Rangers Deal Rozsival to Phoenix for Wolski

Looks like someone owes Don Maloney a nice steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris.

This is breaking news, as the New York Rangers have traded defenseman Michal Rozsival to the Phoenix Coyotes for left-wing Wojtek Wolski. This is a trade that is completely mind-boggling to me, at least from the Coyotes end as Rozsival is a struggling defenseman who has a cap-hit of $5 million dollars while Wolski is a young, sizable forward with a hit of only $3.8 million.

Wolski has been struggling this season as well, nearly as bad as Alex Frolov was. In 36 games this season, he has only six goals and ten assists for 16 points, but the 24-year-old will provide much more than that, he will serve as cap relief. The Rangers pick up an additional $1.2 million here, combined with approximately $1.5 million they lost due to Frolov’s injury. It’s funny that the Rangers lose these two players, but their needs stay exactly the same. The team sorely lacks a veteran defenseman who can eat up minutes, and a playmaking center. These were the same needs they had with both Frolov and Rozsival in the lineup. The Rangers now have some flexibility to try to pursue these types of players.

I do not know much about Wolski, but I would like to think that he can provide what Frolov didn’t, and that’s secondary scoring. His large six-foot, three-inch frame could be a welcome sight on the top line with Gaborik, or even on the second line. Chris Hoeler, a Coyotes fan, tells me that he is not a checker, so his is either a top-six forward or bust.

Just as a warning, do not expect much out of Wolski. He has already fallen out of favor on two different teams, and actually has only one more point than Rozsival, who put up three goals and 12 assists in four fewer games. In other words, see this move as cap relief and not the solution to an offensive problem.

As much as everyone loved to hate on Rozsival, he really was not that bad and if they cannot acquire a veteran defenseman at some point this season, trading his presence may cause more harm than good. He has his slip-ups, like we all do, but he was basically made scapegoat for some bad teams in the past few years. He had an excellent shot from the point which he did not use enough, and combined with his slower stride and susceptibility to giveaways, made him an easy target for the fan base. I won’t miss him, but it could come back to bite the team. In 432 games with the Rangers, he scored 42 goals and recorded 134 assists for 176 points; he was also a +44.  Those are not bad numbers at all.

We will just have to wait and see how the deal works out. If the Rangers acquire a defenseman, then it is a win-win situation. If they don’t, then this may not be the amazing trade that we all think it is.

Glen Sather has now gotten rid of three of the four terrible contracts that people thought would forever plague this franchise. For a GM as smart as he is, in orchestrating such deals, it’s amazing that he even signed them to begin with.

“100 Ranger Greats” Trivia: Final Round!

This is the final round for the trivia contest, and as you can see, it’s going to be a photo-finish! And please, even if you have not entered before, why not give it a shot and test your Rangers knowledge anyway?

But first, the answers to round two trivia were:

1. Fred Shero

2. Gilles Villemure and Eddie Giacomin

3. Don Maloney

4. Andy Bathgate

5. Ron Greschner

Round Three Questions

1. Which defenseman had the nickname “Jeep”?

2. Which goaltender was known for heavily criticizing his teammates earning him the nickname of “The Mouth”?

3. Which goaltender once quipped, “My face is my mask”?

4. Which player’s reluctance to shoot the puck made fans chat “Shoot the puck _____!”?

5. Which forward was traded to Los Angeles for Bernie Nicholls in 1990?

Answers are due in by next Friday!

Leaderboard After Round Two

1st. Chris Hoeler (Ridgefield, CT)–9

2nd. Jim Haggerty (Bronx, NY)– 8

2nd. Randy Stewart (Freehold, NJ)–8

3rd. John Peek (Whitesboro, NY)–7

3rd. Mike McConeghy (Utica, NY)–7

3rd. Steve Weitzner (Irvine, CA)–7

3rd. Adam Bethon (Port Washington, NY)–7

Rangers and Coyotes: A Give-and-Take Relationship

This may seem like an odd and random topic to start writing about, but given the fact that the New York Rangers and Phoenix Coyotes have made several trades with each other since the lockout, I thought it appropriate since there are sure to be transactions upcoming this week that may or may not involve the two parties dealing with each other. One of these trades even predates Glen Sather’s former assistant, and current buddy, Don Maloney taking over as their GM.

Since 2005, these two teams have made four swaps, which is the most of any duo in the league. They include:

2005: Rangers sent former first round pick and draft bust Jamie Lundmark to the Coyotes in exchange for another center Jeff Taffe. This trade ended up being boringly even on both sides, but still leaning towards Phoenix because they got more use out of him than the Rangers got with Taffe. Lundmark would skate in 35 games, while scoring five goals and 13 assists. Taffe, meanwhile, played in only two games with the Rangers, going pointless– much like the trade.

