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The scoring problems, power play and otherwise, cannot be ignored. Scott Gomez's absence didn't stop New Jersey from finishing ahead of New York over 82 regular season games, but the absence of Gomer's playmaking ability hurt the Devs in the playoffs.
Finding a creative center is imperative. Granted, there were a couple of pluses, starting with John Madden and ending with Zach Parise. In between, Patrik Elias' erratic play was about as frustrating as that of Brian Gionta and Jamie Langenbrunner. Perplexing is the only way to describe Travis Zajac's fall from a promising rookie season (17-25-42) to near-invisibility as a sophomore. I had no problem with Jay Pandolfo -- atop the scoring list before his devastating injury -- but let's not forget that he is an Unrestricted Free Agent and could pull a Gomez.
 The Other Forwards
David Clarkson's feistiness is necessary, and a bit more offense from him would help. Arron Asham -- signed through 2010-11 -- never added enough mustard, nor red lights, to justify keeping him on the roster. If he can't be dealt, Lowell should be his next destination.
Rod Pelley won't be another Madden, but he's useful as a second-tier penalty-killer. Sergei Brylin's option year has arrived and this produces a tough decision. His usefulness has diminished, but there might be room for him in a utility role. MIGHT!
A Potential "Crash Line"
Ever since the departure of Bobby Holik, Mike Peluso and Randy McKay, the Devs have never been able to recreate a marauding fourth line. But they now might have one in the unit comprised of Mike Rupp, Dainius Zubrus and Clarkson. Sutter underplayed Rupp for half a season before realizing that the Clevelander has offensive ability to go with his sock. Zubrus was one of the few forwards to have a good playoff.
Now What for the O
Once again, free agency looms as a potential prescription. Ryan Malone, Pavol Demitra, et al will be out there; perhaps we'll see a major deal. I'm told that Lou Lamoriello came THIS close to nabbing Marian Hossa at the trade deadline -- Pitt's eleventh-hour offer was better -- but Hossa will be out there again in July. Maybe this time he'll become a Devil.
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- The line is forming at the left for the Panthers' head coaching job. Already Pat Quinn and Perry Pearn have made it clear that they're interested in working with their pal Jacques Martin.
Kudos to Florida's top hockey writer, Brian Biggane of the Palm Beach Post, for reaching both Quinn and Pearn, currently the Rangers' assistant coach.
"Jacques knows my philosophy and he knows what I bring from a coaching and teaching perspective," Pearn tells Biggane. "I doubt anyone in the NHL has had a closer relationship with him over the years."
As for Quinn, he was Team Canada's head coach while Martin was his assistant in international tourneys. When Martin was Ottawa's head coach, Pearn was his top aide for eight years.
No less intriguing would be the name of Pearn's replacement should Perry get the Panthers' gig. How about Adam Graves, who could work with just about anybody?
- If At First You Don't Succeed Department: Buffalo Sabres broadcaster and ex-NHL'er Rob Ray is suing the National Hockey League Players' Association for a second time over money allegedly owed to him during the NHL Lockout. He is accusing the union of deceiving him into settling his initial suit two years ago. Ray is seeking $2 million in punitive damages and back pay.
- Overlooked in the playoff frenzy was Olie Kolzig's orderly retreat from the Washington roster. After 17 valiant years and 301 wins, the 38-year-old will consider netminding for another team if offered the job. It would be his 17th NHL campaign, each of which was marked by artistry, class and rich humor.
"I still feel that I can be a dominant goalie in this league. If the offer is not out there...I'll just sit by the pool with a six-pack," he concludes with a smile.
- How smart was ESPN's decision to sign Don "Grapes" Cherry for the last two playoff rounds? Sensational would be an understatement! Exhibit A is the fact that the announcement immediately inspired a sizable story in the Wall Street Journal, of all publications. Author Adam Thompson clearly is bullish about Cherry — and the ice game.
