BROADWAY AFFAIR

The Penguins come out on top of the Rangers for the 5th time this season in a feisty affair courtesy of a Jordan Staal OT winner.

by Adam Bernard

The words of Pedro Martinez come to mind when the Rangers and Penguins get together. He said "The Yankees are my daddy" towards the end of his tenure with the Red Sox. Well, the Penguins are the Rangers daddy, and that was on display, yet again, at the World's Most Famous Arena last night.

Lets start with some basic numbers. Henrik Lundqvist made 50 saves...AND HE STILL LOST. Granted, Pittsburgh scored five times, but at least give the man some Kevlar if he's going to be in a shooting gallery. In the other crease, Marc-Andre Fleury only made 8 saves on 12 shots before being yanked and Brent Johnson only needed to face four shots. I just don't get how a team, whose head coach's philosophy when it comes to pushing the puck up the ice "Safe is Death" only musters 16 shots on net. It also looked like the Rangers wore down a bit at the end of the game, and Coach Tortorella won't take kindly to that. By the way, the last time the Rangers allowed that many shots in a game was against the Cancuks back in January of 1991 when Vancouver sprayed 62 shots on net.

After an exciting 1st period that was tied at 2 heading in to the intermission and some physical, chippy play early on with Sidney Crosby and Henrik Lundqivst (and if this type of game works for the Pens against the Rangers, expect it every time they meet...which probably won't be until next season). People are going to focus on Crosby's dive from a Marc Staal hit and then Henrik Lundqvist getting in Crosby's face. With Crosby, I'm already at the point with him where it's old news. He's the Tim Duncan of the NHL. Crosby schmoozes the refs and gets all the calls because he's Sidney Crosby. No use in crying over spilled milk, so get used to it. Unlike past incidents with the Rangers (see Marian Gaborik in Philadelphia), this team was quick to respond.

The Rangers finish the season series with Pittsburgh winning only once while the Penguins won five times and earned a point in the OT loss to the blueshirts. It doesn't get any easier for the Rangers who head to Washington on Saturday and host the Sabres on Sunday. We've seen the Rangers put themselves in a hole and then make a strong finish down the stretch to make the playoffs. They're lucky that the bottom half of the East is so tight that they just need to weather the storm of this portion of the schedule before they make their annual March push. For Pittsburgh, they head home for weekend games with Dallas and Boston before a stretch of eight games with seven on the road.

OTHER ACTION:
Capitals 5 - Lightning 4
Bruins 3 - Maple Leafs 2 - (SO)
Hurricanes 4 - Senators 1
Thrashers 6 - Islanders 3
Predators 4 - Kings 2
Blues 6 - Stars 1
Coyotes 3 - Avalanche 1
Sharks 3 - Canadiens 2

TODAY'S ACTION
Flyers @ Sabres - 7:30PM
Predators @ Red Wings - 7:30PM
Canucks @ Blackhawks - 8:30PM
Devils @ Flames - 9PM
Wild @ Oilers - 9PM

DESERT OUTLAWS

Wojtek Wolski joins the Phoenix Coyotes at the deadline. Photo credit: blogs.denverpost.com/avs

By Chris Carrano

The NHL trade deadline came and went yesterday and if you blinked once, you may have even missed it. Even though a record number of trades were made (31 in all), it surprisingly lacked any sizzle, as there were no blockbuster deals that took place. The Pittsburgh Penguins may have scored the biggest name out there not named Kovalchuk in acquiring Alexei Ponikarovsky but it was the Phoenix Coyotes who made out like bandits and set themselves up for a playoff run at this year’s deadline.

Phoenix acquired left winger Wojtek Wolski from the Colorado Avalanche for a pair of right wingers, Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter. This was a steal for Phoenix as Mueller has been on a decline since his rookie season. He scored 22 goals in 81 games in the 2007-08 season compared to the four he’s scored this season in 54 games. The Avs hope he can recapture his scoring touch. In Kevin Porter, the Avs get Phoenix’s fifth-ranked prospect and a former Hobey Baker Award winner with Michigan.

