Hello NY and everywhere else, welcome back to the Birdcage. Assume for a second that there really is going to be an NHL season this coming October. I'm not saying that it's 100% just yet but let's just pretend for a moment. The announcement that Henrik Lundqvist, the top keeper in Sweden has decided to come to North America for the up coming season prompted one of our message board members to complain about a perceived log jam at the goalie position. First, it's nice to see greatone in mid-season form after a year of zero NHL games. Bitching about the team seems to be part of being a fan of the NY Rangers.

Let's take a look see at the possible Ranger keepers, again we're making believe that there is actually going to be an NHL season. One thing we don't have to make believe is that we now have a top flight goalie coach. Benoit Allaire has a tremendous reputation and it's my hope that he'll help whoever the Rangers end up with on the big club and in the minors. Here's a Q&A with the new coach.

Al Montoya:

The kid was a star two years ago after a great performance at the World Junior Championships. His play at Michigan was stellar. This past season was not as good. He had a bad tourney and I'm sure he would admit that. My guess is that he'll need a season or two in the AHL before he could play at the NHL level. Keep in mind, he's yet to sign a pro contract so you can only write in his name in pencil.

Dan Blackburn:

I'm not so sure he'll be able to play in the NHL with his limited shoulder movement. I think it's great that he is attempting to play with the weird dual blocker thing and I don't want to count him out just yet but let's face it, he's got a long way to go before he'll be seriously considered for the Rangers NHL roster. If he doesn't cash out on the insurance I'd bet on him being in Charlotte or Hartford.

Jason LaBarbera:

Jason had a hell of a year two seasons ago and even came up to play a few NHL games but didn't shine the way he did in Hartford. This past season I didn't get the feeling he was as good. I didn't watch him so my take is being formulated on what I read from the papers and from your comments in the Pack section of the boards. Jason deserves a good look this year from the Rangers but he'd have to earn a spot with great play. A possible number two, I don't think Jason will be a number one in the NHL. Nothing would please me more than for him to prove me wrong.

Steve Valiquette:

Steve played well in Hartford this past season giving the Pack two solid keepers to lean on. Word is that he's signed to play in Europe this coming season. I have not seen him play enough to get a sense of how much NHL potential he has.

Henrik Lundqvist:

This guy was the best player in his league. I thought he was very good at the World Championships this spring. His dream is to play for the NY Rangers at MSG in an NHL game. My guess, that's exactly what will happen. There's no way to tell this early on who will be on the Rangers opening day roster and it's possible that Lundy starts the year in Hartford to get some seasoning. If that's the case I feel confident that we'd see him up with the big club at some point. I know that Don Cherry doesn't like euro-goalies, I'm not Don. It's very possible that Lundy backstops the NY Rangers to their first playoff appearance in 9 years.

Kevin Weekes:

I'd be OK with Kevin as a number two. I'd prefer someone else though. If I remember correctly, Kevin has had some poor outings at MSG as a visitor. It's possible he'd fair better as the home team keeper.....but I wouldn't bet the farm on him.

Mike Dunham:

Mike played well when he first came to the Rangers. Something changed in his game though. He was giving up too many rebounds leading to goals against. His past season in Europe was poor at best. It's possible that he's done. I recall towards the end of the last Rangers season that a source of mine reported that the Dudes' agent stated that Mike was finished in NY. This came out after Sather had made some less than sparkling comments to the media on Mikes play. I don't recall the Dudes' contract status but I wouldn't be too upset if Mike found a spot somewhere other than New York.

I'm sure there are a few keepers who I'm leaving out but they would be prospects I haven't seen play so I wouldn't be able to judge their talent nor comment on their impact on the NY Rangers roster. Chris Holt and Johan Asplund are names I don't really know.

So as you can see, it's not like the Rangers have a clear number one starter in goal. For a team that should be laden with youth, a solid keeper will be needed to keep the team in some games and perhaps steal a few. Having all these possibilities coming into camp is a good thing. If your complaint is that the Rangers should not have selected Montoya with the #6 pick, sorry it's already done so deal with it.

Well, that was fun. Writing about actual hockey.....I had forgotten how nice that is. I'd love to be able to do that more often. If a deal gets done there will be a flurry of player movement and signings giving us plenty of stuff to bitch about on the boards......kind of like a pre-season for Ranger fans who I know will be ready to complain and second guess from the opening face off. One thing is for sure, the rebuilding of the NY Rangers will test fans patience. We'll see if you're up to the task.

----}- Bird

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