"The fact that ESPN wants him around says something, as does the presence of hockey playoffs near the top of SportsCenter broadcasts," notes Thompson, "after a recent past where NHL highlights might be sequestered to the hour-long show's final five minutes. Or the fact that playoff ratings continue to climb for both NBC and Versus. People are starting to watch again, and they should be. The game is as fast and fun as it's been in years, and this year's playoffs have made good use of its young stars. Names like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin continue to inch into crossover territory with each impossible deke, thread-the-needle pass and goal. A stable of second-tier stars like Jarome Iginla, Joe Thornton and Pavel Datsyuk are less known nationwide, but are also spectacular. Scoring is up 10 percent over the last three seasons compared to the three before that."
- In case you missed it, this Mother's Day marked the 20th anniversary of "Yellow Sunday." That was the notorious afternoon of the Bruins-Devils playoff when NHL on-ice officials refused to perform their duties following the Jim Schoenfeld-Don Koharski clash in the previous game. (Repeat: Koharski was 100% wrong!)
Three off-ice officials, Jim Sullivan, Paul MacInniss and Vin Godleski, efficiently handled the tension-filled game at the Meadowlands. That noble trio still is working and playing and will never forget that remarkable day in East Rutherford.
"I aspired to the NHL since grade school, but never thought I'd finally make it as a referee at age 51," Godleski tells us. "Since Mother's Day 1988, I have continued having fun playing club hockey and refereeing a few youth games. This playoff season I was invited to play on National Championship tournament teams in three different age groups. The results were good and reassuring. The teams I played on, the Massachusetts Rusty Blades (a team for skaters over 70) and the Essex Foxes (over 50) both won silver and the Essex Hunt Club (for those over 60) won bronze. It was fun on the flooded playground in Brookline, Mass in 1942! It still is!"
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As one of The Maven's favorite tunes goes, "This Is No Laughing Matter." I'm talking about decisions regarding the Rangers future of such venerable skaters as Martin Straka, Ryan Hollweg, Paul Mara, et al.
Their respective careers -- many very honorable -- are on the line, and that's precisely why this is NOT the time to be glib or insensitive about the lads in question.
It's very clear that the club needs fixing. And that means, like it or not, bodies will have to be moved. Glen Sather and his general staff soon will be huddling, and when the high-level conference is over, some Blueshirts will have gotten the hook while others will be penciled in for the 2008-09 roster.
What does The Maven think about the Rangers reshaping? Let's analyze the players whether they are contractually tied up or not, one by one:
MAREK MALIK
(UFA)
This could not have been a more negative year for the big Czech. A practice battle with Sean Avery, refusal to shake the coach's hand in a post-gamer, and the wrath of MSG fans combine to seal MM's doom as a Ranger. Marek's lack of a physical or an offensive game beyond his ability to start the rush lead one to wonder just what he has to offer and the answer is precious little. So long, Double M, it's been good knowing you!
 MARC STAAL
(Two seasons remaining on contract)
Easily the team's most pleasant surprise, the freshman displayed poise beyond his years and will continue improvement in all facets of his game. He was adroit with stick and body, lugging the puck with grace and speed. He should anchor the Blueshirt defense for a decade.
FEDOR TYUTIN
(Recently signed four-year extension)
Just average against the Penguins in the second playoff round, the Russian nevertheless has more of an upside than a down. His hip checks along the boards are among the best, but his overall game needs work. He could be trade bait.
DAN GIRARDI
(Recently signed extension through 2009-2010 season)
The jury still is out on a player who emerged as a surprise ace in a sparkling last third of the year with the Rangers in 2006-07. He was physical, yet capable on the offensive side of the ice. He did not match that standard in 2007-08, struggling through some stretches of the season. I expect a slow, steady improvement.
CHRISTIAN BACKMAN
(UFA at end of 2008-09)
Agonizingly erratic, the acquisition from St. Louis never achieved his hope-for position as power play quarterback. Where he goes next nobody knows, but it may not be the varsity.
