Fight Night in Madison Square Garden: Flyers and Rangers (Video)

For every action, there is a reaction.

If you viciously cross-check Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds in the face with your carbon fiber stick should expect to get your face punched in. Tonight, the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers exchanged Valentine's Day greetings. There were two fights in the first 59 seconds of the game.

Here's one perspective, I think it's flawed.

Wayne Simmonds got off with just an ejection, not a suspension, for his punch that KO’d Ryan McDonagh Saturday in Philadelphia. It left the Rangers captain with a concussion and the team without its All-Star defenseman for who knows how long. (News Day)

Feel free to chime in.

Phil Kessel Would Accept Trade to Bruins and Wild

I just got back from the hunting shack and found this beauty. Apparently, former Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel would accept a trade to eight teams. This is what Pension Plan Puppets had to say about the matter. 

Scott Wheeler, Pension Plan Puppets -- The list, which was submitted prior to the deadline, is believed to include the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference as well as the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference, according to the report.

Looking at this list, Boston has no cap room, plus I can't see the Bruins being all that excited about taking Kessel back. Ditto with the Minnesota Wild. Both teams are extremely strapped for cash, I don't see how they could make a move like this happen. 

Seriously, I can't see Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol wanting a one dimensional player like Kessel on his team. You have to be able to play in all three zones of the ice. The more I think about it, Kessel would be a perfect Hab. 

Finally, does anyone think Kessel would be a good fit with L.A. Kings head coach like Daryl Sutter? I am being serious. 

Stanley Cup Finals Schedule Released

If the Stanley Cup Finals go to game seven, we will be watching hockey deep into June.  The only questions we left to answer, who's going to be the two teams in the finals? 

Game 1 Wednesday, June 3
Game 2 Saturday, June 6
Game 3 Monday, June 8
Game 4 Wednesday, June 10
Game 5 * Saturday, June 13
Game 6 * Monday, June 15
Game 7 * Wednesday, June 17

* if necessary

Video: New York Ranger: Derek Stepan's Series-Clinching Goal and Hand Shake

The New York Rangers are going back to the Eastern Conference Finals for a second year in a row. Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Derek Stepan scored the series-clinching goal at the 11:24 mark fo the overtime period.

Former #Badgers McDonagh and Stepan have OT goals to help Rangers advance past Washington in Stanley Cup playoffs.

— Andy Baggot (@AndyBaggotWSJ) May 14, 2015

Video: Brooks Orpik levels Dan Boyle

This is the hit Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik put on Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle. Do you think that this is a dirty hit? Is there a suspension coming? Boyle left the game after the hit.

@Dave_Schwartz cheap shot elbow to the head not called.

— GPL (@GopherPuckLive) May 14, 2015

@DRdiabloTHW oh man. That's a lot of elbow to head :S

— Callum Fraser (@CallumFraser18) May 14, 2015

@DRdiabloTHW oh man. That's a lot of elbow to head :S

— Callum Fraser (@CallumFraser18) May 14, 2015

Video: Capitals Disallowed Goal Against the Rangers

Capitals forward Joel Ward thought he had scored the go-ahead goal against the Rangers in the second period of Friday's game. Unfortunately for Ward, the refs ruled that he had interfered with the Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

On the non-goal, the ruling on the ice was that Joel Ward's contact with Lundqvist prevented him from making the save. No penalty. No goal.

— Chuck Gormley (@ChuckGormleyCSN) May 9, 2015

Ruling per the Washington Post

According to NHL rule 69.1, “Goal will be disallowed if . . . an attacking player initiates intentional or deliberate contact with a goalkeeper, inside or outside of his goal crease. Incidental contact with a goalkeeper will be permitted, and resulting goals allowed, when such contact is initiated outside of the goal crease, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact. The rule will be enforced exclusively in accordance with the on-ice judgement of the Referee(s), and not by means of video replay or review.”

Odds for the Stanley Cup

Odds to win the 2015 Stanley Cup

New York Rangers                     13/4 

Chicago Blackhawks                 4/1 

Anaheim Ducks                         9/2 

Minnesota Wild                         11/2 

Montreal Canadiens                   13/2 

Tampa Bay Lightning                 15/2 

Washington Capitals                  9/1 

Calgary Flames                         12/1 

The odds to win the Stanley Cup come from Bovada,

Maxim Lapierre is a Fraud

This is the kind of shenanigans that disgusts me. It should disgust other NHL hockey fans as well.

