Sportsbook: New York Rangers (29-29-9, 67 points, 9th in Eastern Conference)
- The Rangers have looked horrible since returning from the Olympic Break and have now dropped four games in a row. They are three points behind Boston for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference but Boston has two games in hand on the Blueshirts.
- In last night’s nightmare loss against the Devils, 6-3, Henrik Lundqvist was pulled halfway through the second period for allowing his fifth goal of the game. Three of those goals were deflections off of lazy Rangers defensemen’s sticks. King Henry was none too happy to abdicate his throne before the job was done. He was replaced by recent acquisition off the waiver wire, Alex Auld.
- The Rangers four game losing streak was against the top four teams in the Eastern Conference, so it is not like this is the end of the Rangers playoff hopes. It does show that if they make the playoffs, they will likely be one and done, however the prospect of making the playoffs is still very much alive.
- Leading the Rangers in scoring during their slump has been Brandon Dubinsky with three goals and an assist. For what it’s worth, the Rangers will come away from this season with a core group of young players (Dubinsky, Callahan, Lundqvist, Del Zotto, Staal) and leadership (Drury, Gaborik) to build around for next season.
- The Rangers have four games on their schedule this week, and these games are against their competition for the final playoff spot. Getting six points in these four games is a must for the Rangers if they want to extend the 2009-2010 season.
U.S. Sportsbook Review: New York Islanders (26-32-8, 60 points, 14th in Eastern Conference)
- The Islanders continue their limp to the finish this year going 3-7 in their last ten games. The Islanders were sellers at the trade deadline and acquired a second round pick for defenseman Andy Sutton. The Isles have a good young nucleus together with Kyle Okposo, John Tavares, Rob Schemp, Matt Moulson, Josh Bailey and Franz Nielsen.
- Defenseman Mark Streit has been a bright spot for the Isles with nine goals and 26 assists from the point. Streit was a key player for the Swiss Olympic team.
- The Goalie situation in Long Island is peculiar to say the least. The Isles have three goaltenders on their roster, all veterans, which probably could start for some teams in the league. Only problem is that the one getting paid the big money is hurt again as Rick DiPietro is trying to make that incredulous 15 year contract he signed a couple of years ago, look more and more like the worst contract ever given out to a professional athlete in the salary cap era. DiPietro has played in less than ten games now in two straight seasons and the big bodied goaltender with top flight athleticism has had his knees go on him. Martin Biron and Dwayne Roloson are journeymen in the NHL and likely will have a new home next year.
- The Islanders, which have been the laughing stock of the league since returning from the lockout, even with the goalie crisis, seem to be doing a good job of rebuilding…finally. For the rest of the season, they are vulnerable to teams with high powered offenses and physical play and before you bet on march madness this year, look for the Isles to struggle in their upcoming games against a hot Blues team and the Devils.