CHRIS DRURY
(Signed through 2011-12 season)
On the whole, more was expected from Mr. Clutch, although he came on strong at the end and should be a more comfortable Ranger next term.
 SCOTT GOMEZ
(Signed through 2013-14 season)
His end-to-end rushes proved to be one of the constant highlights of 2007-08 until a late season rib injury slowed his progress. He valiantly returned and was HUGE in defeating the Devils. Scotty still needs a wingman to complement his speed.
RYAN CALLAHAN
(RFA at end of 2008-2009)
It could be said that he won the opening round by beating Martin Brodeur with a third-period, steal goal in the first game. His speed and grit should assure a regular spot on the varsity next semester.
BRANDON DUBINSKY
(RFA at end of 2008-2009)
Confident and borderline cocky, the other Alaskan blended neatly with Jaromir Jagr. The peach-faced lad was heroic in Game Four against Pittsburgh in the second round. He's got "star" written all over him.
NIGEL DAWES
(RFA)
Once an afterthought, Dawes made beautiful music when given the opportunity. He's a gifted goal-scorer who proved his mettle by converting a Gomez pass in Game Five against Pitt for the tying, third-period goal. Don't be surprised if Dawes is given a chance to nail down a spot as second-liner. More ice time, at both even strength and on the power play, will only be good for him.
RYAN HOLLWEG
(RFA at end of 2008-2009)
The Californian sometimes seems more like an American Leaguer playing in the bigs than a major league hockey player. Hollweg easily could be replaced on the fourth line by a more productive Lauri Korpikoski and the club would be all the better for it, regardless of the fact that Hollweg is signed through next season. His senseless penalty for whacking Petr Sykora into the boards cost his club a vital playoff game. Only Tom Renney can save him from Hartford.
FRED SJOSTROM
(RFA)
The speed, talent and potential should guarantee him at least a third- or fourth-line opportunity next year. This was a good get for very little.
BLAIR BETTS
(UFA at end of 2008-2009)
Unspectacular, but awfully effective on the penalty kill, BB is as good a fourth-liner as you'll get.
PETR PRUCHA
(RFA at end of 2008-2009)
Give him one more season. I wouldn't give up on the energetic Czech, but he's got to obtain a fair amount of ice time before a final judgment can be made. I still think he can be a positive factor.
COLTON ORR
(UFA at end of 2008-2009)
Too bad he didn't drop the gloves when challenged by Georges Laraque with the Rangers leading Pitt 3-0 in Game One of the second round. The bout might have been a playoff-turner for the Blueshirts. Still, he's needed for heavyweight challenges and generally does the job.
 MARTIN STRAKA
(UFA)
Keeping -- or dropping -- Marty will be a tough decision, perhaps depending on whether or not his pal Jagr returns to the club. But let's face it, Martin's production has dropped significantly and 2007-08 was one of the worst of his career.
"I'm going to want to talk to [Jaromir]," says Straka. "It's going to be a big decision in my mind whether he's going to be here or not."
If Jagr goes, Straka will leave with him, but management may decide to drop the little guy either way. Personally, I'd keep him as a fourth-liner, but only at a bargain price!
PAUL MARA
(UFA)
He is what he is and that ain't the worst thing in the world; decent on the power play, good shot, big without hurting anyone and moderately skillful. Like Straka, he can find a place on the roster, but only if he comes cheap.
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I love Stan Fischler, don't you?
I talk with The Maven almost every day and I can tell you that he is hilarious, as well as being a great guy. Were that not enough, he also has the best beard on television. But what do you think about his fashion style?
Ron Duguay, for one, isn't a big fan of Stan's suits, so the former Ranger took The Maven shopping for some new, cooler, threads.