Wolski had been very productive this season as he brings his 47 points (17 G, 30 A) to the table, immediately becoming the Coyotes leading point-getter along with Shane Doan. Colorado fans are biting their nails wondering if this move will come back to bite them. It’s surprising that they would trade a good offensive player for what they got in return as they make a run at the post-season. The surprising Avalanche sit in sixth place in the Western Conference and the Coyotes are one point above them in fifth.

The Coyotes made a few more interesting moves yesterday that could bolster their position in the standings and make them a serious contender come April. They added a pair of defensemen to their blue line by reacquiring Derek Morris from the Boston Bruins and obtaining Mathieu Schneider from Vancouver. This was the third time Morris was moved at the trade deadline and he was second in scoring amongst Bruins defensemen with three goals and 25 points. He’ll bring immediate help to the Coyotes, and with the way he moves the puck, Phoenix can generate some prime scoring chances, especially with the newly acquired Wolski. Mathieu Schnieder, who according to THN.com, is a pure power play specialist who joins an intriguing defense corps which already includes Ed Jovanovski and Keith Yandle. Phoenix didn’t lose much in this deal either, giving up two draft picks (one in 2010 and one in 2011) and Sean Zimmerman. This will be an interesting team to watch down the stretch.

The Philadelphia Flyers stayed still yesterday as they didn’t make any moves to gear up for a run at the post-season. The Broad Street Bullies would have been a trendy pick to win the Atlantic Division had they made a move for Florida goalie Tomas Vokoun. Although they trail division leader New Jersey by ten points in the standings (its only five wins), a move for Vokoun would have them in contention. Ray Emery is out with a season ending injury and Philly is stuck with NHL journeyman Michael Leighton in net. Although Leighton had a bit of a hot streak going, he lacks big game experience. When asked if they tried to get a goalie, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren told ESPN.com, "A lot of teams called and were fishing around, but I wouldn't really say we really tried." The Flyers with Vokoun would have been a scary team and a team that no one would want to meet in a playoff series.

They Boston Bruins stayed relatively quiet at this year’s deadline also but they did add defenseman Dennis Seidenberg from the Florida Panthers. Seidenberg will replace Derrick Morris on the blue line and the Bruins were able to clear about $1.5 million in cap space. "We've been trying to get a scoring forward, and while there were a couple available, there wasn't a fit there," Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told ESPN.com. "Listen, it's not news to me that we're offensively challenged now, and for us to go out and do something on defense may not look like we're trying to address the problem but we felt that at the end of the day, if all we could do is improve the makeup of our defense, that would help our offense."

THATS WHAT HE SAID

“(It was) the best game I’ve ever played in” –Ryan Callahan of the New York Rangers when describing the gold medal game between the USA and Canada.

Unfortunately for Mr. Callahan and New York Ranger fans, that may be the best game he plays in for a while. With the lack of goal scorers and dead weight the Rangers have had this season, its going to be a long time before Ryan can say that again.

And for those who have ever wondered about how deals go down on Deadline Day, here is a Q&A from NHL.com http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=409700&navid=DLNHLhome

AROUND THE NHL

Washington @ Buffalo Ryan Miller’s homecoming in Buffalo last night opened with a 45-second standing ovation but ended with a crushing defeat as the Capitals offensive defenseman Mike Green broke a 1-1 tie in the third period. The Caps went on to win 3-1.

Vancouver @ Detroit The Canucks 14-game road trip continued last night with a 6-3 rout of the Red Wings. Ryan Kesler scored two goals and Roberto Luongo made 28 saves in his first game back since the Olympics ended.

Philadelphia @ Florida David Booth had a four point night (1G, 3A) and Michael Frolik had two goals for the Panthers in a wild 7-4 defeat of the Flyers. Both teams combined for 66 minutes in penalties and four power play goals.

Edmonton @ Chicago The Blackhawks scored three goals in the third period to put away the lowly Oilers 5-2 last night. Chicago out shot Edmonton 47-14 and sent the Oilers to their fourth straight loss.

Minnesota @ Calgary Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom upstaged his Finnish teammate Miikka Kipprusoff by stopping 29 shots in a 4-0 shutout over the Flames.

