Knicks With a Comeback Win!

Knicks looked horrible in the first half, but then came back and stomped the Cavs in the second half to win 120-103. They had been down 17 in the first half. Lin was great with 19 points, 13 assists, 3 boards a steal and just 1 turnover. Melo had 22. Tyson Chandler had 13 points 15 boards. Baron Davis chipped in with 4 pts and 8 assists. Many of his dimes went to Steve Novak who hit 5 three pointers and finished with 17 points. JR Smith also had some highlights, and Shump had some impressive dunks. Landry and Stat need to pick it up, but a big comeback and a big win. They have three days off till their next game and need to keep PRACTICING. Something special could be brewing. Go Knicks!

Ranges Shutout Devils

Phew. Hank only faced 13 shots as he recorded his 8th shutout of the year and hit the 30 win mark yet again. The defense was awesome, clearly. Hagelin was great, too. He had the Rangers first goal and assisted on Callahan's empty netter. 2-0 good guys. Big win, as the Devils had recently stolen two games from the Rangers. Order has been restored. Go Rangers!

Saving the Kids

Rick Nash is not a Ranger right now because the Rangers wouldn't trade Boston College standout Chris Kreider and others for the right to pay Nash 8M per year for the next several years. That was the correct decision, even if Chris Kreider turns out to be a third liner rather than a top 6 beast. Rick Nash is a great player, who may or may not have put the Rangers over the top this year. At the same time, the Rangers seem to be a bit ahead of schedule (we'll know in a few months if they win a playoff series or two), and a team that is committed to building through the draft and smart trades should stay the course when they find themselves ahead of schedule.

As things stand right now, the Rangers have all their organizational assets and will have cap room in June if they think they need more help than their system can provide. If they want to make a trade in June or sign some free agents who make sense they can. Nash may even force a trade to the Rangers by then. Who knows? But we do know the Rangers have kept their first round pick, and with their last four first rounders they've taken Del Zotto, Kreider, McIlrath and JT Miller. In other words - the first rounders have been providing lifeblood for the organization and it would have been costly to throw this year's first in the pile for Nash as it was widely rumored they would do.

And here's the really cool part, Chris Kreider may join the Rangers in time for the playoffs, think about that. How many teams will be adding a 6'3" 225 pound forward with world class speed after the deadline? The Rangers can and might. They can also call up Tim Erixon who could be ready at any time.

And they'll still have picks, all the same trade assets and cap room come June. It's a great situation for the Rangers. Well done, Glen Sather.

Rangers Get a Little Tougher at the Deadline

Rick Nash didn't get moved at the deadline and neither did any Ranger prospects. Instead, the Rangers traded a 5th for rugged D John Scott of the Blackhawks. This gives us yet another guy who can add to our league leading number of fighting majors. Nice restraint, El Genio.

Cally!

The Ranger captain, Ryan Callahan just did what they couldn't do against the Islanders: score an OT goal and win it! Huge two points as we head into the deadline. Gabby and Hagelin had the two regulation goals. Hagelin is having a very nice rookie season, and will probably end up skating with Stepan and Gaborik going forward. Just a hunch. Now all we can do is watch and wait. I now think there will be a couple of moves and the Rangers are thinking about a Cup this year.

Stare Down?

Apparently, the Rangers and Blue Jackets are haggling over whether or n0t Chris Kreider will be included in a deal that would make Rick Nash a Ranger at the deadline. Hopefully, Glen Sather is willing to blow it up over Kreider and Columbus blinks. Nash would be very good for the Rangers to have, at the same time, Kreider is too much to give up. The Rangers have been trying to add some size lately with picks like Kreider, JT Miller and Stevan Fogarty. Nash is also a big player. It would be optimal to have both Nash and Kreider going forward. Nash could even be a great mentor for Kreider. However; if the Rangers do trade Kreider for Nash, they will have weakened themselves going forward, and the deal could be a disaster without a Cup this year. That's where it stands.

Dustin Brown?

Dustin Brown's name came up with the Rangers today. And after the Kings traded for Carter earlier, it my mean Brown's in play. Brown would cost less than Nash, for sure, and would give the Rangers yet another grinder in the Callahan mode. Bit of an up and down goal scorer like most of the Rangers, but has good size and throws his body around like Callahan. He'd be a good fit, though I'm not sure he'd change the Ranger trajectory. The deadline's getting closer, and I'm not feeling like the Rangers will do anything, yet.