THIS IS A MUST SEE! MORE:
I often think back to the Rangers' 2005-06 season opener in Philadelphia. Coming off seven consecutive non-playoff seasons and the lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 campaign, the Rangers continued their "rebuilding phase," which began with the trades of numerous veterans in March 2004.
 Well, the Rangers won that game at the Wachovia Center, 5-3, the start of a hard-to-fathom 100-point season. Jaromir Jagr, perhaps the only person on the earth to predict a playoff berth during training camp in September 2005, set club records for goals and points.
The No. 1 concern of Henrik Lundqvist, who was passed over 204 times during the 2000 Draft, was where he would live in Hartford during the 2005-06 campaign. Not only did Lundqvist make the Rangers' opening night roster, but six months later was named a Vezina Trophy finalist.
The success continued for the Rangers in 2006-07 with 94 points during the regular season and the franchise's first postseason series win since 1997.
This season, 97 points and another trip to the second round of the playoffs.
While I feel the pain and disappointment of all Rangers fans following the five-game loss to Pittsburgh, and agree that if not for Chris Drury's goal with 7.7 seconds remaining in Game 5 in Buffalo last May the Rangers probably would have advanced to play Ottawa in the East final, I prefer to think about the continued development of the young Rangers and focus on just how far the franchise has rebounded over the last three years.
 To wit: The fifth-best combined regular season point total in the Eastern Conference over the last three seasons. Five playoff series in three years. Three consecutive years as a Vezina finalist for Lundqvist. A strong crop of young players in Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Fedor Tyutin, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha with Lauri Korpikoski, Artem Anisimov, Bobby Sanguinetti and Alexei Cherepanov on the way. Scott Gomez and Drury have gone through full seasons as Rangers, and will be the leaders of this team -- both on and off the ice -- for years to come.
There are still many questions left to be answered over the next few months concerning the nine current Rangers scheduled to become free agents on July 1, as well as potential free agents from other teams who will be available.
It will be an interesting offseason for a franchise that has made giant strides over the last three seasons. I can't wait until the puck drops in October!
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Having covered the Rangers for more than half a century, The Maven can say one thing without fear of contradiction: no more complicated personality ever has worn the blue shirt than Jaromir Jagr. No one.
The Captain is at once erudite, morose, remarkably amusing, thoughtful. You name it; he plays it. Whatever the role. Jagr also plays hockey. As a matter of fact, he plays it better than about 70% of the National Hockey League skaters, and most likely will do the same next season.
 Interestingly, The Captain keeps a biography of the physicist Albert Einstein on a shelf in his locker. Well you don't have to be a genius to realize that Jagr wants to return to the Rangers next season. The reasons are many:
THE MONEY: The precise numbers are irrelevant. Jags will be appropriately compensated. The bucks will be BIG enough to inspire that Czech-check smile.
THE APPLE: A sophisticate if ever there was one, Jaromir appreciates Manhattan as much as Mayor Bloomberg; it has everything he wants, including the wonderful Hudson River promenade at the 79th Street Boat Basin. As Rodgers and Hart wrote, "We'll turn Manhattan/Into an isle of joy." Ditto for Jaro!
THE COACH: Never could a player have wished for a more accommodating, understanding and kind coach than Tom Renney has been for Jagr. If Jaromir says he doesn't want to be captain, no problem. If he does -- as he did -- fine. With Renney-Jagr, the theme has been, "You Name It, We Play It; Requestfully Yours." Who wouldn't want to play for Tom again -- especially if his name is Jaromir?
THE TEAM: He is a smart cookie, and he knows that Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, et al. are up-and-comers; Scott Gomez and Chris Drury are no slouches, either. Jagr likes this bunch. He's at a career point where he does not want to break himself in with a new club somewhere in the sticks.
THE CHALLENGE: No Ranger was more committed in the playoffs than Jagr. Sometimes it can be painful, but he does enjoy a challenge, and as captain he will face one in 2008-09. And that won't be the worst thing in the world for his career.