There's no way around it, Maxim Lapierre of the Pittsburgh Penguins is a fraud and a disgrace to the game of hockey. Lapierre should be ashamed of himself after this lackluster acting job that drew a power play. If I was a GM in the NHL I wouldn't employ a player like this.

If you watch the video you will see that  Dominic Moore of the NY Rangers barely touches Lapierre. These are the kind bush-league moves that should warrant a suspension from the NHL.

The Rangers forward Moore was incorrectly given a two-minute minor for roughing. I hope the Rangers sent a tape to the NHL, for further review. The on-ice officials in this game should also be upset because Lapierre made an ass out of them. I also think that the Penguins head coach should be given a fine for this bravo sierra.

Duguay on Max Lapierre acting: "Doesn't even come close to his face. This does not belong in the #NHL. This is stuff you do when you're 12."
— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) April 23, 2015

(Video) Penguins Blake Comeau Scores a Goal Against the Rangers

There was a battle in front of the net. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Blake Comeau scores a gritty goal against the New York Rangers. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist didn't seem real pleased with the play and thought there was goalie interference on the play. What do you think?

Redwing77's Bracket

by Redwing77

Redwing77's Stanley Cup Bracket

Goon posted his Bracket Challenge and I'm going to post mine.  I admit to being a bit homer with my Wings and I did post a major upset in the first round.  Sorry Habs fans.  Carey Price seems to actually be a good goaltender and he has chilled from his early career chumpiness.  However, the Habs have had abysmal luck against Ottawa this year.  And, quite honestly, I'd like to throw out a small bone to former Bowling Green State University goaltender, Andrew Hammond.

All in all, however, I think the entire bracket is irrelevant because I truly believe the Rangers are simply going to steamroll anyone they meet and take it all.  I put Chicago in the Finals because Crawford seems to actually play like an elite goaltender when he gets into the playoffs....sometimes anyways.  I believe Dubnyk's insane run ends vs. Oshie and the Blues.  Halak's stumbling continues in the playoffs.  Fleury sieves hardcore before the buzzsaw known as the Rangers.  Honestly, whoever wins the Detroit vs. Tampa series will face the Rangers in the EC Finals.

If my bracket holds together (which any betting man would bet against it), the series to watch will be the Blues vs. Wild, Chicago vs. Nashville (goaltending vs. offense really), and ALL of the Rangers games.  I think the entire Anaheim subbracket is the most boring bracket.

Original Six wins again.

A Look at the NHL Standings

With the win against the Chicago Blackhawks last night, the Wild are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There's one spot remaining in the West. In the East, the Bruins, Pens and Senators are fighting for the remaining spot. It's going down to the wire.

(Updated) NCAA Hockey: A Few More Early Departures of Note

A trio of big-time college hockey players have signed entry-level professional contracts. These three are pretty big losses for their hockey teams.

First, I enjoyed watching Jonny Brodzinski play the last three season. I didn't get to see Brady Skjei play that much, except on TV. Adam Wilcox was a stone wall in the games UND played against the Gophers.

Story: #Gophers All-American Adam Wilcox signs with @TBLightning, foregoes senior season. | http://t.co/BHaxH1DXix pic.twitter.com/UVWkJQAc3g
— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2015

FULL STORY: @BradySkjei agrees to terms with #NYR, set to report to @WolfPackAHL: http://t.co/evFIbw23of pic.twitter.com/L5A9d9zOfv
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 1, 2015

SCSU F Jonny Brodzinski (Ham Lake, Blaine HS) announced he will forgo his senior season to sign with the #LAKings. pic.twitter.com/9AkIeB62Mn
— MN Hockey Magazine (@mnhockeymag) April 1, 2015

Jets Dustin Byfuglien to Have Hearing for Dirty Cross-Check on J.T. Miller

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his dirty cross-check on the Rangers J.T. Miller. There was no penalty called on the play.

First, there's no way you can defend a dirty hit like this. There are players that play hard-nosed hockey, but this is down right bush-league. Byfuglien's hearing in a phone hearing, so his suspension won't be more than five games.

Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien will have a hearing tomorrow for cross-checking NY Rangers forward J.T. Miller.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 1, 2015

#NYR HC Alain Vigneault: “Violent,deliberate. Could have broken his neck. It was one of the most vicious cross-checks I've seen this year."
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebeSunSports) April 1, 2015

A Look at the NHL's Wild Card Race

Hard to believe that the NHL season is almost over. Looking at the standings you can see who is in and who is out right now.

Chris Kreider Boards Carl Soderberg and Then Gets Worked by Chris Kelley (Video)

Before someone tries to tell me that New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider is a clean hockey player. Or that there was no intention by Kreider to board Carl Soderberg. Please don't.