Knicks Clock Hawks

Okay, Jeremy Lin only played 32 minutes, and his 17 and 9 thus aren't as impressive as the stats he puts up when he plays more, but he was still playing at that high level on a rate basis. The reason he didn't play more was because it was a blowout most of the way, and thus the time was used to get Baron Davis more work. Melo looked a little better and Fields and Novak were better than they were against the Nets. The Knicks are deep now, and their second team is going to be exciting with Davis running the point. Big test against the Heat tomorrow. Go Knicks!!!

Yanks Re-Sign Chavez

In a move that surprised no one, the Yanks today re-signed Eric Chavez. Chavez was hurt a bit too much last year, but when he was healthy he played good D, and had good AB's. Sort of like the type of veterans the Yanks had on the bench in the late `90s. And a far cry from some of the dregs we've had since.

Trade Blues?

As trade rumors continued to swirl around Rick Nash and the Rangers, and as Columbus exec Craig Patrick was watching the Rangers, and Ranger scouts were in Columbus watching Nash (presumably and not Carter), the Rangers looked flat and listless against the Pens - losing 2-0. You have to wonder if the Rangers are a little tight about possible trades. It's no secret that they are a very tight team, and that's contributed to their success. Rearranging them with a trade or two might not make sense to the boys -- and some of the trades that are being discussed would not make sense for the Rangers. They cannot trade Kreider or Del Zotto. Nor should they trade McIlrath, but he doesn't seem to be in the conversations. We'll see what happens, but right now, the Rangers are reminding me a bit of how Yankee minor league affiliates used to play poorly around the trade deadline then go back to winning when it passed. I don't think Sather will blink, by the way.

Yank to Sign Raul Ibanez

Now that the Burnett deal is official, the Yanks will be signing Raul Ibanez. Ibanez is a low OBP lefty DH/5th OF at this point. He may; however, be able to hit a lot of homers at New Yankee Stadium. He does have a stadium swing. There was a time when the Yanks were loaded with stadium swing guys, not so much anymore. Very streaky hitter.

Stepan!

Sheesh, the Rangers just won :22 into OT on a goal from Derek Stepan. Rick Nash, who we'll be talking about in the coming days, tied the game with under :90 left, sending it into overtime. Michael Del Zotto had seemed to score a third Ranger goal at the end of the 2nd, and MSG replays showed he had according to their clock. Meanwhile the goal was overruled by a separate clock in Toronto. How the clocks are out of synch is anyone's guess, but the home clock should be the clock of record, otherwise, what else are they playing to? Brad Richards and Artem Anisimov had the first two Ranger goals. It's unclear if any deals are imminent. Del Zotto got a little justice when he assisted on Step's gamewinner. 81 points! Go Rangers!

What a Win!

Linsanity moved to 8-1 as the budding superstar scored 28 points with 14 assists and 5 steals. He also had 7 turnovers, but those will go down as fouls are called and he learns. Steve Novak also went on, and apparently, in the Linsanity era, the Knicks are plus 63 when Steve's on the floor. He was red hot today and that's how the Knicks came back from ten down in the 3rd. JR Smith was a little off, but still hit some big buckets and made some big passes. Shumpert and Landry were once again good on D and inconsistent on O. Amar'e had a tough game, but once again scored some big free throws and grabbed some big boards. Jared Jeffries was also a big part of the D. When this team gets Melo back, they are gonna be deep and damn dangerous. Especially if Baron Davis can contribute, too. Go Knicks!

Eh

The Yanks seem to have completed a trade that will send AJ Burnett and 20M to the Pirates for a pair of underachieving minor leaguers and 13M in savings over the next two years. We better hope this doesn't become the model trade as the Yanks pair off veterans over the next few years, as the new CBA is also making it harder for the Yanks to add Yankee type talent in the amateur markets. Two bad trades in a row. I hope they sign Soler. Go Yanks. I mean that, really. Go Yanks!

JR Smith

The Knicks are apparently adding JR Smith. Wow. In two weeks they have gone from getting nothing from their guards to having a deep and diverse group. Smith is a shooter and scorer, and that's the dimension they were missing since PG has finally been addressed. It's unclear if the Knicks will cut a player to make room or trade someone, but they now have a pretty complete roster. Nice work. I think Smith will behave. There's too much winning momentum for him to act up. Go Knicks!

Seven Straight!