All of the above are fine and dandy plusses, but who's to say that Glen Sather wants him back? For one thing, Slats is on record suggesting that he would. Renney is on record noting how much he enjoyed coaching Jagr. But, since this IS a free country, there could be second and third thoughts on everyone's mind.
For example, Jagr is not the overpowering player he had been in his halcyon years. He overhandles the puck, especially on the power play, which was the Rangers' Achilles heel for much of the season, especially in Game Five vs. Pittsburgh.
His critics, like Mike Milbury, and their points must be considered in an overall evaluation of his worth. Summed up, he can be difficult and often a minus as much as a plus.
Bottom Line: Would the Rangers be better off with or without Jagr in the 2008-09 lineup? The Maven says they would be better off -- and that he WILL return!
Next: Should the Rangers re-sign Sean Avery?
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There will be no bragging from this corner just because The Maven picked Philly to beat the Canadiens. Too many other mistakes erase that neat call.
Nevertheless, the Flyers continue to impress me with their grit, goaltending and overall ability to -- if you'll excuse the expression -- find a way to win.
 That's why I'm going with them in the East, despite Sidney (Whiner-Diver) Crosby, Evgeni (Let's See How He Handles The Flyers Toughies) Malkin and Marian (I Finally Woke Up) Hossa.
As for Dallas-Detroit, I'm going with the Bigger D, as in DALLAS on the basis of Marty Turco over Chris Osgood -- or Dom Hasek -- and their phenomenal motivation.
FLYERS OVER PENGUINS IN SIX
Pitt may have all the names who continually get all the attention, but the Flyers are this season's team of destiny. Marty Biron will out-goal Marc-Andre Fleury, while the pesky Flyers will find ways and means of distracting Crosby, Inc. Philly's offense is underrated, while its D-men are about as good as Pitt's.
STARS OVER DETROIT IN SEVEN
It's hard to bet against any team coached by Mike Babcock, but there's something magical about the Stars this year, and it isn't Mike Modano; although I expect MM to connect with a key goal or three. The longer the series goes, the better Sergei Zubov will be and the worse Chris (I'm Not Methuselah) Chelios may be.
A Philly-Dallas final will be fine with me.
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It's a simple fact that not every Ranger will be back with the team next season.
With retirement, free agency or even Europe a possibility, the Blueshirts could lose key players this offseason.
Four of those players, Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery, Brendan Shanahan and Martin Straka talked about their future plans as the club cleaned out its lockers at the training facility Tuesday.
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What people are talking about this morning ...
It's disappointing to realize, but the Rangers offseason is now upon us, and there are many questions the organization will need to answer.
Of course the biggest question is what will the Rangers do about Jaromir Jagr? Decisions also have to made about Sean Avery, Michal Rozsival and Paul Mara, just to name a few. And what if Brendan Shanahan retires, and Martin Straka goes back to Europe?
With all these questions to ponder, I brought in Dave Maloney for some insight.
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While fears of a tremendous breakup are ever-present, don't expect the bomb to drop.
Here is a look at my plan, which isn't all that complex.
1) First, re-sign Jaromir Jagr. Structure the contract in a fashion so that it doesn't wreck the rest of the payroll.
 2) Next, re-sign Sean Avery. We all know what he is worth to the club; don't play any games here.
3) Then, as painful as it might be, let the following contracts expire: Martin Straka ($3.3 million), Marek Malik ($2.5 million), Brendan Shanahan ($2.5 million),and Michal Rozsival ($2.3 million).
4) I would then spend BIG to get Marian Hossa, and the reason is twofold: first, he's a sniper; and second, he'd no longer be Sidney Crosby's sniper.
5) On defense, a powerplay quarterback is a must. A solid free agent, not as costly as Brian Campbell, can be had in John-Michael Liles. Liles would aid Bobby Sanguinetti's development on the backline tremendously.