2008: Rangers trade goaltending prospect Al Montoya and bottom six stalwart Marcel “Good Along the Boards” Hossa to the Coyotes for Fredric Sjostrom, Josh Gratton, and David LeNeveau. This is another trade that comes out even, as Hossa did not do much for the Coyotes and Gratton and LeNeveau would never even suit up for the Rangers. Meanwhile, the Rangers got good use out of Sjostrom, who was a part of the Rangers penalty killing success in the 08/09 season. Montoya has also become a part of solidifying a once questioned Coyotes goaltending situation.

2009: This is perhaps the biggest of all the deals, as it saw the Rangers trade the much beloved Petr Prucha to the Coyotes along with Nigel Dawes and Dmitri Kalinin for defenseman Derek Morris. Originally, it was seen to be in the Rangers favor. Kalinin was on the bad side of fans, and it was brutally obvious that Tortorella did not care for both Prucha and Dawes. Morris also happened to be one of the more sought after defenseman during the 2009 trade deadline. However, the Coyotes would end up winning this deal because Morris walked from the Rangers that summer, after not even scoring a goal in 18 games. Prucha was then retained by Phoenix, where he would have his best season since 2007, scoring 13 goals.

2009: Rangers trade anther former first round pick to the Coyotes for speedy winger Enver Lisin. Early on it looked like this trade was a steal for the Rangers, as Lisin showed excellent speed and skill at the beginning of last season. However, he would soon fall into John Tortorella’s dog house, and play only 57 games. Korpikoski would not fare much better, as he recorded one less goal than Lisin, with five. The Rangers have since announced at the end of the season that they will not qualify Lisin. Korpikoski, meanwhile, is signed on for another year.

The main reason why I bring up these trades now is because there is a rumor circulating that mentions the Rangers and Coyotes again in discussions for a trade involving Donald Brashear being sent for defenseman Jim Vandermeer. At first glance it seems like a trade that does not make sense, but when looking at it, it not only makes sense, but benefits both sides.

Sather and Maloney have made trades attempting to help each other out in the past, and this move can do both teams a favor. Sather has already said Brashear will not play another game for the Rangers, but he cannot be cut because he is over 35 and the team would be on the hook for his salary.

Meanwhile, Vandermeer makes $2.3 million and really has no place being on the Coyotes next season. Should this swap be made, both teams can then send the player to the AHL, the Coyotes saving money, and the Rangers being able to demote Vandermeer and clear all the salary.

It certainly does make sense, and given the working relationship between the two GM’s, this is the most logical rumor that has circulated in a long time.

Greg’s 2010 NHL Playoff Predictions

It’s that time of year again, when everyone loves hockey! The playoffs have finally come and although my team is not in it, I am still excited it. Most of us do playoff pools and pick ‘ems, and let me tell you, it is so much easier to do it when your team is no longer playing, because you can finally pick with your brain and not your heart. I have attached my picks for all four rounds, but only in-depth explanations for the first round.

When I look at all the teams who have made it to this year’s post-season, I see no runaway team; no team that really scares me. Two seasons ago it was obvious that Detroit was going to win, and last season it was obvious that Detroit would return to the finals, and Pittsburgh would give them a run for their money, when they eventually ended up winning.

People ask me, how can I say that? The answer is simple: this year, every team in the running has one fatal flaw, the one thing that will ultimately do them in. This year is a crap-shoot, and that is why my predictions for who is in the finals, and who eventually wins may come as a surprise.

Eastern Conference Round One

1) Washington vs 8 ) Montreal: Capitals in 4

Although I do not feel that the Washington Capitals will win the Stanley Cup, the NHL’s best team will have no trouble dismantling the Montreal Canadiens one piece at a time. Montreal had been struggling of late, and the Capitals have never taken their foot off the accelerator. It can be argued that Jaroslav Halak is a better goaltender than Jose Theodore, but with Washington’s offense it will not matter. If the Canadiens even win a game, and furthermore, take the lead in a game, consider it a success for them. But the Capitals will not go all the way because of their goaltending and defense, their fatal flaws. Scoring five goals a game is all fun and good in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different animal. I also do not feel that certain Capitals players are mature enough to handle a trip to the finals.

