Minnesota Golden Gophers this season.

19 goals and 21 assists.

Admirable season, he has decent size, great future.

I hope you Isles boys aren't expect a big impact next year, he is only 19, heis a couple of years away from making any kind of impact at the NHL level.

By then, big Garth will have traded him for next years 23 game rental, don't you worry about that!

Jimbo -

The only histerical thing is you saying that Smyth was crying about going to the Islanders, rather than leaving the only team he ever played for. That's a pathetic reach Jimbo.

"Who would ever sign for the Islanders?" Where'd the Isles get Witt, Jimbo? Or Kozlov. Or Sillinger. Or Simon.

You see, you complain about Islander fans coming on here and calling you an idiot... but you ARE an idiot. I'm only responding to the stupidly insulting garbage you started throwing the minute you watched your team flame out on home ice yesterday. Suck it up Jimbo. It's ok to take it like a man without trying slap someone as justification for your own failings.

And BTW, a good first step was admitting how your team failed miserably in the free agent search WITHOUT a salary cap and the DEEPEST pockets in the league. Now, repeat after me... Ozolinsh was a mistake... Ozolinsh was a mistake...

Ozolinsh wasn't a free agent signing you complete waste of a brain!!!

ROTFLMAO AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the more rediculous Jimbo !!!!!! You actually traded PLAYERS for the loser. You're a bigger idiot than I thought !!!!

I still haven't seen one Islanders fan come on here and prove to me that their team is in great shape and that anything I have said is false.

Haven't seen it!

All you guys do is throw personal insults out and I just think they are hysterical!

Tell me one thing I have pointed out about the Islanders that is incorrect.

The Isles are in complete rebuilding mode without benefit of draft picks or talented prospects after Okposo.

Show me how I am wrong!!

Nah, players?

Traded Ville Nieminen for Ozolinsh, trade was a wash, both sucked, Ozolinsh contract is up, not really much of an issue any more.

NEXT!

Does anyone have anything intelligent to come back with, getting a little tired of Islanders who know nothing about hockey.

"Where'd the Isles get Witt, Jimbo? Or Kozlov. Or Sillinger. Or Simon"

You are actually BOASTING about those signings LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just realized you said that. I really am laughing my ass off right now.

Franz Neilsen
Blake Comeau
Peteri Nokeleinen
Sean Bergenheim
Trevor Smith

Look at you man!!! It's the day after your team craps out of the playoffs and you're sitting there in front of your computer daring Islander fans to prove to you that the ISLANDERS have no future. Have you lost it man? You're obviously a guy (or gal) who cares about his team, but you just might be a tad too emotionally invested... know what I mean?

Personally, because I hate the Islanders, I hope they re-sign Blake to a 5 year 25-30 million dollar deal.

He will be 34 when the season starts, so that means he will be 39 and making like 6 million a year.

And, he has had only 1 year with over 30 goals in his whole career!

Seriously, I am praying you guys get him back and he sucks the salary cap life out of you.

Would be priceless!!!!!!

They can't, you're right! Rangers have a very strong foundation to build from.

And whoever cites Maliks +/- as how he is actually good is a moron. He is not solid, he is the opposite of solid. He doesn't use his size, is afraid of contact, and on top of that he never knows where th go with the puck. He's a disgrace to anyone who plays hockey. His +/- was so high because he played with the Jagr line.

Witt... plus 14... 2.7 million
Kozlov... 25-26-51... .9 million
Sillinger... 26-33-59... 2.2 million

Your an idiot Jimbo

?

Nokeleinen

This year's stats with Bridgeport

56 games, 6 goals and 10 assists.

This is obviously a superstar in waiting!

LOL

Robert Nilsson had more points this season with Bridgeport than Franz Nielsen, but I have been told a few times by Isles fans that Robert Nilsson is a complete bust.

If the Isles had traded Franz instead of Robert, Franz would be the one who is a complete bust right?

LOL

Blake Comeau had a robust 12 goals in 59 games for Bridgeport this year.

Rocket Richard trophy here he comes!!!!!

Sean Bergenheim doesn't actually exist, it's just a rumour (canadian spelling)

Trevor who?

Suprised you didn't bring up Tambellini though, he should be a solid player.

Isles would have been better off giving him a spot instead of trading a 2nd rounder for Zednick. Brilliant move that was.

And please, whoever said anything about Henrik, the guy was the league MVP post all star break. Go look at the numbers. I'm guessing if it was that easy to beat him teams might have been doing it a little earlier.