That being said, here is my 2008-09 opening day lineup:
FORWARDS
Jagr-Scott Gomez-Hossa
Avery-Brandon Dubinsky-Ryan Callahan
Petr Prucha-Chris Drury-Nigel Dawes
Lauri Korpikoski-Blair Betts-Fredrik Sjostrom
DEFENSEMEN
Dan Girardi-Michael Liles
Sanguinetti-Fedor Tyutin
Marc Staal-Paul Mara
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist-Stephen Valiquette
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Based on the overwhelming number of responses to my "Where Do We Go From Here?" blog, it's apparent that individual issues must be dealt with one-by-one.
So, let's begin with the most SENIOR of senior citizens: Brendan Shanahan. Should he retire? Should he re-sign? Should he go elsewhere for one, last NHL season?
I don't like to beat around the bush on Seventh Avenue and 33rd Street, so I'll get right to the point.
On the assumption that Jaromir Jagr will NOT be a Ranger next season, Shanahan must be invited back for another term. However, if management learns in a reasonable amount of time that Jagr wants to be back on Broadway for 2008-09, then Shanny must be given a fair "adieu." No more, no less.
As far as The Maven is concerned, there's no room on an invigorated -- and, yes, it WILL be invigorated by younger aces -- roster for two elder statesmen. One is enough.
 Of the two, Jagr must get the nod because he's younger, more productive and, clearly, provided leadership and hope during the second round Pittsburgh battle.
By contrast, Shanny was hardly a factor in any way, shape or form; other than to provide his usual post-game and off-day insightful quotes for the media.
But the fact remains that Jagr just might return to Europe and play either in Russia or the Czech Republic. And if he does, more power to him. Contractually, he's free to do what he wants; and he made that clear after the Pittsburgh series ended on Sunday.
Thus, if Jagr goes bye-bye, Tom's Renney-gades will need a veteran player with leadership skills and a resume of championships.
Brendan may not have the wheels, but he certainly has the brains and can add considerable savvy to an increasingly younger dressing room.
My "One Or The Other Theory" goes a step further and it has to do with personalities.
Shanahan and Jagr see the game differently and manage their mates in differing ways. Brendan rates a tremendous amount of praise for the manner in which he helped control Sean Avery, enabling the latter to become a keen asset to the club.
While Jagr's emotions follow a roller coaster curve, Shanny is cool, calm and collected. He's a team guy and proved it early on when he went fist-to-fist with Donald Brashear, one of the most feared fellows in the game.
Whatever happens, the 2008-09 Rangers must be either Jagr's or Shanahan's team. There no longer is room for both in the Blueshirts' dressing room.
Granted, a 2008-09 Brendan would have to adjust to more limited duty on the ice, but his off-ice role -- as an aide to Renney -- could increase; perhaps as a playing-assistant coach.
Personally, I would love to see Shanahan back; but only if Jagr leaves!
Coming up in the next chapter: Should Jagr Return?
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- Martin Straka’s future in Manhattan could hinge on whether his buddy, Jaromir Jagr returns. Meanwhile, Karel Rachunek is expected to sign with Moscow Dynamo. Other non-returnees to the NHL figure to be Dick Tarnstrom, David Vyborny and Petteri Nummelin.
 Ted Nolan’s Islanders future gets cloudier the more TN talks about it. During a speech in Sault Ste. Marie, Nolan discussed his lame duck status in Nassau. “It’s a tough situation,” says Nolan. “But I’ve faced a lot of tough situations before. I just want to go into next season, concentrate on fulfilling my contract, do a great job and make sure I get another contract somewhere.”
Nolan insisted that he’s “not looking to renegotiate” and that it wasn’t brought up to him by Isles brass. “I want to fulfill my contract, hopefully do really well next season and hopefully they’ll want to re-sign me,” Ted added. “I’m going to coach somewhere.”
His most productive player, Mike Comrie, finished with only 49 points (21 goals, 28 assists). “The playoffs should be automatic,” says Nolan. “It’s winning championships that should be the hard part. The vast majority of the time, we worked hard. But working hard and getting things done are two different things.”