Colorado @ Anaheim The Avalanche scored four unanswered goals in a 4-3 comeback win over the Ducks last night. Newly acquired Peter Mueller tied the game in the second period and Paul Stastny had three assists.

TONIGHT'S GAMES

Toronto @ Boston 7 pm
Ottawa @ Carolina 7 pm
Pittsburgh @ NY Rangers 7 pm
Tampa Bay @ Washington 7 pm
NY Islanders @ Atlanta 7 pm
Los Angeles @ Nashville 8 pm
St. Louis @ Dallas 8:30 pm
Colorado @ Phoenix 9 pm (Intriguing game of the night)
Montreal @ San Jose 10:3o pm

Thanks, but maybe No Thanks

photo credit: Keith Srakocic / AP Photo

I’m worried about Ryan Miller. His heartbreak over Sunday’s gold medal loss to Canada is real and it’s deep. And it might not go away anytime soon if last night’s reception in Pittsburgh starts a trend.

Penguin fans gave Miller a loud, long standing ovation during pregame introductions. The cheers were louder than those bestowed on their own Sidney Crosby. The affection will continue for sure tonight when the Sabres return to Buffalo, and probably as Miller makes stops around the league over the next two weeks or so. The love is warranted and respectful, but it only forces Miller to remember.

You’ve seen the images by now. Miller dragging himself away from the net in utter disbelief after Crosby scored. All we then saw were hollow stares from him as he waited to receive his silver medal. At some point, Miller will appreciate the Vancouver Games for what they were – an amazing personal performance and a significant team achievement. But not right now. Miller seemed awfully uncomfortable accepting the ovation last night.

And that’s bad news for a Sabres team in a dogfight with Ottawa for the Northeast division. The loser seems headed to a first round series, as the 5^th seed, against Pittsburgh or New Jersey, so winning the division and home ice is pretty important.

Last night’s 3-2 loss at the Igloo was the Sabres’ seventh defeat in eight games, with the Capitals and Flyers coming to Buffalo this week, followed by six of eight on the road. Patrick Lalime’s 3.20 GAA and .895 save percentage mean Miller must play almost all of the Sabres’ remaining 21 games.

He may go on a mission to right the Olympic wrong. But he also might struggle to overcome the disappointment, especially if it keeps coming up. Fingers crossed, Sabres fans

TUESDAY’S OTHER SCORES (home teams in CAPS)

Devils 4 – SHARKS 3

PREDATORS 4 – Oilers 3

Flyers 7 – LIGHTNING 2…1 goal and 3 assists for Mike Richards

Rangers 4 – SENATORS 1

HURRICANES 5 – Maple Leafs 1

Canucks 4 – BLUE JACKETS 3 OT…Christian Ehrhoff scored game-winner

ISLANDERS 5 – Blackhawks 3…a hat trick for Blake Comeau

Canadiens 4 – BRUINS 1

THRASHERS 4 – Panthers 2

Blues 5 – COYOTES 2

Kings 5 – STARS 1

The countdown continues to today’s 3pm ET trade deadline. The Penguins bolstered their supporting cast last night by acquiring winger Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Maple Leafs for defenseman Martin Skoula and minor league forward Luca Caputi. Ponikarovsky brings with him 19 goals and 22 assists in 61 games. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The Senators added a veteran defensive presence yesterday in Andy Sutton. He came over from the Islanders for a second round pick this summer.

Montreal and St. Louis have swapped forwards, with Matt D’Agostini becoming a Blue and Aaron Palushaj joining the Canadiens.

The Flyers, meanwhile, said to be on the hunt for a goaltender because of season-ending hip surgery for Ray Emery. Martin Biron and Dwayne Roloson, both of the Islanders, are apparently their main targets. Emery is dealing with avascular necrosis in his right hip – that’s a chronic condition caused by a lack of blood supply to the bones in the joint.

In Minnesota, veteran blue-liner Marek Zidlicky has signed a three-year, $12 million extension.

And the Thrashers have given Chris Chelios a two-way contract. The 48-year-old defenseman was already playing with Atlanta’s AHL affiliate in Chicago, but is now official organization property. GM Don Waddell says the current plan is for Chelios to stay with the Wolves, and only join the big club if as an injury-replacement.