The Knicks moved back to .500 by absolutely stomping the Kings at the Garden. Jeremy Lin only player 30 minutes, thankfully, but finished with 10 points and 13 assists. So much for the combo guard idiocy. Meanwhile, Jared Jeffries had just a terrific game, scoring a bit and playing his traditional game. But everybody is chipping in and that's what's made the Knicks a team again. And Jeremy Lin has made it happen. He only took 6 shots tonight, and got lots of rest, but he still set the blowout in motion with all those assists. And they will go up once Melo gets back and into the flow. They play again Friday. Let's make it 8!

Seeking Soler?

According to Buster Olney, the Yanks are heavily involved in the pursuit of 19 year old Cuban OF Jorge Soler. Soler is a 5 tool player, and of course he type of prospect the for whom the Yanks should spend. We'll see if they do. There were rumors that the Cubs already had him locked up pending his official free agency. I'd hate to think this is being linked so the Yanks can finish second for the kid. We need Yankee bats, especially since the Montero trade, and with the decline of the veteran Yankee bats. Soler would be a few years away, but would give us a high upside OF with no positional questions. Go Yankees?

Rangers Beat Bruins

Where the Knicks needed a massive comeback, the Rangers took a first period lead on a Ryan Callahan power play goal and protected it for a 3-0 win and another shutout from Henrik Lundqvist. In Boston. McDonagh and Arti also scored. Just a fantastic night and run for New York teams. Let's hope the Rangers don't do anything nutty. They may already be capable of going all the way. Go Rangers!

6 Straight!

Holy shit! Jeremy Lin just hit a three point shot with .5 seconds in the game to give the Knicks the lead and the win in Toronto. They had been down by as much as 17. They had gotten it to 2, then it went back to 9 before they went on a 13-1 run and stole another game. Amar'e was not bouncy and it might take a few games though he did had 21 and 9 boards. Iman Shumpert may already be an elite NBA defender, and he had huge stops and steals in the 4th quarter. Guys were missing too many shots, but that won't continue and we will see Lin's assists go even higher. Holy shit. Go Knicks!

Adios AJ?

According to various sources, the Yanks and Pirates are moving closer to a deal involving AJ Burnett and loads of cash for minor leaguers. If this is true, and it sure sounds like it, the Yanks have to come out of this with good minor leaguers. You can't give away an innings eater and 19-23M over two years for crap like we got in the Randy Johnson trade. They really do need to get something, and the Pirates, who've been picking early for 20 years and spending internationally (with the Yankees Luxury Tax and Revenue Sharing monies) the Pirates probably have a few pieces we could use. In other words, the Yanks can't keep shedding dollar value and player value to bad teams like the Pirates and maintain their positions relative to them. Rules are already in place that force the Yankees to help the Pirates, they shouldn't elect to do so separately.

For the front office, this is their opportunity to make a "Gomez Trade." By that I don't just mean a good trade, but I mean a trade that once again shows they have their eyes on the prize. The Montero trade and the second Vazquez trade raise a lot of questions.

Rangers Beat Caps

Rangers just beat the Caps 3-2 at the Garden. Hank made great saves all day long, but gave up the second goal when he was screened by McDonagh trying to block a shot with about 3 minutes left. The Rangers were able to withstand an Ovechkin lead onslaught to win. Callahan, McDonagh and Prust! scored the goals. Prust's was a shorty from Dubi, who looked great and had two assists. Lots of scouts at our past two games. Let's not do anything nutty. Go Rangers!

The Linsanity Continues!

Got the above image off of BBI. Tonight's game wasn't even at the Garden, and Lin was on fumes, but they still managed to win their 5th game in a row and Lin hit the game winning free throw. It was a bit of a breakout game for Iman Shumpert, though, before he fouled out. He played his trademark great D, and was scoring inside and out. Let's hope he builds from here. Steve Novack hit even more big threes and the Knicks came back from separate leads of 11 and ten. Chandler was also pretty good and played solid D. Landry Fields made some plays and the only reason it was really close was the Bill Walker had a terrible night. That said, they are getting Stat back on Monday and will play again Tuesday. This was a defensive win and it took a massive team effort to get it done. Could the Knicks be all in? Go Knicks!

