According to Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe, if there are no “hiccups” the Rangers expect Marc Staal to only miss a 2-3 more weeks.

Buffalo thinks he's the next Probert.
- tomburton99

Bob Probert scored 29 goals one year

John Scott won't have 29 shots on goal the rest of his career

Bob Probert scored 29 goals one year

John Scott won't have 29 shots on goal the rest of his career
- jimbro83

I know that, but Buffalo truely believes he is an intimidation factor.

According to Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe, if there are no “hiccups” the Rangers expect Marc Staal to only miss a 2-3 more weeks.
- jimbro83

I have to say I had prepared myself for him to miss the rest of the season and to look forward to having him next season...but anything we get from him this season is uplifting....i hope this is true but I will reserve excitement for when I actually read about him skating...

I know that, but Buffalo truely believes he is an intimidation factor.
- tomburton99

I think this whole intimidation thing at the professional level of any sport is non-existent, if you're a pro, a true pro and you belong, intimidation doesn't work. I like how Eddie O (or maybe it was Pierre, I am not sure) talked about how the Caps are trying to initimidate Rick Nash...I started to giggle...

I think this whole intimidation thing at the professional level of any sport is non-existent, if you're a pro, a true pro and you belong, intimidation doesn't work. I like how Eddie O (or maybe it was Pierre, I am not sure) talked about how the Caps are trying to initimidate Rick Nash...I started to giggle...
- Blueshirts4ever

it was pretty amazing how yesterday they went on and on about how Ovechkin let Stepan "off the hook" on the play that led to the first Ranger goal.

Clearly if you watch that play, Ovechkin had two choices, take a kneeing penalty on Stepan and possibly end both of their seasons with a serious injury, or avoid him.

I am thankful to Alex that he chose the right path

it was pretty amazing how yesterday they went on and on about how Ovechkin let Stepan "off the hook" on the play that led to the first Ranger goal.

Clearly if you watch that play, Ovechkin had two choices, take a kneeing penalty on Stepan and possibly end both of their seasons with a serious injury, or avoid him.

I am thankful to Alex that he chose the right path
- jimbro83

Whatever the case, the Rangers did exactly what we implored...bounce back on the road...two games in a row on the road they played disciplined and efficient...if we do get Staal we can really be poised to make a run...

By the way, 3rd fewest goals against in the East...Hank just now rounding into Hank...I am hoping for us to be the hot tema going in like LA was last season....only time will tell...

Pittsburgh 97 goals for 76 against....ultimate clash of styles tomorrow night against Boston...

EDIT: for the 97 goals and for thr 76...2nd most in the Conference...so much for renewed commitment to defense...but how the hell do you keep their offense under control...

According to Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe, if there are no “hiccups” the Rangers expect Marc Staal to only miss a 2-3 more weeks.
- jimbro83

How does a reporter from Boston have the inside scoop, what are our beat reporters doing?

How does a reporter from Boston have the inside scoop, what are our beat reporters doing?
- cranford93

Who knows? Sources come from all over....we know it wasn't a Ranger source close to the situation b/c his arse would be on the street if it were ever leaked...

Looking at the possible seeds, and I really don't care where we finish, the 6 seed is the bets matchup..the SE division winner, the Rangers have done very well against that diviison in recent times, of course they haven't played Carolina yet and they look like they are much more of a complete team but they will be misisng Cam Ward for a while...

Looking at the possible seeds, and I really don't care where we finish, the 6 seed is the bets matchup..the SE division winner, the Rangers have done very well against that diviison in recent times, of course they haven't played Carolina yet and they look like they are much more of a complete team but they will be misisng Cam Ward for a while...
- Blueshirts4ever

It does make a difference if you land a higher seed in my opinion. Last year, the Rangers had to beat the 7th and 8th seeds to get to the conference final. That is a much easier path than having to beat the 1st and 2nd seeds (i.e., Likely, Boston and Pittsburgh this year). I am hoping they can get to the 5th or 6th seed. Home ice is looking like a bit of a stretch right now, unless Montreal really comes back to Earth.

