The Rangers announced they recalled Ryan Callahan, who never left New York anyway, and sent Greg Moore back to Hartford, which was a change in heart from yesterday.

It was Tom Renney’s call, who felt he wanted Callahan in New York.

According the reporters in Greenburgh, Renney changed the lines up. You can read more on Sam Weinman’s blog on that topic.

Also Henrik Lundqvist is still sick with the flu, so if doesn’t take a turn for the better tomorrow and practices in the morning, expect Steve Valiquette again in goal against the Pens tomorrow night.

Speaking of the flu, didn’t Lundqvist get sick last year at this time? Maybe it’s time for a flu shot or something.

Posted under Blog

Usually I have it scheduled out to not to miss a game, and I am at all the home game. But on the road at 1 p.m. in Ottawa, you must forgive me for being a bad beat writer. Well, not so bad since I was with my son. 

Anyway, the Blueshirts did win 5-2 with Brendan Shanahan scoing two, Jaromir Jagr one with Dan Girardi and Blair Betts chipping in as well.

This is a game the Rangers needed. They took advantage of a slumping Ottawa squad while breaking out of their own scoring slump. It’s important to win a game like this because if the Rangers do meet Ottawa in the playoffs, they will want a win or two during the season.

Also by scoring five and spreading it around, the team can rest can gain a little confidence going into a tough stretch in December. Remember, this time last season, they went into a big slump that alomost torpedoed the season.

But that’s done now and now the Rangers have the third most points in the league, two away from the conference top and four from Detroits NHL pacing 36. Oh and the Rangers no longer have the fewest goals in the league. That honor now goes to the New York Islanders.

Who would have thunk that?

On a different note, I am off to Nashville tomorrow to cover the Winter Meetings for Baseball. I will not be at the game on Monday, but John Buro will cover for me. I will be posting on this blog if any Ranger news happens. But if you like baseball and want to know the latest news and notes check out the Amazin Scene and Bronx Scene for all the updates.

See you in a few!!! 

Posted under Blog

I know this is the moment all the Ranger fans are waiting for when Marek Malik returns, but according to Steve Zipay, Tom Renney may not want to put him back in the lineup on Thursday against the Isles.

Now, he will be coming back, so expect No. 8 to be back there over the weekend. The question is where he will play.

Expect Jason Strudwick to get scratched as Malik filters back into the lineup, but it’s questionable if he will be lining up with Michal Rozsival. Marc Stall fits very nicely at the top and deserves to stay up there, while Malik, who at times can be the Garden pariah, makes some mistakes which cost the Blueshirts.

Breaking up Dan Girardi and Fedor Tyutin doesn’t make sense, so that leaves Paul Mara. Now, Mara has played much better as of late and seems to be getting his stride on. Both he and Strudwick have chemistry together and will that translate with Malik? Or does Renney put Marc Staal back with Mara and Malik with Rozsival, so they can work together.

Believe it or not, the Malik – Rozsival pair worked well together over the past few years and Malik, who has a greak reach does make up for his speed deficiencies.

Also by showcasing Malik, the Rangers may look to trade him towards the deadline and let Strudick play or even bring up someone like Ivan Baranka, who played well last week against Tampa.

The bottom line, no matter how much the fans don’t like him, Malik is here for now.

And I will be at practice tomorrow, so there will be an update from there on this blog.

Posted under Blog

Funny story: On St. Paddy’s Day this year, I marched in the parade for the first time in my life. As such, I was not at the Ranger game that night when they took on the Bruins.

As you know Boston’s backup goalie Joey MacDonald got into the game and pretty much stunk up the place [before he was masterful against the Rangers in Beantown around a week later]. Anyway, when I came to the game on Monday, boy did I hear it from the other guys on the beat in a very playful manner.

Well MacDonald [note the Mac which is Scottish not the Mc which is Irish like me] signed a two year deal yesterday with the Islanders, and no that was not me…

On another note. Even though I am Irish and Catholic, we all need a rabbi, so I recomend the Hockey Rabbi, which is a new blog started a few months ago. Check it out.

Posted under Blog

And do you like this blog? Then check out NYS’ newest venture The Gang Green Scene. Visit, comment and show your love….

Posted under Blog

I know what you are thinking: Another Blog? But with the Rangers doing so well, why not have the information out there.

With hockey now taking center stage, we here at NYS will be doing the same. Come back here everyday and get reports from the morning skates and also various game insights.

As someone who has covered the team for two years now, I hope you will find my blogging to be insightful and adding to your fan experience.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at joemac@nysportscene.com or just leave a comment.

Later today, I will have more about the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Buffalo, including a prediction.

Thanks for checking in,

Joe McDonald

Posted under Blog