If you checked out any news source about the Rangers this morning, I'm sure you already know that Henrik Lundqvist suffered a mild hip-flexor strain and will miss tonight's contest. The locals are also reporting that Darius Kasparaitis will definitely miss the game, and might not return until some time next week because of his injured groin.
One could look at these injuries as bad timing, because the Rangers would really like to win the Atlantic Division and secure some home ice in the playoffs. With the Flyers coming into town tonight trailing the Blueshirts by just two points, it sucks that the team isn't 100% healthy.
On the other hand, you could also say it is better that these guys are sidelined now rather than in the playoffs. This team is going to be make the postseason no matter what, assuming they don't lose all of their remaining games in regulation, and assuming the Thrashers don't go out the door undefeated. I would rather these guys rest and be ready for the first round.
As a result of Lundqvist's absence, Kevin Weekes will get the start and will probably be facing multiple opponents tonight. Of course, there are the Flyers. Bigger enemies, however, might be his confidence and the MSG crowd. The veteran goaltender has never been well-received by the Garden faithful, usually with little or no justifiable causes. Then again, Weekes sometimes makes it hard on himself, letting in soft goals at inopportune times. How ironic, and great, would it be if he puts up a world class performance to lead this team (officially) to its first post-season since 1997?
Al Montoya will be recalled from Hartford to serve as backup.
The other local writers have previews for this evening:
NY Daily News: It is likely that Lundqvist also will sit out Thursday night's game against the Islanders as the Rangers tread lightly with their candidate for the Vezina and Calder Trophies - the young horse they hope to ride deep into the playoffs.
What's with the ponies and horses and stuff with the Rangers lately??
The Star Ledger: It is virtually a foregone conclusion, at this point, that Jaromir Jagr will capture his second Hart Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player this season. And the way Adam Graves sees it, there is no reason to believe there aren't more seasons like this in the future for Jagr, who will again try to break Graves' single-season Rangers record for goals tonight when the Rangers play the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden.
NY Post: Jagr, who was named the NHL's Offensive Player of the Month for March, said he physically felt better yesterday, thanks to the Rangers' four-day break. "We've got bigger things to do," said Jagr of his chance to break Adam Graves' season-goal mark tonight in front of a home crowd. "We play a very good team fighting for the first spot."
Around the league:
The Senators beat the Thrashers 6-4, improving the Rangers' Magic Number to ONE. Ottawa had seven regular players missing from the lineup.
Lindy Ruff is opening his big mouth again, this time complaining about a Darcy Tucker hit on one of the Sabre players. If you remember, Ruff pulled the same crap about an unpenalized and un-suspended Kasparaitis hip-check. I understand the guy's daughter is sick and all, but he should just shut-up and let the league handle this stuff. The Sabres became the third team in the East to clinch a playoff spot with the victory.
This is a busy week in sports. You had Wrestlemania on Sunday (nice to see RVD won the "money-in-the-bank" match); you had the NCAA championship last night (which I stopped watching once George Mason was knocked out); you had the Mets and Yanks open up their seasons with wins as the Mets got by on a bad call by the ump, while the Yanks simply whipped ass; and you have the Masters coming up this weekend.
Of course, the funniest sports news of the week came during the San Francisco Giants opener yesterday when someone threw a syringe at Barry Bonds. Now, we would NEVER advocate anyone throwing stuff at players, because it is just wrong, but that's darn funny. Almost as funny as Mets closer Billy Wagner coming into games to the tune of "Enter Sandman".
The drought can end tonight. It's Kevin Weekes and the New York Rangers against the Philadelphia Flyers. The puck drops at 7:00 pm EST. Go Rangers.
HDH
Posted by Jim at April 04, 2006 12:04 PMeMail this entry!
|
Recent Articles
|
|
|