New York Rangers fans were thrilled tonight to see Marian Gaborik (who the team acquired over the summer) showing some real star quality.  He scored two goals in the club’s 5-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.
Gaborik was a major part of helping the Rangers end their three-game losing streak but the night didn’t end well for the star player – he limped off the ice with an undisclosed injury in the third period.
Hopefully, it’s nothing serious and he’ll be back in action in no time.

Vaclav Prospal can breathe a sigh of relief.  The 34-year-old suddenly found himself unemployed when the Tampa Bay Lightning bought out the last three years of his contract (out of a four year, $14 million deal!).

I know he wasn’t exactly on fire with his 19 goals and 26 assists (in 82 games) but that entire team was uninspired.  Besides, they went through coaches like tissues in the last year and a half and I’m not going to even go into what I think of the owners at this point.
Either way, Prospal has found a new home and I’m happy for …read more

Mark Messier is returning to the NHL – but in a management position.  Moose will be serving as a special assistant to GM Glen Sather with the New York Rangers.  Being out in Alberta, I would have loved to see him return to the Edmonton Oilers (he apparently interviewed for the head coaching position this summer) but I’m glad he’s going to have a chance to get some experience on the other side of the organization.
Of his return, Messier said: "I couldn’t be more thrilled with the opportunity to move back to New York with my family, to learn from …read more

New York Rangers badass, Sean Avery, has opened his own sports bar. The grand opening of Warren 77 in Tribeca featured a performance by Rangers goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist.  I didn’t know he could play the guitar! 
I checked out the Warren 77 website and I couldn’t help but scan through the menu.  I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.  While there are some more chic offerings which is a good idea in New York City, there are game-friendly items like Warren St. Wings, Grilled Cheese Soldiers with Tomato Soup, Dini’s Mac and Cheese and, of course, steaks and fries …read more

Scott Gomez is now one of the Habs.  The New York Rangers traded the centre to the Montreal Canadiens along with Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto in exchange for Chris Higgins, Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko. 
Gomez didn’t have the greatest season last year (just 58 points) but Bob Gainey seems excited to add him to the roster: "We are extremely pleased to have acquired a player of the caliber of Scott Gomez. He is an outstanding playmaker and an excellent skater. Having won the Stanley Cup twice with the New Jersey Devils, he brings to our team …read more

At just 35 years of age, New York Rangers forward, Markus Naslund, has announced his retirement from the NHL after playing in the league for 15 seasons despite the fact that he still had a year left on his two-year, $8 million contract ($3 million was remaining).
"I would like to sincerely thank Glen Sather and the New York Rangers for giving me the opportunity this past season in New York," said Naslund in a statement.  "I would also like to thank the Vancouver Canucks and all of their fans for their support over the 11-plus seasons I was a part …read more

The Washington Capitals have been in this position before.  They faced the the Philadelphia Flyers last year and, after forcing the series to go to Game 7, they were handed a crushing loss in overtime.  What a difference a year can make!
Last night, the Caps took on the New York Rangers, knowing it was their last chance to keep their playoff hopes alive and they did, overcoming about a million odds.  With just 4:59 left in the third period, Sergei Federov, put one in New York’s net.  Meanwhile, rookie goaltender, Simeon Varlamov, held off the Rangers allowing the team to …read more

The New York Rangers have sent a letter to the NHL asking the league to discipline the Washington Capitals.  It’s controversial and I know a lot of people won’t agree with it but I do.  I think the Capitals (and their fans) have gotten out of control and there comes a time when someone needs to step in and do something.
It’s been an intense series for the two teams but things have really escalated in the last two games.  The Caps fans were basically allowed to harrass the Rangers, the plexiglass behind their bench had to be replaced, they were …read more

After yesterday’s action, the last two undecided series in the Western Conference are both tied up and I honestly couldn’t tell you which way this is going to go.  So far, I’ve been surprised so I’m not going to make any guesses.
The New York Rangers had an opportunity to eliminate the Washington Capitals but, with Sean Avery back in the lineup and coach John Tortorella suspended for one game, it looked like they were a bit lost.  The Caps took full advantage of the situation, winning the game 5-3.
It’s not that the Rangers didn’t try hard (32 shots on …read more

I have never been a fan of NHL coach John Tortorella but I went from feeling sorry for the man to being shocked when his New York Rangers suffered a devastating 4-0 loss against the Washington Capitals. 
During the game, the Capitals fans right behind the Rangers bench got so out of control that the glass had to be replaced.  One guy, who had clearly had too much to drink, allegedly dumped his bottle of beer on Tortorella.  After enduring this and trying to keep his players focused on the game, Torty grabbed a hockey stick and turned to fight …read more