- It’s going to be a tough summer for the Bruins top defenders. Zdeno Chara underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum last week. Chara suffered the injury while missing on a one-timer in early March against Washington. The surgery will keep Large Z from any weightlifting that involves his shoulder and possibly from some of his summer plans, including a trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Meanwhile, Dennis Wideman is scheduled to undergo groin surgery next week.
- Dept of Agreement: The NHLPA has its own version of the Hart Trophy, called the Lester B. Pearson Award. Union members vote for the Pearson, while newsmen pick the Hart. Guess what? Each group picked the same three finalists: Jarome Iginla, Al Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin. Or, as Paul Kariya sagely notes: “You can’t fool the players!” Winners will be named on June 12 in Toronto.
- What is it with San Jose every playoff spring? Mercury News columnist Mark Purdy offers this assessment:
“There have been questions about the Sharks’ character these past five years as they have never been able to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Those questions have been overblown. The real issue is that the Sharks have never been able to concentrate and stay intense for the duration of the season’s most important periods and moments. Since 2004, no team in the NHL has won more playoff games than the Sharks. But they have never been able to get over the hump and into the Stanley Cup Finals. In fact, they have made it past the second round only once. Because here is the even more insufferable flip side of that statistic: Since 2004, no team in the NHL has also lost more playoff games than the Sharks.”
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As William Shakespeare once said, "There's much virtue in IF." And the Rangers can IF 'til the cows come home about why their season is officially over, FINIS!
You know all the IFs:
- What IF the refs whistled four minutes on Pittsburgh when Chris Drury was bloodied and the score was 0-0 in the second period of Game 5?
- What IF Marc Staal shot the puck on his two-on-one with Martin Straka during the overtime penalty-kill and the Penguins defense in disorderly retreat? Instead, the rookie tried a pass that failed.
- What IF Petr Prucha fought HARDER along the left boards in the Penguins zone as the clock ticked away in overtime to keep possession of the puck instead of feebly losing the rubber? That specific play is the one that enabled a Pitt rush that led to the winning goal. Prucha was a MAJOR culprit.
But the cows have come home -- and the Rangers are going home with the empty feeling of "what might have been" and wasn't.
"We fell short and that's the bad part of hockey," says Scott Gomez, who fell VERY short compared with his powerful performance in Round 1 against New Jersey.
 Drury, who played valiantly but never delivered the kind of clutch goal that might have turned the tide for the Blueshirts, says, "It was a huge disappointment the way it ended."
Nevertheless, sour grapes are not in order as the Blueshirts brass looks ahead, wondering -- among other important decisions -- precisely what Jaromir Jagr has in mind as far as his future is concerned. All we have now are definitive tips that he will play next year -- somewhere.
"What makes me happy," explains the captain, "is what I'll do."
One element that SHOULD produce a smile is the Rangers opening next season in JJ's favorite city, Prague. Another plus is Glen Sather being on record as wanting to sign the large Czech. Perhaps the size of the check for the Czech will be as pivotal as anything.
"I've got hockey left in me," Jaromir insists, "but I don't want to make any decisions now."
I know that Jaromir loves the Big Apple and that Sather will be fair to him. Having said that, I'll go on record predicting that Jagr will return to the Rangers.
As for Brendan Shanahan, I have more serious doubts. He was considerably less than a factor against Pittsburgh, often seeming to skate in mud. "Next season? Now is no time to think about it," asserts Shanny, who very well could get a front office job at NHL headquarters not far from his Park Avenue abode.
Fortunately, Sather has a solid nucleus. Vezina Trophy candidate Henny Lundqvist is in his prime and will only improve on his excellence. New York has the perfect back-up in Steve Valiquette. Youngsters such as Brandon Dubinsky, Nigel Dawes -- he scored the HUGE, game-tying goal in the third period -- and Ryan Callahan will be featured in larger roles along with Lauri Korpikoski, the Finnish left wing who launched the Blueshirts' comeback in the third period at the Igloo.