2) New Jersey Devils vs 7) Philadelphia Flyers: Flyers in 7

It was in November when I predicted the Devils would win the Stanley Cup, but that came with one stipulation; a well-rested Martin Brodeur. Unfortunately his selfishness will do him and his team in again as he will be too tired to defeat the Flyers who will continuously crash the net and wreak havoc. Just think, Martin Brodeur is less than a month away from his 38th birthday, and he appeared in 77 games. Did he really have to play in that final game against Buffalo on Sunday? They could have easily given that game to Yann Danis, and if they lost, so be it. But anyway, the Devils play the tightest defense in the entire league, and when all other teams tighten up for the playoffs, the Devils are already as tight as they can possibly be. The Flyers have question marks all over the place, but I firmly believe if they play at the height of their physicality, they will wear out the Devils and out-score them. It will not be easy, and that is why I think it will go seven games.

3) Buffalo Sabres vs 6) Boston Bruins: Sabres in 5

The Boston Bruins limped into this year’s playoffs with injuries extrapolating their already weak offense. Buffalo continues to remain consistent season after season, and with a healthy Thomas Vanek on fire, along with the best goaltender in the Eastern conference, Ryan Miller, they should have no problems beating the Boston Bruins. Only question is, who gets the starts in Boston? The tenured and experienced Tim Thomas, or the young, bolt of lightning in a bottle Tuuka Rask? Either way, it will not matter, and the Sabres should win easily in five games.

4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5) Ottawa Senators: Penguins in 5

Hats off to the Senators for even being able to make the playoffs, a team that was surrounded by a media circus all season long due to Dany Heatley, and a team, who at one point in the season, had their entire top line injured. They had been one of the hottest teams in the league for a while, but Pittsburgh is still the team to beat in the east, and as painful as it is, I do not think the Senators stand a chance.

Eastern Conference Round Two

Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers: Capitals in 6

Buffalo Sabres vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Penguins in 5

Eastern Conference Round Three

Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Penguins in 6

This will be the NHL’s dream matchup, and their ticket to financial success and the expansion of hockey popularity across the United States. If the stars align perfectly, this will be the matchup. Although Pittsburgh was not as good during the season, they have a much better goalie in Fleury and a better defense as well. Add to that their Cup-winning experience, and I think they will defeat the mighty Capitals.

Western Conference Round One

1) San Jose Sharks vs 8 ) Colorado Avalanche: Sharks in 5

The Sharks have been a source for endless jokes among us hockey writers over the years because it is absolutely hilarious to see a team consistently win 45-50 games every year, only to lose in the first round. However, their fortunes will change this season, somewhat. As good a season as the Avalanche had, they will not be able to match the Sharks’ firepower, and even if Nabokov is not a big game goalie, I certainly feel he can out-duel Craig Anderson, a goalie who had a career year. Under the leadership of Rob Blake, and the scoring of Marleau and Heatley, the Sharks should easily beat the Avalanche.

2) Chicago Blackhawks vs 7) Nashville Predators: Blackhawks in 6

For many people, Chicago is the team to beat this season. To that, I ask why? Yes they have an amazing tandem of Kane and Toews, but their goaltending will be their fatal flaw. Cristobal Huet has never impressed me, ever, and Antti Niemi has no experience at all. However, they have enough skill level to defeat the surprisingly steady Nashville Predators. Once again I find myself congratulating Barry Trotz for the job he has done with a team that many people don’t even know exists. As much as I would like to see them do well, they will not beat Chicago.

3) Vancouver Canucks vs 6) Los Angeles Kings: Canucks in 6

Few teams were able to match the excitement and exuberance of the Kings this season, but they are in the same learning process the Penguins were in a few years back. There is that old saying that you have to lose before you can win, and for that reason, I feel they will lose out. That, and the fact that I love the system the Canucks are playing. They have a very solid defense, and an excellent offensive pressure. Right now it seems the Sedin twins will be unbeatable, and Kesler and Burrows provide some good toughness with an offensive flair.

4) Phoenix Coyotes vs 5) Detroit Red Wings: Red Wings in 5

First off, let me start out by saying congratulations to Dave Tippett, for the job he did in Phoenix this season. He will win the Jack Adams Award for coach of the year, and deserves it more than anyone else. The job that Don Maloney was also able to do is outstanding. However, now that it is playoff time, I feel this Cinderella season will be coming to an end. The Wings are a group of battle hardened veterans who could win a playoff game in their sleep. With back to back finals appearances under their belt, I feel they will be going far this season. Chris Osgood is a mediocre regular season goalie, but he just turns on another switch in the playoffs. They struggled all season long but got hot at just the right time. Will they have enough gas left in the tank? That seems to be the only problem.

