Postgame Reactions - Rangers vs. Lightning 2/14

Rangers 5, Lightning 2

• This game had an entirely different feel than the last time the Bolts were in town, when the Rangers dominated for 60 minutes and won 8-2.  In this one, the first period may have been the most boring period of hockey I’ve seen all season.  10 minutes into the game (if I’m remembering correctly), shots were 3-2 in favor of Tampa.  Both teams looked like they were still hitting the snooze button, and the Lightning managed to put 2 pucks past Lundqvist for a 2-0 lead.
• The second period was entirely different, as the Rangers woke up and dominated play for most of the frame.  In particular, the first line of Vinny Prospal, Erik Christensen, and Ryan Callahan was buzzing.
• Christensen, the game’s 1^st star, finished with 2 goals (and nearly a 3^rd as he rang one off the post) on 2 shots, an assist, and a +3 rating.
• Prospal, the game’s 3^rd star, finished with a goal and an assist, as well as a +3 rating.
• Callahan, though he didn’t factor onto the scoresheet, was able to use his body and awareness to create space and energy for his linemates.
• Marc Staal was also +3 and got the primary assist on Prospal’s tally by kicking the puck out of a scramble in front of Mike Smith and right onto Prospal’s stick.
• Sean Avery made the most of his penalty shot opportunity, getting Smith to go down before going all the way to his left and roofing it for the Rangers’ first tally.
• Chris Drury used his instincts to intercept an outlet pass and fire the puck into the empty net to cap off the scoring.
• Corey Potter looked much better today than he did against the Predators on Wednesday night.  He played over 15 minutes and didn’t look out of place, even getting physically involved.
• Although Jody Shelley--wearing #45--only played 2:51 in his Rangers debut, you have to like what you saw from him in making sure Zenon Konopka knew it was not ok that he hit Lundqvist’s glove after the whistle.
• There have been a lot of rumors out there surrounding Brandon Dubinsky and the possibility of a trade, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him go for a decent return.  Today, as is often the case, Dubinsky tried making one too many moves or held the puck one second too long throughout the game.
• Michal Rozsival played another very good game, and kept Marty St. Louis off the board by using his body against the small winger.
• Dan Girardi and Staal play so well together, especially on the penalty kill.  They just seem to know where each other are and they do a good job of helping each other clear the puck.

Pre-Deadline Deadline Day

The real NHL trade deadline is March 3rd, but with the Olympic break there is a roster freeze from today at 3pm ET until March 1st.  So expect a lot of movement before 3pm, since this is sort of a mini trade deadline itself.  Keep checking back, and I will update this post with all of the trades as they happen.

Last night: Ex-Ranger Dominic Moore is now a Canadien.  Florida gets a 2nd round pick in 2011.

10:43am:  Ex-Ranger Matt Cullen has been traded to the Senators.  Hurricanes receive D Alexandre Picard and a 2nd round pick. (Bob McKenzie)  Picard is 24 and will be a restricted free agent (RFA) at the end of the season.  Cullen is in the last year of a 4-year deal he signed with the Rangers and will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) July 1.

11:35am: The Flyers have signed a 2-year extension with ex-Ranger Blair Betts for a total of $1.4 million. (SNYRB)  For the record, this blog isn't intended to be just about ex-Rangers today...that's just how things have been going so far.

12:05pm: Ottawa Sun reporting that Jonathan Cheechoo is on waivers.  He has 1 more year left at $3 million and is 29.  His 14 points in 61 games since being acquired in the Dany Heatley deal don't help his chances for another move.

12:14pm: Bob McKenzie confirms Cheechoo report.  Also on waivers: Ex-Ranger Jamie Lundmark of the Flames and Brad May of the Red Wings.  No surprise, but Donald Brashear has cleared waivers.

3:20pm: Wild trade ex-Ranger D Kim Johnsson and Nick Leddy (their 1st round pick this past year) to the Blackhawks for D Cam Barker. (Darren Dreger)  Johnsson will be a UFA after the season, so this move frees up cap space for the Hawks to keep more of their young talent around.

3:20pm: Rangers have acquired enforcer Jody Shelley from the Sharks for a draft pick.  Check back fro updates, but this one is really puzzling. (Darren Dreger)

3:50pm: Bob McKenzie confirming that the pick is the Rangers' 6th rounder in 2011.  If Shelley re-signs in NY, it becomes a 5th round pick. That's not giving up a whole lot, but it's still a puzzling move.  Do the Rangers really need a tough(er) guy to play 4:52 a night?  I would think they would be after someone who might score more than 3 goals in a season (his career high) or someone younger than 34.  Just sayin...