It does make a difference if you land a higher seed in my opinion. Last year, the Rangers had to beat the 7th and 8th seeds to get to the conference final. That is a much easier path than having to beat the 1st and 2nd seeds (i.e., Likely, Boston and Pittsburgh this year). I am hoping they can get to the 5th or 6th seed. Home ice is looking like a bit of a stretch right now, unless Montreal really comes back to Earth.
- Pete V

Why can't we still aim to win the division? Yes we are 8 pts back but also 2 less games played.

Why can't we still aim to win the division? Yes we are 8 pts back but also 2 less games played.
- mrhattrick27

3 more games with the Penguins, we win 'em, we are definitely right there

3 more games with the Penguins, we win 'em, we are definitely right there
- jimbro83

Bold Predictions:

I think us and pens end up winning division and the other #4. Just a matter of which.

I think Toronto misses the playoffs on the last day causing CHAOS in Toronto.

Flyers sneak in on the last day, the only time between now and the end of the season they will be in the top 8.

Why can't we still aim to win the division? Yes we are 8 pts back but also 2 less games played.
- mrhattrick27

and 3 games left with Pittsburgh...hopefully the Bruins provide a nice little blueprint for how to beat them...

and 3 games left with Pittsburgh...hopefully the Bruins provide a nice little blueprint for how to beat them...
- Blueshirts4ever

Blueprint for beating the Pens? Easy, score more than them and you will win. Really though you gotta slow down the Neal, Crosby, Kunitz line... And stay out of the penalty box. Do those 2 things and the Pens are beatable.

It does make a difference if you land a higher seed in my opinion. Last year, the Rangers had to beat the 7th and 8th seeds to get to the conference final. That is a much easier path than having to beat the 1st and 2nd seeds (i.e., Likely, Boston and Pittsburgh this year). I am hoping they can get to the 5th or 6th seed. Home ice is looking like a bit of a stretch right now, unless Montreal really comes back to Earth.
- Pete V

In normal years I would agree, but in a shortened 48, there will be one or two teams that get in that would probably have ultimately dropped down in the top 8 or collapsed altogether and there will be a team that will miss the playoffs that might have gotten hot down the stretch...In my opinion, Pittsburgh and Boston I guess are the 2 teams I don't want to see...Pittsburgh just b/c we never beat them and Boston is so freakn hard to play against although the Rangers do play them tough. Anyone else, I think we can beat in 7. I know Ottawa gives us a hard time but we did beat them last season so we have that little fact we can hang our hats on...

Blueprint for beating the Pens? Easy, score more than them and you will win. Really though you gotta slow down the Neal, Crosby, Kunitz line... And stay out of the penalty box. Do those 2 things and the Pens are beatable.
- aecliptic

If it were only that easy, don't forget, they draw a lot of penalties, it seems like they are the only team we can't stay out of the box against, yes, I know they get the benefit of the whistle but we know that going in...

Bold Predictions:

I think us and pens end up winning division and the other #4. Just a matter of which.

I think Toronto misses the playoffs on the last day causing CHAOS in Toronto.

Flyers sneak in on the last day, the only time between now and the end of the season they will be in the top 8.
- mrhattrick27

Don't park your car anywhere near the ACC that night...oh boy...or if they are away they should fly into Vancouver and drive to Toronto b/c all hell will break loose...

AdamRotter Read: Brenden Morrow Could Get Moved

He would come cheap, as a strict rental? Injury concerns?

look at how busy this guy's game log looks, it's so beautiful

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...vXIkGNX02k9_IMZ3V8FZivLYF

AdamRotter Read: Brenden Morrow Could Get Moved

He would come cheap, as a strict rental? Injury concerns?
- Blueshirts4ever

I'd love to have him, but am afraid about what it's going to take.

Without a first rounder to dangle, and the other teams who would want him have their first rounder to offer, what do we have to do to beat out other teams?

Christian Thomas and a 2nd?

tough

look at how busy this guy's game log looks, it's so beautiful

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...vXIkGNX02k9_IMZ3V8FZivLYF
- jimbro83

Pointless in just 4 games this season...

I'd love to have him, but am afraid about what it's going to take.

Without a first rounder to dangle, and the other teams who would want him have their first rounder to offer, what do we have to do to beat out other teams?

Christian Thomas and a 2nd?

tough
- jimbro83

First rounder for someone who is going to be unrestricted is too costly...does he have a no movement or NTC?