Jan Levine: Game 45: NYR 4 NJD 1, Strong First Keeps Destiny in Rangers Hands Four points in three games to clinch playoff spot...

With a little help tonight (although Buffalo, what can you really expect other than Ryan Miller bouncing back which is what I will pin my hopes on) the clinch can happen as early as tomorrow night. The Rangers don't have to watch the scoreboard bc they are in firm control of where they wind up, but, I'm thinking from the standpoint of getting Hank a needed breather. I know they want to finish as high as possible but keeping Hank fresh and rested is something they will do if they can clinch early. Watching this team is fun again, I for one am going to stop analyzing how they have been winning and just be happy they are winning. 8-2-1 is 8-2-1 and might be playing better going into the playoffs this year than they were playing last season...just a thought...

With a little help tonight (although Buffalo, what can you really expect other than Ryan Miller bouncing back which is what I will pin my hopes on) the clinch can happen as early as tomorrow night. The Rangers don't have to watch the scoreboard bc they are in firm control of where they wind up, but, I'm thinking from the standpoint of getting Hank a needed breather. I know they want to finish as high as possible but keeping Hank fresh and rested is something they will do if they can clinch early. Watching this team is fun again, I for one am going to stop analyzing how they have been winning and just be happy they are winning. 8-2-1 is 8-2-1 and might be playing better going into the playoffs this year than they were playing last season...just a thought...
- Blueshirts4ever

I'm really hoping for the 7th seed , Rangers are playing well and should be able to take care of their own business the rest of the way. Ottawa has a real tough schedule, I think the Rangers could pass them.

I'm really hoping for the 7th seed , Rangers are playing well and should be able to take care of their own business the rest of the way. Ottawa has a real tough schedule, I think the Rangers could pass them.
- pcjr307

I agree with that, if they clinch tomorrow I would still play Biron one of the two remaining games although they do get a minimum 3 days off prior to the playoffs and if they play Boston they probably won't start until Thursday b/c of Boston's make up with Ottawa. I am not sure if the league will give both of the teams playing on Sunday the courtesy of getting 3 days themselves.

I agree with that, if they clinch tomorrow I would still play Biron one of the two remaining games although they do get a minimum 3 days off prior to the playoffs and if they play Boston they probably won't start until Thursday b/c of Boston's make up with Ottawa. I am not sure if the league will give both of the teams playing on Sunday the courtesy of getting 3 days themselves.
- Blueshirts4ever

yeah, it really would be nice to clinch sooner than later so Biron can get a game in, not just to give Henrik some rest but to let Biron see some action. He hasn't played since March 30th. Needs to see some pucks yo.

yeah, it really would be nice to clinch sooner than later so Biron can get a game in, not just to give Henrik some rest but to let Biron see some action. He hasn't played since March 30th. Needs to see some pucks yo.
- jimbro83

You gotta feel bad for Biron. The guy is so likeable and a good goalie. It's just tough to sit one of the best goalies in the league in the middle of the playoff hunt. Hopefully for us and for Marty, they can clinch before the last game of the season to give him a shot.

You gotta feel bad for Biron. The guy is so likeable and a good goalie. It's just tough to sit one of the best goalies in the league in the middle of the playoff hunt. Hopefully for us and for Marty, they can clinch before the last game of the season to give him a shot.
- gravey914

I feel bad for him too but he has such a good relationship with Hank and is really the ideal backup to have behind a guy like Hank. Its not often you can have someone backup your top guy and feel pretty confident.

Just clinch before the Devils come back to MSG. The last thing we need is the Devils to return the favor and eliminate the Rangers....get this done no later than Thursday please. I really hope Ryan Miller does us a big favor and steals a win tonight or the Caps tomorrow night....I want to play these last 2 games for seeding...

Just a brief note on the last blog. How crazy is it that Matteau quit the team, and rode back from a playoff game on the fan bus? Especially, since his father is an assistant coach there. The Devils are collecting some problem children in that system, as Merrill has had significant behavior problems as well. Makes you wonder what is going on there.

