Rangers Win!

Hagelin, Richards, Del Zotto and Dubinsky scored as the Rangers won pretty easily against Florida in Florida. They jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, then basically held on. Once the Panthers scored their only goal, Dubi came right back and reestablished the three goal lead. Richards and Hagelin also had assists to go along with their goals. Staal is getting really close to coming back. And once again, Hank was awesome,

Meanwhile, as you've read all over, the Rangers waived Avery yet again, to make room for Wolski.

Keep grinding, Rangers!

Rangers Rolling Again

So how great has Carl Hagelin been? He had 2 more goals last night and that was all the Rangers needed as they shutout the Islanders. Michael Del Zotto had assists on both of those goals and was on ice again when Gaborik scored his 22nd. MDZ is the player we thought we drafted and has gone from being on the fringes to being a rock solid member of the CORE this season. And Gaborik is doing what he does when healthy. Oh, and Hank and Biron are giving the Rangers a goaltending advantage every night. And Marc Staal has been cleared for contact. How does it get any better than this? Go Rangers!

Knicks Wn!!!!

The Knick are still a work in progress with not all of their parts, but they do have two healthy superstars and Carmelo Anthony scored 17 points in the 4th to allow the Knicks to beat the Celts 106-104. The defensive effort was there, if not the results. Tyson Chandler didn't fill up the stat sheet, but he had some big plays on D and O. Amar'e was Amar'e, which is great. Iman Shumpert was missing everything but playing good D, when he got barreled into and sprained his MCL. He'll be out two weeks. Could have been worse. Jorts didn't play much but played good D. TD was up and down, and the Celtic guards just own him for some reason. Anyway, the Knicks are a work in progress, but this was a GREAT WIN! Merry Christmas, my friends!!!!!!!!!

Rangers Clock Flyers!

What a rivalry week before Christmas for the Rangers! 3-0!!!!!!! They just beat the Flyers 4-2 in a game that was never in doubt after Derek Stepan scored an amazing goal in the second period to start the scoring. Fedotenko, Gaborik and Callahan scored the other Ranger goals. The Flyer scored in the third to make it 3-1 but the Rangers came right back and made in 4-1 on the Cally goal. The Flyers last goal was off a high stick, and doubt it would have been ruled a goal if the outdoor game wasn't coming up. Meanwhile Stu Bickel has 4 points in 4 games and is defending teammates. And it seems like everyone who comes up is helping. This was a physical game at the end of a physical week, and the Rangers won all three games. The Garden was electric tonight. Way to go crowd! Oh and MDZ had two more assists. We have a star, folks! Go Rangers!

Signs of Life?

Brandon Dubinsky had a GOAL!!!! and an assist as the Rangers pasted the Islanders 4-2 tonight. Gaborik added his 20th, and Michael Del Zotto, who is coming into his own, added one on a blast that handcuffed the goalie. Mitchell had the other goal, and all he does is play right. Marty Biron got the win, his 7th in 8 tries. This is when you know you have a pretty good team, and we do. Go Rangers!!!!

Rangers Beat Devils

The Rangers just beat a red hot New Jersey Devil team in New Jersey in what was a very tough game most of the way. The Devils scored in the first, then Hank turned it up a notch. The Rangers evened the score in the second on a sweet goal from Artie, set-up by Stepan. The tie was broken in the 3rd on a Gaborik goal, also from Stepan. Gaborik would score an empty netter later and the GAS line accounted for 7 points (three goals and 4 assists). That's spectacular. The Rangers got another goal, this one a shorty from Carl Hagelin who was sprung by call-up Stu Bickel. Erixon was also called up and played tonight. In other good news, it sounds like Marc Staal is on the mend! Go Rangers!

Knicks Add Novak

The Knicks just added Steve Novak to their bench for the vet minimum. He can't really do anything but hit threes, but that's a great skill to have for the Knicks and they didn't have to touch their 2.5 exception. The roster is starting to come together. Posey could be next. Go Knicks!

Knicks Got Davis?

Reports are coming in from all over that the Knicks will sign Baron Davis tomorrow. That's another strong move in the wake of the Tyson Chandler signing and the reality that they are not getting Chris Paul anytime soon. Paul would have been great. He's great anywhere he goes, but, the Knicks biggest issues were size and defense and Tyson Chandler brings both and makes sure Amar'e doesn't have to play C anymore. That may help the Knicks, which are built around two elite scoring forwards, more than even adding an elite PG would. However; with Davis, if healthy and feeling it, the Knicks may have the best of both worlds. Davis doesn't have a talent problem, he has had a motivation problem at times, but he also has not gotten to play for a team with this kind of talent before. The other good news for the Knicks this weekend is that Shumpert and Harrelson are impressing everyone with their games and game readiness. Should be a fun season. Go Knicks!

Giants Lose Another Must Win Game

But but for the `07 title run, every year of the Couglin era has started off pretty well and collapsed toward the end. `07 must now be seen as the exception to the rule. Even if the Giants beat the Jets and Dallas and make the playoffs, this just isn't good enough for a team whose Super Bowl window probably opened a year early. They have not been elite since Plax shot himself, and thats' inexcusable.

