Rangers Clip Ducks On Gaborik Nets Shootout Winner

Historically Marian Gaborik has been bad in the shootout, but on Thursday night he netted the winner in the third round to give the New York Rangers the 2-1 victory over Anaheim.  Following Gaborik’s goal Henrik Lundqvist got a little payback against Bobby Ryan shutting him down to end the game.  The payback for Lundqvist was both from Ryan’s shootout winner October 8th and his goal earlier in the game.  Lundqvist was back on his game tonight after struggling in his two prior outings.

The shootout followed an amazing overtime where the Rangers had numerous chances, but could not solve Jonas Hiller.  Hiller was phenomenal tonight making multiple highlight reel saves to keep a sluggish Ducks team in the game.

The Rangers only goal in regulation came from and unlikely source as Jeff Woywitka tallied his first of the year.  Woywitka let a slapshot go from the point that beat Hiller low late in the first period.  The shot deflected off Andrew Gordon’s glove.  Obviously Woywitka is feeling the pressure of the Rangers reported signing of Anton Stralman to a one-year contract.  Personally the one who should be feeling the pressure right now is Steve Eminger.

Bobby Ryan got the Ducks lone goal on a beautiful passing sequence between he, Getzlaf and Perry.  Lundqvist had no real chance to stop Ryan’s snipe far side.

Expect Sean Avery to be in the lineup Saturday as Wojtek Wolski re-aggravated his groin injury during the first period and did not return to the game.  Be interesting to see how Tortorella mixes up the lines for Saturday as he had started to get some semblance of consistency with them.

Breaking News: Rangers Sign Anton Stralman

According to TSN'S Bob McKenzie the New York Rangers have signed defenseman Anton Stralman to a one-year deal worth 900K. The deal has been rumored for the last couple of weeks.

More later

Rangers Roundtable Part II: Dubinsky, Del Zotto, Boyle, Surprises and Broadway Hat

Various Rangers blog sites have gotten together and agreed to review each five game segment of the New York Rangers schedule for different items going on with the team.  The sites participating 5-hole, SNY Rangers Blog, Blue Seat Blogs, The Rangers Tribune,and yours truly at Bleeding All Blue.  Jess Rubenstein of The Prospect Park will also share his thoughts on what is going on in the Rangers prospect world. 

This week discussion involved questions around Dubinsky's goal scoring, Michael Del Zotto's play, biggest surprise thus far, what to make of Brian Boyle's play, and the of course The Broadway Hat.  To check out everyone's thoughts head over to SNY Rangers Blog.

Richards Taking Stepan Under His Wing Is Added Bonus For Rangers

When the New York Rangers signed prized free agent Brad Richards this summer much of the focus was on what he could bring to the team himself as well as how he would help return Marian Gaborik to form.  Lost in the discussion for many was what a player like Richards could do for some of the younger Rangers in terms of learning the position of center in the NHL and how to deal with the ups and downs of the game.  Jim Cerny at Blueshirts United gives an example of Richards doing just that with second year forward Derek Stepan leading up to Monday's game against San Jose. 

"This guy over here (pointing to Richards) grabbed me one day at practice and said don't let your head think too much, just go play," Stepan explained. "I battle with this quite a bit actually. I did it last year when I went (17) games without a goal after my first three (on opening night). You have to get in between your own ears and battle it, get an ugly (goal) and get going again. And Brad helped me with that."

Last week Stepan was on MSG during intermission talking about his low confidence and that possibly sparked Richards taking this step, but it shows excellent leadership to help out a young player who was clearly pressing.  Stepan gave it back to Richards Monday with his first goal of the season.