Just a quick question to see what everyone thinks. Does a guy like Callahan or even Stepan deserve a nomination for the Selke? Callahan never gives up on a play and will lay down to block any shot. Stepan is reliable, smart, and positionally sound. Thoughts?

Around this time of year, I like to run through the team and see if any guys are deserving of an award. Obviously there's Hank and the Vezina. I don't know if any of our D are deserving of the Norris. But what about the Selke?

Just a quick question to see what everyone thinks. Does a guy like Callahan or even Stepan deserve a nomination for the Selke? Callahan never gives up on a play and will lay down to block any shot. Stepan is reliable, smart, and positionally sound. Thoughts?

Around this time of year, I like to run through the team and see if any guys are deserving of an award. Obviously there's Hank and the Vezina. I don't know if any of our D are deserving of the Norris. But what about the Selke?
- gravey914

They both deserve nominations but more so Callahan, he should be handed the award

Just a quick question to see what everyone thinks. Does a guy like Callahan or even Stepan deserve a nomination for the Selke? Callahan never gives up on a play and will lay down to block any shot. Stepan is reliable, smart, and positionally sound. Thoughts?

Around this time of year, I like to run through the team and see if any guys are deserving of an award. Obviously there's Hank and the Vezina. I don't know if any of our D are deserving of the Norris. But what about the Selke?
- gravey914

With the Selke award, there are always a few players that seem dominate the nominations for years. I don't know whether those guys would deserve a nomination relative to others, but I am beginning to view Derek Stepan as almost a poor man's Pavel Datysuk. He doesn't have the high-end skill that Datysuk has, and obviously, Datysuk is a magician with the puck, but his game is similar to Datysuk, in that both players have amazing vision on the ice, and are really good in all aspects of the game.

Again, I am saying that he reminds of a poor man's version of Datsyuk, who I think is one of the Top 10 players in the world, if not better. Stepan is not in that league, but at the same time, he is also a real underrated player.

Edit: And Stepan's and Datysuk's stats are real similar this year.

Just a brief note on the last blog. How crazy is it that Matteau quit the team, and rode back from a playoff game on the fan bus? Especially, since his father is an assistant coach there. The Devils are collecting some problem children in that system, as Merrill has had significant behavior problems as well. Makes you wonder what is going on there.
- Pete V

I wonder if this was a preexisting thing that should have been caught in interviews, or did the kid just snap under the pressure? Still, there's usually some underlying clues or signs that should have been picked up. Weird situation to say the least.

With the Selke award, there are always a few players that seem dominate the nominations for years. I don't know whether those guys would deserve a nomination relative to others, but I am beginning to view Derek Stepan as almost a poor man's Pavel Datysuk. He doesn't have the high-end skill that Datysuk has, and obviously, Datysuk is a magician with the puck, but his game is similar to Datysuk, in that both players have amazing vision on the ice, and are really good aspects of the game.

Again, I am saying that he reminds of a poor man's version of Datsyuk, who I think is one of the Top 10 players in the world, if not better. Stepan is not in that league, but at the same time, he is also a real underrated player.
- Pete V

That's exactly what I was thinking. Datsyuk is the standard that I set for the Selke, even though he hasn't won the last few years. Like you said, Stepan isn't quite in Datsyuk's league talent-wise, but I think they're comparable style-wise.

Edit: You're right with the stats. It's scary how similar they are this year.

They both deserve nominations but more so Callahan, he should be handed the award
- cranford93

I don't know if I go Callahan over Stepan as an automatic decision. Stepan is top !0 in +/-. I know that stat doesn't say it all, but it says a lot. Especially since Stepan has played a bunch against other teams top guys. Both Cally and Steps work the PK. I think they are different players defensively. But both get the job done.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Datsyuk is the standard that I set for the Selke, even though he hasn't won the last few years. Like you said, Stepan isn't quite in Datsyuk's league talent-wise, but I think they're comparable style-wise.
- gravey914

Seems that since the lockout in 04 that the NHL has geared this award to more point total guys than the defensive aspect which is what this award is for, Draper won the year before the lockout with 40 points.