What a Win!

Brad Richards just score a backhander at 19:59 of the third period to give the Rangers a 3-2 win in Phoenix. It really looked like we were heading to overtime after the Rangers couldn't score on a big power play. Artem Anisimov was a scratch due to illness and Rupp returned. Steven Eminger had to leave the game injured. But, if not for the late goal, we would be talking about Marian Gaborik, who scored the first two goals for the Rangers, including his 300th! But the Rangers two greatest offensive players got the job done when the Rangers really needed it most, and ain't it great to have `em? Now, back to the East Coast to play the Devils and let's beat them like drums. Go Rangers!

Baron Davis Finally Amnestied

Earlier today, it was announced that Baron Davis has a bulging disc. Just now it's been reported he has been amnestied. If no one claims him, the Knicks will probably pick him up for the Vet Min. In some unfortunate news, Jamal Crawford has told the Knicks they are out of the running for his services this year. Shawne Williams will probably be back for the 2.5 M exception any minute now. Go Knicks.

UPDATE: Baron Davis has cleared waivers and is able to sign with any team but the Cavs now.

Rangers Lose

Jeff Woywitka made a mistake in the neutral zone and it lead to the only goal in a 1-0 Ranger loss. The kind of mistake he made was a little un-Rangerlike, and I wouldn't be surprised if it puts him in street clothes. Of course, he or someone else might not be playing if we were healthier on D, but it's starting to show. We've lost 3 out of 4 now and it would be a great time for Dubinsky to bust out of his season long slump. Go Rangers!

Baron Davis?

Though Baron Davis has not yet been amnesty waived, there is a lot of buzz right now that he will make it to the Knicks. If so, that would probably allow us to trade Tony Douglas in and S and T for Crawford or another 2. Davis is a talent, and he seems to play better in better situations. He's also been known to put on weight. That said, he could really flourish in the D'Antoni system and with the big 3. I'm still concerned about the 2, though. Go Knicks!

Giants Tebow Cowboys!

Wow! The Giants were down 12 points with about 5 minutes left and Eli came up with two TD drives and Jason Pierre-Paul blocked a field goal attempt and the Giants finally won a game! And it was huge. JPP is going to be a monster He had two sacks, two forced fumbles, some TFL's and then the block. It was an LT type game and I'm overjoyed to say it. What a comeback. Eli is MAGIC! JPP is maybe something even more. We ran the ball pretty well tonight, too. Finally! Go Giants! Celebrate people!!!!!!!

Stepan!

Derek Stepan had 2 goals, one a rebound, the other and end to end rush, as well as an assist in a monster game as the Rangers pounded Florida 6-1. Artie and Gabby also scored to give each member of the GAS line a goal. Richards and Emminger had the other Ranger goals. Nice weekend. Go Rangers!

Crawford Redux?

The Knicks and Jamal Crawford are apparently trying to work out a sign and trade that would return the streaky scorer with the killer crossover to the fans that love him most. It will be interesting to see if it can be done. The Knicks have Tony Douglas, the trade exception from Turiaf and other stuff to send the other way if they want to and if the Hawks are ammenable. They may also be adding JJ Barea to their PG mix for the 2.5 mini-exception they have left. Go Knicks!

And a Child Will Lead Them

Carl Hagelin had his first two goal game, and Marty Biron was more than solid as the Rangers went to Buffalo and beat the Sabres 4-1 to end their two game losing streak. Both Hagelin's first goal and Callahan's goal were short handed. Carl's second goal was at even strength and Marian Gaborik's 14th goal came on a late power play! Terrific effort by the Rangers. Go Blueshirts!!!!!!!!

Knicks Finally Adding Jerome Jordan

The Knicks have finally come to terms with former Tulsa Center Jerome Jordan. You'll remember the Knicks paid 1 million dollars in the 2010 draft for the rights to Jordan, then let him go overseas to play last year. Now, they finally have an established C Jordan can learn behind in Tyson Chandler, and Jordan gives them another 7 footer who can run the floor and finish. Jordan also has some shotblocking and defensive potential down the road. With Chander, Jordan and Jorts, the Knicks have added much needed beef to bolster their front line. Nice progression of moves. Go Knicks!

Mike Bibby a Knick

Many years past his prime, Mike Bibby is flying to New York to join the team his father started out with almost 40 years ago. Hopefully, Bibby is being brought in because he knows how to run and team and to teach Iman Shumpert some of the tricks of the game and how it is done. Don't know what the dollars are, but now they need to find a two who can score. Go Knicks!

Now It Looks Like a Sign and Trade!

Okay, this is interesting: apparently the Tyson Chandler deal is now a sign and trade with Dallas and the Knicks might even be keeping Chauncy Billups instead of using our amnesty power on him! This is getting very interesting! Go Knicks!

UPDATE: So it looks like Dallas will only take back 1 low salaried player to create a trade exception. Thus the Knicks will still have to amnesty Billups to get under the cap to make the trade and take on Chandler's salary. Oh well. They may have another trade or two they can make after this.