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE (all times are Eastern)

Capitals @ Sabres 7:00 (Versus)

Canucks @ Red Wings 7:30 (NHL Network)

Flyers @ Panthers 7:30

Oilers @ Blackhawks 8:30

Wild @ Flames 10:00

Avalanche @ Ducks 10:00

- Andrew Bogusch (boguschhockey@gmail.com)

Before We Leave Vancouver...

photo credit: Getty Images / USA Hockey

Before we return to full-time NHL action, let’s spend a few more minutes in Vancouver…Thank You note style. Because there is much gratitude to pass out after what we saw over the last two weeks at the Olympics.

Thank you, first and foremost, to the 42 players that took the ice Sunday at Canada Hockey Place. Was it the greatest hockey game ever contested? No, but it’s on the short list. There was passion. There was meanness and maybe some actual hate. There was a last-second, goalie-pulled, game-tying goal. And there was the game’s biggest name scoring the game-winner in overtime.

Thank you, in particular, Ryan Miller. Not just because you were phenomenal between the pipes, but because you were so crushed after Crosby scored. The images of your utter despair should quiet the idiots who were calling these Games a glorified all-star game.

Thank you, begrudgingly, to Sidney Crosby. First, for being fairly invisible through 3+ periods, which aided the US’s comeback from that 2-0 hole. And more importantly, for being the hero. The biggest names don’t always score the biggest goal or get the biggest hit. Patrice Bergeron or Ryan Callahan netting the deciding goal just wouldn’t have been the same.

Thank you, Team USA general manager Brian Burke. You could not have built a better team for this tournament. Looking back now, tell me who shouldn’t have been on this squad. Who should’ve taken his place? Even Chris Drury, whom we questioned in this space, delivered.

Thank you, Zach Parise, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, and Jack Johnson for demonstrating that the talent gap between US and Canadian hockey is almost non-existent. The host nation roster was scary good when it was first announced late last year, with Burke’s version appearing to fall well short of it. But these four in particular flashed top-end talent over and over again in Vancouver. Parise was rabid in the gold medal game, while Kane controlled the puck better than anyone on either side. And this is really the key lesson from this tournament: Canada picked up another gold medal, but its North American prominence is under attack.

Thank you, Russia, for not showing up against Canada in the quarterfinals. Yes, your abysmal effort robbed us of a possible classic. But had you not wet yourself, we might have been deprived of Sunday’s all-timer.

Thank you, Pavol Demitra, for similar reasons. Had you not hit the post in the final seconds of your semifinal with Canada, your country might have pulled off the upset in OT.

And thank you, in advance, Gary Bettman. While we don’t have the most confidence in you when it comes to major decisions, even you are smart enough to know now that NHL players must go to Sochi, Russia in four years. Sure, the time difference will complicate things. And duplicating Sunday’s drama is near-impossible. But let’s give it a shot.

* * *

The NHL season resumed last night with the Red Wings and Avalanche in Denver. Detroit left town victorious after a 3-2 final. Niklas Lidstrom netted the game-winner on the power play 10:57 into the third period. Tomas Holmstrom scored once and had two assists.

NHL general managers got back to business yesterday as well with the trade deadline looming tomorrow afternoon. The Penguins acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Panthers for a 2^nd Round pick this summer. Nashville added blueliner Denis Grebeshkov from Edmonton for a 2^nd-rounder as well.

The Flames, meanwhile, gave center Matt Stajan a four-year, $3.5 million-dollar extension. Stajan was acquired before the Olympics in the Dion Phaneuf trade with Toronto.

TUESDAY SCHEDULE (all times are Eastern)

Montreal @ Boston 7:00

Carolina @ Toronto 7:00

Chicago @ Islanders 7:00

Florida @ Atlanta 7:00

Vancouver @ Columbus 7:00

Rangers @ Ottawa 7:30

Buffalo @ Pittsburgh 7:30

Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay 7:30 (Versus)

Edmonton @ Nashville 8:00

Los Angeles @ Dallas 8:30

St. Louis @ Phoenix 9:00

New Jersey @ San Jose 10:30 (Versus)

- Andrew Bogusch (boguschhockey@gmail.com)