I don't know if I go Callahan over Stepan as an automatic decision. Stepan is top !0 in +/-. I know that stat doesn't say it all, but it says a lot. Especially since Stepan has played a bunch against other teams top guys. Both Cally and Steps work the PK. I think they are different players defensively. But both get the job done.
- gravey914

The Selke is nothing more than a beauty contest IMO.... The same closed circle of players is nominated every year..... I think Stepan is very deserving of a nomination as well as Pascal Dupuis.... both have very similar stats..... Stepan with more points and playing the more valuable center position Dupuis with a better +/- and more even strength points.

And sadly I bet both are left off the finalist list for the likes of Datsyuk and Bergeron.

Seems that since the lockout in 04 that the NHL has geared this award to more point total guys than the defensive aspect which is what this award is for, Draper won the year before the lockout with 40 points.
- cranford93

I view the Pts. as almost a tie breaker. If you have two players that are similar in the defensive aspect, I'd go with the more well-rounded player, ie. the player with better offensive stats. As a counter to Draper, I'll throw out names like Yzerman, Federov, and Gilmour in the early 90's. This award has gone both ways as far as players with offensive production. But you are right, lately they've been going with the sexy offensive guys, which could benefit a guy like Stepan. He's got the offensive stats plus the sound defensive play.

Edit: Oops, Yzerman won it in 2000. Francis also won in the early 90's, though it was a down year as far as points go for him. So there, you have it. This award goes back and forth with players with offensive stats.

Okay I have one thing to say......Who won the Fantasy League? ME!!!!! Mfers. Oh, and a great 3 games by the boys. I think 6th is reachable. LGR

Just a brief note on the last blog. How crazy is it that Matteau quit the team, and rode back from a playoff game on the fan bus? Especially, since his father is an assistant coach there. The Devils are collecting some problem children in that system, as Merrill has had significant behavior problems as well. Makes you wonder what is going on there.
- Pete V

Uncle Louis is losing control....

Okay I have one thing to say......Who won the Fantasy League? ME!!!!! Mfers. Oh, and a great 3 games by the boys. I think 6th is reachable. LGR
- DONMURDOCH14

6th is definitely reachable. All we need to do is continue the good play and finish the season strong. The Isles could slip up. Hell, the way Ottawa has been free falling, they could easily fall out and Winnipeg could slip in to the 8 seed.

6th is definitely reachable. All we need to do is continue the good play and finish the season strong. The Isles could slip up. Hell, the way Ottawa has been free falling, they could easily fall out and Winnipeg could slip in to the 8 seed.
- gravey914

Ottawa still has Pittsburgh and Boston left, they will be lucky to grab 2 points out of their final 3 games.

Okay I have one thing to say......Who won the Fantasy League? ME!!!!! Mfers. Oh, and a great 3 games by the boys. I think 6th is reachable. LGR
- DONMURDOCH14

good job Murdoch, you are the king of that league

I guess Enroth is starting in Buffalo..has Ryan Miller played in his last game in a Sabres uniform? Oh god, is he going to end up in Philly??

I guess Enroth is starting in Buffalo..has Ryan Miller played in his last game in a Sabres uniform? Oh god, is he going to end up in Philly??
- Blueshirts4ever

That seems like a pretty good fit, but he is going to take a ton of money to re-sign, and I am sure that the Flyers aren't going to be to pleased in paying out a ton of money on Bryz's buy-out, and what it would take to acquire Miller. I also think the Islanders would be interested, as he would make that position for them rock solid for the next 5-6 years, if not more. They would, however, need some assurances that he would stay, and not sign somewhere else.