Hello New York and everywhere else, I'm Bird and you're in the Birdcage here at Hockeybird.com

I want to thank Mitch Beck and the guys over at the BlueShirt Bulletin for having me as one of the guests for the big chat on Labor Day night. After sampling some Sam Adams Scottish Ale I popped on the box and logged in. I was pleased to read that Bobby Sanguinetti, the 1st round selection of the Rangers in this past draft was on as well. I'm sure you'll join me in hoping that the kid is on our blueline for years to come.

I was asked two questions that I was unable to answer. One dealt with the possible "major move" that the Rangers could make. Look, even guys with better contacts than I can't answer this one. But we can guess.

Look, it's clear that with the extra cap room the Rangers can afford to grab one more player at least. This could be a free agent or a possible trade. With Ortmeyer out for a while there is a spot for a penalty killer who can also handle 3rd or 4th line duties. If you think back to last season, the 3rd and 4th lines provided effort, solid defence but very few goals. It's my hope that we'll address this. When Larry Brooks suggested that Dvo could be signed, most messageboard posts I read were dead set against it. While I'm no fan of reverting back to the old Rangers.....I don't think that Dvo returning would be that at all.

Now of course I am not suggesting that Radek will somehow become a 25 goal scorer or all of a sudden by magic become a power forward, but I do think he could succeed in a PK role and with his speed perhaps add a few scoring chances. This would not be a horrible signing it just wouldn't be the most ideal. Add in that few of Uncle Larry's "sources" have been spot on over the years and I have no worries on this at all. Now, don't get me wrong here....I believe that Larry spoke with Dvo's agent and some type of conversation took place.

Some fans would like to see a kid move up and take any open roster spot. I'm with ya here. However, unless someone can have a hell of a camp I'm unclear exactly who this might be. Jarrko ? He's a center and I already think he'll get a spot. Dawes? Same thing....I think he'll be a winger with the big club at some point this season. So, we'll have to wait and see if any of the other kids can make the jump.

Keep in mind, the PK was a huge part of last season's success. Many of the parts of last years PK are gone now......it'll be interesting to see the new version and it'll be key that whomever kills penalties does at least as good a job as the crew last year.

The other question I really couldn't answer was about Ranger defenceman Karel Rachunek. How would he fit in this year, how would he play and how high on the chart would he rate. Honestly, I haven't seen the guy skate since the '04 season. And, only a few games at that. Some fans are not high on this kid as he's not been very enthusiastic about playing in NY or anywhere in North America for that matter. While this is something that always should raise a red flag when formulating an opinion on a player I don't see it as a big issue. You have to remember that a European player doesn't just leave his area or home.....he's leaving a continent. In addition, the last time this guy was on the ice at MSG the team stunk. I'm quite sure the success of last year helped make Rachunek realize the great opportunity he'd be missing out on if he didn't sign. Now as to how he's going to play? Who knows?

It's my hope that we have a sleeper here. I thought the kid played well when I last saw him and he's got all the tools to play well in the NHL. Sometime after camp I'm sure we'll all have a lot more data on this and we'll have a much better idea if this guy will have an impact on MSG ice this year. Of course, there's always a trade possibility.

No one can argue that last season was more fun to watch as a fan than the previous seven or eight. Was it a fluke? I don't think so. However, the way the season ended and the four consecutive losses to the Devs in the playoffs should make you think......are the Rangers really any good? At the moment there's no way to tell. You don't need me to tell you that we'll need a solid season from Henke and another monster season from Jagr. Special teams play will need to be excellent. But for the Rangers to become a serious threat, their 5 on 5 play will need to get more offence from the blueline.

It's September and preseason games begin in two weeks. Many of our questions will be answered soon enough.....and new questions will arise, as they always do. Like last year I don't have any high expectations......but I do have high hopes......and beer.

----}- Bird

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