Yeah, because Henrik gave up a couple of high goals in yesterday's game, he now all of a sudden can't save high shots, excuse him if he gave up 5 goals to the highest scoring team in the league one game.

Gold medal and 2 Vezina trophy finals in his first 2 years in the NHL.

Oh yeah, pleeeeeeeeze Islanders, come up with something good for once.

dipietro a vezna finalsist? gold medal winner? islander fans are the rats that can't hang in NYC- garth and meiagi will and have ruined an already junior varsity team, starting with the mush-head goalie

I never said Malik was perfect or even solid. You're right, he doesn't use his size. But what his plus-minus tells you is that he isn't a DEFENSIVE LIABILITY, and that his turnovers - the ones that make you bang your head into the wall - don't often turn into goals.

That's what I expected from the typical Islanders fan.

"You all just plain suck, just like your franchise"

Really you are getting us with those wonderful comebacks!

Nobody ever said Dipietro sucks by the way.

But, wow, I know you wanted to come across as finding out some extremely pivotal infortmation by telling us Dipietro had a better save percentage than Lundqvist.

Regular season:

Dipietro: .919%

Lundqvist: .917%

OOOOOOOOOooooooooooohhhh

wow-wee!!!!!

Hey, but check this out.

Goals against average:

Dipietro: 2.58

Lundqvist: 2.34

OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

They both had 5 shutouts, Lundqvist played in 8 more games and gave up only 4 more goals!

Lets check the playoff stats shall we?

Dipietro: 1-3 record, .898 save %, GAA: 3.30

BOOOOOOOOOO-ooooooooooooo

Lundqvist: 6-4 record.

.924 save %, GAA: 2.07, 1 shutout.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe I win again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tito J,

I tend to agree with you that we are a little overly critical of Malik.

However, with Staal and some of the other youth we have coming up on the blueline, along with maybe adding someone via free agency or trade, I think after Rachunek, Malik is the one to go.

Malik has one more left on his contract and I think it's probable that next year is his last Ranger year either way.

But, next year Staal is gonna get a spot, so someone's job is in jeopardy for sure.

this vodka tonic is so yummy. can i have 6 more?

yeah...go ahead sandis...charge it to my $150 million man, mush-head dipeietro. by the way sandis, need a bogus contract? us isles could use you

As a unbiased observer I would like to give my two cents.
The only thing that scared us during this series was Sean Avery's family. WOW what a mess. The Islanders gave us a much tougher series than NYR. If it were not for the help in Toronto I dont think we would have beaten them. And how about that goalie, ears ringing, bum hip, the kid played his heart out. If not for that dead weight 79 slowing every thing down they would have skated with us. Compare that with NYR goalie. Didnt he quit during a game against the Isles at MSG. Yeah thats heart. Turns out the guy cant get off his knee's and stop high shots. And what about those dumb ass Ranger fans still yapping letsgorangers after its all over. Nice curtsey by the team too. I think Milbury had it right, you guys need a smack with your own shoes.

"Don't worry Rag fans, we have Kasparitis for $3M on the books for next year.
Great contract there"

Is that a fan of the same team who has Alexei Yashin tied up for close to 7 mil a year for the next 5 years laughing about a bad insignifigant 1 year deal?

Are you seriously even remotely comparing the two Mr. Imposter?

Look, Isles fans, the less you talk the better at this point.

You are all just making yourselves look even dumber with every attempt you throw out there.

Hey Isles fans,

watch Jason Spezza closely in the conference finals, he is an unbelievably good young hockey player.

Ottawa got him because the the draft pick you gave them for Yashin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, comments about Theo Fleury and Sandis Ozolinsh, two players that aren't Rangers.

It's just brilliant stuff!

Hmmmmmmmmmm

would I want Yashin or this guy:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2299&hubname=nhl-senators

It's tough, there was that time Yashin scored a goal, there was that time.......

Nah, think I'll go with Spezza, being he makes like 6 million a year less and has 1 million more times the talent.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070422204817AAUOCZx

Couple of people say it really well there.

In fact, Islanders fans, you are no longer allowed to say anything, you are hereby cutoff.

Any fan of a team that traded Zdeno Chara and the draft pick that netted Jason Spezza, and then signed Yashin to a 10 year 77 million dollar deal, and then DIDN'T use the opportunity to buy out the contract after the lockout ended so it would