UPDATE: Turiaf has been traded to Washington for what would appear to be a trade exception of his full salary. This could be really useful if the Knicks try to find a better 1 or 2. Though I now believe they see Iman Shumpert as a 1, and might bring Bibby in to tutor him. In that case, I think they'd go make a trade for a 2 who can score.

Rangers Lose Shootout

The Rangers gave up a late game tying shorthanded goal, then missed a bunch of shots in overtime, then all their shots in the shootouts, to lose. Former Ranger Dominic Moore scored the shorty and the only goal in the shootout. 1 point. C'mon, Rangers.

Alas, Paul to the Lakers

Apparently, the Knicks got the news earlier than most and made their countermove for Tyson Chandler. They're apparently using the amnesty clause on Chauncy Billups and dealing off Turiaf in a separate move to open cap space for Chandler. Though that should open more than is necessary for Chandler. This gives them an overwhelming front court, with a very good defender at C. The Knicks are now shaky at the guard spots, but Iman Shumpert could develop into a quality one or two and they still have Tony Douglas as well as some room to go after a veteran PG like Baron Davis who is also getting the amnesty treatment tomorrow. If they can settle the point, this is a team that can go deep in the playoffs. Go Knicks.

UPDATE: Apparently, the NBA owners have killed the Chris Paul to the Lakers deal. It's unclear if this will have any effect on the Knicks or their plans.

Tyson Chandler?

Either the Toast has been scrapped, and the Knicks are about to add a much needed defensive Center in Tyson Chandler, or the brinksmanship is out of hand and they are trying to make Chris Paul demand a trade to the Knicks before they complete their sign and trade for Chandler. It would seem the only way to get Paul if they already get Chandler would be by trading Chandler and stuff or trading Amar'e. Both seem unlikely. It the deal for Chandler goes through, look for them to pick up Baron Davis or someone for this year, then get Steve Nash at the deadline or next year. Wild times in Knickland.

It Has to be Yu!

Yu Darvish is finally getting posted either Thursday or Friday. I think the Yanks plan on winning the bidding, and will only sign Nakajima if they win the bidding for Darvish. If that happens, I then expect Nunez to be moved for another pitcher, and Cespedes to be the Yanks other FA target. Go Yanks! Get your man!

Yanks Win Rights to Nakajima

It's just been announced that the Yanks have won the rights to Japanese Shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima. Obviously, it isn't to replace Jeter, and at 29, he's not a prospect. This probably means they will move Nunez in a trade for pitching.

You see conflicting reports on the player, but he seems to take his walks and have some pop. One of the guys I follow on Twitter is a baseball scout in Japan and really like Nakajima. We'll have to see what the rest of the moves are. Go Yanks!

The Toast?

Last week we heard that Chris Paul had had his agent request a trade to the Knicks. Now the Hornets are saying they might trade him before the season. I wonder if he really can push his way to the Knicks now. What do you think?

Another Streak Ends

The Rangers almost came all the way back from a 3-0 deficit but couldn't tonight. Once again, they erupted in the second period, but the period ended before they could push a third goal across. Anisimov and Gaborik scored the Ranger goals. Sauer took a blow to the head, late, that not only should have been a penalty, but may have really hurt him, and that's more important than a win or a loss tonight. Let's hope he's okay. Time to start a new streak. Go Rangers!

The Winter Meetings

So Brian Cashman heads down to Dallas tomorrow for the Winter Meetings. Nothing seems "hot" with the Yankees as they wait for Darvish, Cespedes and Soler to hit the market. Maybe they'll pick someone in the rule five. Maybe not. Just don't trade Montero, and things should be okay. Go Yanks!

Second Half Swoon Continues for Giants

The offense played pretty well outside of some three and out and a pick six from Eli, but the D was the D we are used to, and the Giants lost in regulation after tying he game with less than a minute to go. The defense was what we've seen all year. A sieve. Unreal and against everything the Giants are built on. The refs didn't help, either, but now the Giants are 6-6 having lost 4 in a row. We've seen this every year of the Coughlin era but one. Let's see what happens now.

Rangers Make it 5 in a Row!

It was a tough game, where the Rangers fell behind twice 1-0 and 2-1 but they came back, pulling ahead on a late goal by Derek Stepan and an empty netter from Brad Richards to beat Tampa 4-2. Fedotenko and AA had the other goals. Needless to say, if Stepan and Artem are ready to start scoring, there's no telling where this team could go. They'll go for their 2500th franchise win Monday night against Toronto at the Garden. Go Rangers! What a team!

Rangers Win Again

The Rangers just got done beating the Canes 5-3 in front of Marty Biron. This is the kind of game the Rangers must win, against a lesser team, with Biron in goal, and the won it. McDonagh, Callahan, Gaborik, Avery and Sauer had the goals. They had another big second period, and Hagelin picked up another assist on Sauer's goal. He has scored in every one of his games. Keep it going, Rangers, and add parts carefully! Go Rangers!

Paul Requests Trade to Knicks

Chris Paul's agent has officially requested a trade to the Knicks. We'll see how this plays out, but the league would be wise to put him in NYC, as it's bound to happen next June, anyway. Might as well get it over with and not have a drama that overshadows the first year of the new CBA. Carmelo never officially took this step. Stay tuned.