Scoring woes could be problematic in playoffs
Brad Richards #19 of the New York Rangers shoots on goal against the Colorado Avalanche. (March 17, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
Their first-round opponent in the Stanley Cup playoffs is uncertain. But this is becoming painfully clear: An underachieving power play and a lack of secondary scoring likely will be an Achilles heel for the Rangers in the postseason.
The loss of Mats Zuccarello, who fractured his left wrist blocking a shot from Sabres defenseman Jordan Leopold on Friday night, further weakened both elements of an offense that has sputtered. Of the top 10 teams in the East, only Florida, Buffalo and Winnipeg had (slightly) fewer goals, entering yesterday's games. Overall, only Phoenix has a less-potent power play.
To be sure, president and general manager Glen Sather attempted to address both the scoring and man-advantage issues at the trade deadline by offering a significant package of players and draft picks to the Blue Jackets for Rick Nash, who wanted out of Columbus. When the Jackets rejected the proposal at the last minute, Sather could not pull off a deal for another forward who might provide some depth and punch. Granted, there wasn't much on the market and prices were high, but little-used enforcer John Scott was not an acceptable alternative.
How rocky is the offensive landscape? The Blueshirts scored only 10 goals in the last five games of the homestand, losing three of them. In the last 10 games before yesterday, they had scored two or fewer goals six times with two regulation wins.
"I don't think we're getting a big offensive play right now," coach John Tortorella said Friday. "A big part of winning is creating offense from your back end, so we're always concentrating on it."
Maybe rookie Tim Erixon or fellow defenseman Anton Stralman can help on the back end of the power play. Maybe forward Carl Hagelin can provide the power-play spark that Zuccarello did.
There's not much pop down in Hartford, and it's probably too much to ask of Chris Kreider, the team's No. 1 draft pick in 2009 who is expected to sign whenever Boston College completes its run in the NCAA Tournament, to provide some Tebow-like miracles.
No, the Rangers will have to dig deep and summon some more scoring from the group on board for the playoffs. Or possibly face an early exit.
Shifting skates
Several times this season, the Rangers shifted game-day morning skates from the training center in Greenburgh to Madison Square Garden, as was the case Monday and Friday.
Many players live in Manhattan and besides a shorter commute, what's the biggest difference?
"The ice," Brian Boyle said. "Much better in Westchester. But that's the same for most teams around the league. The practice ice is better because it's not used for other things -- the NBA, concerts."
Rangers practices are closed to the public in both venues, although some small groups are brought into Greenburgh to observe as part of promotional events. Coach John Tortorella opened some practices when he coached in Tampa Bay, but the training center has no seating area and there are no plans for open skates at the Garden, where renovations continue.
Showing respect
Whether it's vintage John Amirante or a schoolchildren's chorus (still one of my favorite versions), the national anthem sets the table for the game.
Know what's annoying? When people near the press box are yakking during the anthem. And when players skate away from the blue line before it's over.
Here's what I admire: waiting.
Some of the former U.S. college players, including Brian Boyle, stay in place after the anthem ends and the color guard leaves. They were taught that you stand in place until the colors have been removed. Thumbs up.
Extra effort
The Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award will be presented at the Garden on Friday before the game against the Montreal Canadiens. It's based on fan voting for the player going "beyond the call of duty," which McDonald, a New York City detective, did on July 12, 1986, when he was shot three times while investigating bicycle thefts in Central Park. The injuries left him a quadriplegic.
Adam Graves has won it five times since 1987-88; no one else more than twice. Last season, Brandon Prust won the trophy and a $25,000 check was presented in his name to the McDonald Foundation. Ryan Callahan is one of the two-time winners. If I had a vote, it would be for either Callahan or Dan Girardi.