I am also waiting for the comment that Soderberg put himself in a vulnerable position and deserved to get hit like that.

Please don't do it.

Take a look at the two videos that I have embedded in this blog post. I am going to ask you, where have we seen this move before? I see a pattern developing here. Kreider did the same thing to Jonas Brodin earlier in the year.

06:13 NYR Chris Kreider Boarding - 2 min against Carl Soderberg
06:13 BOS Chris Kelly Instigator - 2 min against Chris Kreider
06:13 NYR Chris Kreider Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Chris Kelly
06:13 BOS Chris Kelly Fighting (maj) - 5 min against Chris Kreider
06:13 BOS Chris Kelly Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min

(Video) John Moore's head shot on Erik Haula

At the 07:12 mark of the second period, New York Rangers forward John Moore was given a match penalty for this dirty, dangerous, inexcusable head shot on Wild forward Erik Haula.

This hit is worthy of a suspension  and should land Moore a game or two vacation. Because this penalty is a match penalty, it will reviewed by the NHL. There is no excuse for this dirty hit.

John Moore's actually going by Haula, slows and extends elbow right into Haula, who leaves the game. Match's are automatic reviews
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) October 28, 2014

NY Rangers determined to make sure Wild have no players left by tomorrow's game in Boston.
— Matt Kalman (@TheBruinsBlog) October 28, 2014

(Video) Chris Krieder Boards Jonas Brodin

This is an unnecessary, dangerous hit by New York Rangers forward Chris Krieder. If you don't believe me, check out the video, Krieder throws Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin violently into the boards. This is the kind of hit that needs to be eliminated from the game of hockey.

I also believe that this is a hit that needs more examination by the NHL's Department of Player safety and that Krieder should be suspended for this hit. A game or two would be appropriate. Thoughts?

Paging @NHLPlayerSafety @NYRangers Chris Krieder on line one for his appointment. Nasty hit on @mnwild Jonas Brodin.
— Daren Millard (@darenmillard) October 27, 2014

Ryan Malone to Play for the Rangers?

#460085053 / gettyimages.com

Here's the latest in the Ryan Malone saga.
NHL.COM -- Forward Ryan Malone will begin participating in informal skates with the New York Rangers on Monday, according to multiple sources and first reported by Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Malone has been a free agent since the Tampa Bay Lightning used their second compliance buyout on the forward on June 25. At the time, Malone had one year and $2.5 million remaining on the seven-year, $31.5 million contract he signed with the Lightning in 2008.

Malone, 34, struggled last season in Tampa Bay, scoring five goals and 15 points in 57 games. A fourth-round pick (No. 115) of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1999 NHL Draft, he is a six-time 20-goal scorer and set career highs in his final season in Pittsburgh with 27 goals, 51 points, a plus-14 rating and 103 penalty minutes.

Rangers to sign Kevin Hayes

Well, it looks like the New York Rangers are the team that's going to land former Boston College forward Kevin Hayes.

Mike Halford, Pro Hockey Talk -- On Tuesday, various outlets (see here and here and here and here) reported that Hayes — the former Boston College standout taken 24th overall by Chicago at the ’10 draft — has agreed to sign with the New York Rangers, ending a long, drawn-out saga in the process.

Hayes had consistently balked at signing in Chicago despite the ‘Hawks drafting him out of high school four years ago, ahead of the likes of Evgeny Kuznetsov, Charlie Coyle and Emerson Etem. Instead, he completed a stellar career at BC, then simply allowed time to run out on his draft rights — on Aug. 15, the deadline for the ‘Hawks to sign Hayes passed, making him an unrestricted free agent in the process.

Make or Break Time for J.T. Miller?

#493840147 / gettyimages.com

I found this article on T.J. Miller to be interesting, maybe because he was committed to UND for a minute, before he bolted for the greener pastures of the OHL. I still think college hockey would have done this kid some good.

SNYRangers.com -- Jeff Gorton says that the Rangers organization has “made it clear” to JT Miller what kind of opportunity he has in front of him this season. (Tal Pinchevsky)

Glen Sather said at the draft that they expect Miller to “come to play” this year. Sather said that Miller is “young, fits into the price range and will develop into a very good hockey player.” He adds that Miller showed a lot of growth this past season.

It’s been said before that the Rangers are counting on Miller to take a step this coming season.

Miller is “more than ready” to be an NHLer and should be able to beat out Chris Bourque or Chris Mueller for a roster spot. (The Hockey News)