Rangers Too Much for Philly in Philly

Captain Ryan Callahan had a hat trick, Marian Gaborik had a goal and three assists and Brad Richard added three assists as the Rangers crushed the Flyers, 5-2. Artem Anisimov had the other goal and both Derek Stepan and Michael Del Zotto added assists. Three Ranger goals came on Power Plays, so hopefully, that part of their game is finally falling into place. Just a huge win. Keep it going, Rangers!

Lincredible

Jeremy Lin just put 38 points, 7 dimes, 4 boards on the Lakers, then took a huge charge to help seal the Knicks fourth win in a row. If anyone had told you the Knicks would beat the Lakers without Melo, Stat and Baron Davis, you would have laughed. But laugh no more. This is real. Jeremy Lin knows how to play the point at an elite level and has a sky high basketball IQ. And he's totally unselfish. I don't know the last time we've seen that, but that's how the game is supposed to be played. I think Stat and Melo will be energized when they get back. This is gonna be fun! Go Knicks!

Richards!!!!

Brad Richards just scored a game winning overtime goal. It was his 7th game winner of the year, and hopefully, a slump ender for BRich. The Rangers had to come from behind twice in this one, first from 1-0 then from 3-2, but they managed to, even with Biron in the net, who was not great but made some big saves. Boyle had the game tying goal that sent it into over time. Callahan had the Rangers first goal. They really have to get guys like Richards, Dubi, Artie, Boyle, Prust and Stepan going if they want to take some pressure off their D and goalies. Otherwise, the trade rumors will only get louder. Go Rangers!

Lin Led Knicks Clobber Bullets

Jeremy Lin had 23 points and 10 assists while Tyson Chandler had 25 points and 11 boards and the Knicks won easily in Washington. Lin an Chandler both had early foul trouble, but it didn't matter. Novack and Shumpert also had nice nights in the absence of Stat and Melo. It's funny, but D'Antoni doesn't look like a "bad" coach when he has a point guard. This has been a fantastic mini run, and hopefully it will continue when the stars get back. Go Knicks!

Linsanity!

Jeremy Lin, in his first Knick start scored 28 as a Amare-less Knick team that lost Carmelo in the mid-first quarter but still managed to beat the Utah Jazz for their second straight win. It was a second great performance in a row by Lin, though he has to clean up the turnovers. Lin has been Steve Nash for these two games. And the ball really moved as roll players like Jared Jeffries, Novak and Shumpert chipped in. Tyson Chandler was in foul trouble again and was limited, but was really good when he was in. Now we have to see how Lin does with Amar'e and Melo, since Baron Davis has an elbow infection and will be out a little longer. Fun to watch, finally! Go Knicks!

Super!

We did it again. Funny, I really wanted this more for Coach Coughlin and Eli than I did for any other reason. I think they both just punched their tickets to the Hall of Fame. And they did it by winning two of the greatest Super Bowl games ever played. I told you a few weeks ago I thought phasers were on kill, and I never had any doubt that they'd win today, but I really think that phantom hold on Hynoski prevented this from being a less competitive game. That said, the Pats took advantage of their breaks and it was another classic. Because the Giants have drafted so well since SB 42, the window is wide open again. Have another great draft! Congrats, Giants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Giants!!!

In just over 24 hours, the Giants will decide their destiny. And I think they already have. I think the Giants realize they are a more talented and more physically tough team than the Pats. I think, while they respect the Pats, they know in their bones that they can and will beat them tomorrow. This has felt like an easier game to me for the past two weeks, and though Belichick may come up with a wrinkle or two, I don't think his DB's can legally stop our WR's, and I think if he drops 8, Jake and Bradshaw still have the ability to run it and finish every run.

And I don't think their OL can stop the Giants front 4. Never mind the blitzes they can call up using the front 7, or the Safeties. I think the front 4 is just too much for the Pats. And speaking of the safeties, I think they're gonna have big games, after the DL roughs up Brady a bit. Anyway, I think we're gonna punch them in the mouth tomorrow and really have a party.

And if the Giants do, indeed, "finish," we're gonna have to take a look at both the value of the regular season going forward, and whether or not the Giants have kicked their title "window" back open. Go Giants!

Rangers Win Shootout

Coming off a disappointing shootout loss last night, Henrik Lundqvist was back in net tonight and the Rangers got the opposite result. Hank was brilliant recording his 41st career shutout. Unfortunately, so was Ryan Miller and we saw a 0-0 regulation and overtime tie. Gabby and Cally scored in the shootout and that was that. Let's hope there are no nutty trades on the horizon. Go Rangers!