Sunday, October 15 Updated: October 16, 4:34 PM ET First Jagr, now Selanne and Kariya By Brian A. Shactman ESPN.com |
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Mark Messier already has five points in three games, and Theo Fleury has two goals in the same span. And on defense and in net, all indications were, that with just two goals allowed in the first two games, the Rangers were playing slid, two-way hockey. But Saturday's 8-6 loss to the Penguins -- when Jaromir Jagr potted four goals -- exposed a potential problem: Can the Rangers contain the league's dominant players? In the first two wins against the Thrashers and Canadiens, the Rangers didn't face a line that could be considered "elite". In fact, there isn't one player on either roster who will finish in the top 15 in scoring this season. But any time Jagr is in the lineup, his line fits the elite category. So, Monday's game against the Mighty Ducks should be interesting because Anaheim comes to town with Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne. It's up to the Rangers' defense to make sure that doesn't happen. Or more specifically, the Rangers need their forwards to help out when top-flight talents are on the ice. Forwards Jan Hlavac, Petr Nedved and Radek Dvorak were minus-3 against the Penguins. That total was a team worst -- and more than any blueliner in the lineup. Too often, blame for defensive breakdowns and goals goes on the shoulders of defensemen and goalies. The fans and viewers at home only the see the play's final stages. But when dealing with the Jagr and Selanne's of the world, forwards need to get back and help out -- or at least not allow the opposition to get too much momentum in the neutral zone. This is especially important late in games, and the Penguins scored four times in the first 10 minutes of the third. Game over. The Rangers should win games when they score six goals, and losses like last Saturday's are the kind coaches and players kick themselves about come April when every point counts for the playoff drive. We'll see if coach Ron Low gets the message across in time to shut down the Anaheim's tandem of Kariya and Selanne, who despite slow starts, combined for 171 points last season.
Mailbag Question from James Murphy of Long Beach, N.Y.: What do you think the possibilities are of a trade between the Bruins and the Sabres? Say maybe Michael Peca and a minor leaguer for Anson Carter and maybe Cameron Mann? Response: It would be an interesting trade for both teams. Peca would be popular in Boston because of the style he plays. But ultimately, the deal doesn't make sense for two reasons:
Despite Peca's press conference last week where he asked for a trade, In the Corners says it's more likely Carter will get dealt before Peca. Brian A. Shactman is the NHL Editor for ESPN.com. |
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