Post by stefan on Oct 1, 2009 19:17:58 GMT -5
NEW LOOK RANGERS OFF TO A GREAT START:
The New York Rangers have kicked off the 2009-2010 SINHL season with back to back wins, the second coming in a shutout massacre against the Ottawa Senators.
The Rangers made some big changes during the off-season, bringing in new talent on and off the ice. First to arrive was General Manager Stefan Aldrich. The rookie GM made no attempt to hide the fact that he was going to shake things up at the Madison Square Garden, and he started by signing Rick Tocchet to a one year deal. Many saw this as a controversial decision because of Tocchet's criminal record, which wouldn't help the already tarnished credibility of the Rangers following the fraud allegations.
Now that the managerial and coaching staff were in place, Aldrich set about making changes on the ice. First to go was captain and franchise star Jarome Iginla, who was traded to the Washington Capitals in a deal that saw a direct replacement in Dustin Brown, as well as center Stephen Weiss, and defenseman Cam Barker in return.
With a slightly new look to the Rangers top lines they traveled to Philly to face-off against the Flyers. Philadelphia opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a goal from Gagne, and then added to it when Umberger netted their second 27 seconds later. The Rangers first goal of the new season came from center Marc Savard in the 7th minute. The Flyers only managed one shot in the second period, and Ponikarovsky made them pay with a hard slap shot from the blue line. With the game tied at 2-2 in the 3rd, Whitney got the go ahead goal to put New York ahead for the first time. Celebrations were cut short though when an amazing single handed effort from Carter found the back of the net. Overtime was needed to settle this one and Umberger's earlier heroics were cancelled out when he recieved a minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. There is no doubt that this penalty cost Philly the game as only 5 seconds later Ryder sealed it for the New York Rangers.
Game 2. The Rangers home opener was to be played in front of a sellout crowd, and they were certainly going to get their monies worth. David Booth opened the scoring with a single handed goal late in the 1st. He then added another early in the second with a little help from former Florida teammate Stephen Weiss. Dustin Brown then put the Rangers 3 up with a powerplay goal with Booth getting yet another point with an assist. At this point the game looked pretty much beyond the Senators and Booth finished them off with a further 2 goals. David Booth had a hand in every goal against Ottawa but only received the second star. This is because his performance was somewhat over shadowed by an outstanding goaltending display from Tim Thomas who shutout Ottawa despite 30 shots against.
The New York Rangers definitely got off to a great start, but how long it will last it remains to be seen. Despite Thomas's strong performance he has been traded along with Ponikarovsky to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Moving in the opposite direction are wingers Tuomo Ruutu and Blake Wheeler. This move means that Roloson will take over first team duties and I somehow doubt that he will be shutting out teams like the Ottawa Senators.
Tim Thomas wasn't the only veteran moving out of New York though. He was quickly followed by Marc Savard and Ryan Callahan who will be lining up with the Los Angeles Kings. However, in return for this trade, the New York Rangers will receive young center Derick Brassard, who it is expected will feature on the 2nd line along side Whitney and Ruutu.
10/02/09.
The New York Rangers have kicked off the 2009-2010 SINHL season with back to back wins, the second coming in a shutout massacre against the Ottawa Senators.
The Rangers made some big changes during the off-season, bringing in new talent on and off the ice. First to arrive was General Manager Stefan Aldrich. The rookie GM made no attempt to hide the fact that he was going to shake things up at the Madison Square Garden, and he started by signing Rick Tocchet to a one year deal. Many saw this as a controversial decision because of Tocchet's criminal record, which wouldn't help the already tarnished credibility of the Rangers following the fraud allegations.
Now that the managerial and coaching staff were in place, Aldrich set about making changes on the ice. First to go was captain and franchise star Jarome Iginla, who was traded to the Washington Capitals in a deal that saw a direct replacement in Dustin Brown, as well as center Stephen Weiss, and defenseman Cam Barker in return.
With a slightly new look to the Rangers top lines they traveled to Philly to face-off against the Flyers. Philadelphia opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a goal from Gagne, and then added to it when Umberger netted their second 27 seconds later. The Rangers first goal of the new season came from center Marc Savard in the 7th minute. The Flyers only managed one shot in the second period, and Ponikarovsky made them pay with a hard slap shot from the blue line. With the game tied at 2-2 in the 3rd, Whitney got the go ahead goal to put New York ahead for the first time. Celebrations were cut short though when an amazing single handed effort from Carter found the back of the net. Overtime was needed to settle this one and Umberger's earlier heroics were cancelled out when he recieved a minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. There is no doubt that this penalty cost Philly the game as only 5 seconds later Ryder sealed it for the New York Rangers.
Game 2. The Rangers home opener was to be played in front of a sellout crowd, and they were certainly going to get their monies worth. David Booth opened the scoring with a single handed goal late in the 1st. He then added another early in the second with a little help from former Florida teammate Stephen Weiss. Dustin Brown then put the Rangers 3 up with a powerplay goal with Booth getting yet another point with an assist. At this point the game looked pretty much beyond the Senators and Booth finished them off with a further 2 goals. David Booth had a hand in every goal against Ottawa but only received the second star. This is because his performance was somewhat over shadowed by an outstanding goaltending display from Tim Thomas who shutout Ottawa despite 30 shots against.
The New York Rangers definitely got off to a great start, but how long it will last it remains to be seen. Despite Thomas's strong performance he has been traded along with Ponikarovsky to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Moving in the opposite direction are wingers Tuomo Ruutu and Blake Wheeler. This move means that Roloson will take over first team duties and I somehow doubt that he will be shutting out teams like the Ottawa Senators.
Tim Thomas wasn't the only veteran moving out of New York though. He was quickly followed by Marc Savard and Ryan Callahan who will be lining up with the Los Angeles Kings. However, in return for this trade, the New York Rangers will receive young center Derick Brassard, who it is expected will feature on the 2nd line along side Whitney and Ruutu.
10/02/09.