Rookie D-man Marc Staal, who matured faster than anyone could imagine, will anchor a defense that still sorely needs a big-time hitter. My guess is that neither Marek Malik nor Christian Backman will return. Jason Strudwick, Paul Mara and Michal Rozsival are in the IF-fy category, while the other blue-liners figure to return.
Needless to say, the power play was consistent in its ineffectiveness again in the finale when only one shot on goal was achieved in four PP attempts, which means that Sather could very well make a pitch for UFA Brian Campbell in the off-season.
 Assuming that he regains normal good health, Sean Avery becomes a major tug-of-war figure in terms of negotiations with Sather. I'll make it simple: Avery needs the Rangers as much as the club needs him. His agent would be foolish believing that he could excel elsewhere. My prediction: Avery will return with a mutually acceptable deal.
There are uncertainties up front. Ryan Hollweg, who killed his club with a foolish penalty in Game 3, certainly is expendable. Ditto, Prucha, who apparently disappointed the high command BIG TIME.
As for the coach, no question Tom Renney will return behind the bench; he's smart enough to have learned from the mistakes of 2007-08. "Being eliminated is tough to swallow," the classy coach allows. "We wanted to keep playing but we've got to suck it up. Our expectations were higher than what we accomplished."
That they were. Perhaps looking toward a Stanley Cup in 2008 when training camp broke last September was a bit too optimistic. Renney had a challenge to find chemistry with newcomers such as Gomez and Drury, while absorbing the loss of Jagr's linemate, Mike Nylander.
The coach readily admits that changes must be made. "We need physical engagement," he avers, perhaps realizing that the likes of Gary Roberts and the other Pitt toughies neutralized the Rangers less physical players.
When all is said and done, the Rangers were eliminated because they played like a fifth place team and Pittsburgh -- which surely could win the Stanley Cup -- performed like a club that finished on top.
Now that the off-season has hit New York hockey, Sather and his high command will be blueprinting how his Blueshirts can get to the peak in the Spring of 2009. THAT is where the Rangers go from here!
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What people are talking about this morning ...
The Rangers dropped Game 5, and the series to the Penguins, Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh.
Stan Fischler, Ron Duguay and I look at what went right, what went wrong, and what can be corrected in time for next season. MORE:
While hoping, it wouldn't hurt to dig into hockey history, specifically April 22, 1975. On that day, the Islanders -- having lost three straight games to Pitt and then winning Game 4 -- skated into The Igloo and defeated the Penguins 4-2, including an empty-netter from Jude Drouin.
What was special about that game that can be incorporated by the Rangers? Glenn (Chico) Resch starred in goal for the Isles, making 36 saves. For luck, GM Bill Torrey switched airlines before flying to Pennsylvania and booked his club into a hotel it had not used for two-and-a-half years.
As for Lady Luck, Resch heard Pens' shots clang harmlessly off his goalposts; soon he began kissing the pipes! But the Lady's help won't be enough. There's more in the Rangers arsenal that has not been fully exploited and that's precisely where Number 19 comes into the picture.
Five words say it all for Gomer in Game 5: SCOTTY MUST PLAY HIS BEST! Pretty good -- which describes his effort at The Garden -- simply is not enough. Skating with Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes, Gomez waltzed through a quiet 21-plus minutes on Thursday. He can do better than that!
Which brings us to the need for a podiatrist because the Rangers still have an Achilles heel: the defense. Marc Staal played like a rookie; so did Dan Girardi, who was only a bit better; and Jason Strudwick appeared -- appropriately -- rusty.
Against a tenacious forecheck, the Rangers defense was constantly harassed. Fortunately, Henrik |
The Franco-English feud never stops — even in the hockey world. Now it's Michel Brule, a Montreal publisher,