Western Conference Round Two

San Jose Sharks vs Detroit Red Wings: Red Wings in 5

Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks: Canucks in 7

Western Conference Round Three

Vancouver Canucks vs Detroit Red Wings: Red Wings in 6

Stanley Cup Finals

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings: Red Wings in 7

As I stated earlier, there is not one team in this league that will run away with anything this year. There are weak spots all over the place in every team. These may seem like “safe” picks, but believe me, a lot of thought went into this because it is almost comical to think that we could see a third straight Red Wings-Penguins finals. But when you don’t see a runaway team, you have to go with the team to beat from last season, and that is exactly what I did. Both teams are experienced and skilled beyond belief. It will be yet another hard fought series, and I see the Wings reclaiming the title.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! A Salute to the Best Irish Rangers

It’s that time of the year again, when we honor our Irish-American heritage by eating salty, stroke-inducing corned beef and everyone’s favorite vegetable, cabbage. But it doesn’t have to be all bad; it’s time we honored the greatest Irish hockey players to ever lace ‘em up for the New York Rangers. It took a while to sift through the list of every player to ever play for the Rangers, but as you can expect, I hit pay-dirt once I got to the M’s.

7. Ryan Callahan (2006-present): It was no surprise that Callahan’s best game as a Ranger came three seasons ago in a game versus the Boston Bruins on St. Patrick’s Day. The Rangers went on to win 7-0 and the game was dubbed the “St. Patrick’s Day Massacre”. Callahan had both his first NHL hat trick and fight that night, in a game I’ll never forget. Callahan continues to be a very important Ranger, by killing penalties alongside Olympic Teammate Chris Drury. If he plays a few more seasons here, you can be sure his ranking among the Irish greats will go up.

6. Brendan Shanahan (2006-2008): No other player to play for the Rangers in my lifetime wore his nationality on his sleeve like Brendan Shanahan. The beloved “Shanny” always had the “Irish Jig” played for him when he scored goals in Detroit, and that was played a few times during his tenure with the Rangers. His mother speaks with a slight Irish accent, but I do not know if she was actually born there. During his two short years with the Rangers, he was the voice in the locker room the team needed and was apart of the Rangers 600 goal club that included Jaromir Jagr, who both netted the milestone goal within games of each other.

5.  Lynn Patrick (1934-1946): If you’re allergic to the name “Patrick”, now is your chance to turn the page because they next three players all share the same last name. Lynn played 455 games with the Rangers, spanning ten seasons. He won two Stanley Cups with the Rangers, led the team in goal scoring once, and won the team MVP award twice. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame posthumously in 1980.

4. James Patrick (1983-1994): When one thinks of defenseman James Patrick, they think of longevity. Patrick played from 1983 until 2004, for four teams and appearing in 1280 games. Patrick started his career with the Rangers, and played in 671 games, scoring 104 goals and 363 assists. He was apart of the many battles between the Rangers and Flyers, and Rangers and Islanders during the mid-80′s, which remain some of the most intense hockey games ever played.

3. Lester Patrick (1927): Lester Patrick would only play one game in his career with the New York Rangers, but it was enough to seal his name in the annals of hockey history forever. In the deciding game of the 1927 Stanley Cup Finals, Rangers goalie Lorne Chabot was injured and had to leave the game. When the Rangers could not find a goalie to replace him, the 44 year old Patrick, who was coach at the time, donned the goalie equipment and finished the game, which went to overtime with the Rangers becoming victorious on Frank Boucher’s game winning goal.

2. Dave Maloney (1974-1985): When Dave Maloney was given the captaincy in 1978, he became the youngest captain in Rangers history.  The defenseman appeared in 605 games for the Rangers, and was as much of a scrapper as he was a good offensive defenseman. Four seasons in a row, Maloney recorded ten or more goals and more than a hundred penalty minutes. He currently serves as color analyst for the Rangers radio team on  1050 ESPN.

1. Don Maloney (1978-1989): Dave’s brother Don gets the nod as the greatest Irish player in Rangers history. Don Maloney would score twenty or more goals five times in his eleven seasons with the Rangers. He would also experience playoff success on very unsuccessful playoff teams, recording 57 points in 85 games. Six years after retiring from the NHL, Maloney would become the Rangers assistant general manager where he would remain for ten years. This makes him the longest tenured Ranger; 21 years with the franchise. Lester Patrick served 20. Don Maloney is now general manager for the Phoenix Coyotes.

Honorable Mentions: Have to give shout-outs to Buddy O’Connor, Angus “Scotty” Cameron,  Kilby Macdonald, and Bruce MacGregor, just because of their last names. Rob McClanahan also deserves a mention because he scored twenty goals as a Ranger once and was on the 1980 US Olympic team.

The final mention goes to a player that should have never even been in the NHL, but nevertheless, left a lasting impression. I do not know whether or not Ryan Hollweg was of Irish decent, but who could forget this idiocy…err, I mean, patriotism, three years ago before the Rangers 7-0 win over the Bruins on St. Patrick’s Day?