RANGERS: Hamilton Out Thursday

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will miss Thursday’s series finale against the Red Sox to attend the birth of his third child, according to the Texas Rangers’ official site.

BOTTOM LINE: Hamilton should be put in reserve for today, but he will be fine to reactivate tomorrow. He has been a splendid surprise for owners this season, and he is one of the biggest feel-good stories in baseball.

RANGERS: Bradley Returning Tuesday

Texas Rangers designated hitter Milton Bradley will return to the lineup on Tuesday, according to Manager Ron Washington. Braley left Sunday’s game early due to a stomach virus.

BOTTOM LINE: Bradley has been one of the best stories in baseball this year, as he is crushing the ball. Look for him to be a solid fantasy asset down the stretch.

RANGERS: Byrd Heating Up

Texas Rangers outfielder Marlon Byrd went 3-for-4 with three runs and two stolen bases. This comes one day after hitting a walk-off grand slam.

BOTTOM LINE: Byrd is hitting in the five hole in a potent Rangers’ lineup and he could potentially be a sleeper coming down the stretch. If you need some outfield depth, give him a shot, because he is probably available on most waiver wires.

RANGERS: Nedved Thinking Comeback?

Free Agent center Petr Nedved will attend the Rangers’ training camp in September on a tryout basis, according to Newsday.

BOTTOM LINE: Nedved has a successful career as a Ranger, so maybe he is trying to ressurect himself where he was a quality player the first time around. Don’t expect him to make the team, and more importantly, don’t expect him to have any fantasy value whatsoever.

The Mats Sundin Saga

The people in Toronto must not be enjoying how the whole Mats Sundin story is playing out. Sundin has been playing for Toronto for the last 13 seasons, and the fans in Toronto would cringe to see him play for the rival Vancouver Canucks. But, Sundin hasn’t even admitted that he is playing at all. So is he? Or isn’t he?

One report surfaced a couple of weeks ago that had Vancouver offering Sundin $10 million per season to play there, but Sundin didn’t budge. It’s pretty much common knowledge that Vancouver is offering the most lucrative deal, but Sundin refuses to admit that he is leaning towards playing there, or anywhere for that matter.

Initially, Sundin preferred the Rangers, but I guess the interest was not mutual, because the Rangers added Marcus Naslund, and I don’t think they would have the cap room to add a guy like Sundin.

Toronto is still in it too. Sundin has said that they are still players for his services.

It looks like Vancouver is the most likely scenario, but retirement could be an option as well. My gut is telling me that Sundin is going to go with the green, and sign a contract to play for the rival Vancouver Canucks, and then the Canucks announcers will have a field day pronouncing a line of Mats Sundin, Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. We will have to wait and see what happens.

 

–MICHAEL GANCI

Rangers/Islanders Evaluation

So far, we have seen a lot of things happening in the off season. Trades, free agent signings, coaching changes and much more. I can talk about Marian Hossa, but I would rather stick to the New York sports scene for now.

The Rangers made some moves in the off season and their team is going to look much different than it did in 2007/08. Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka are playing in other countries, and Sean Avery is now a Dallas Star. Those are three big losses that the Rangers had to compensate for.

They added Marcus Naslund to fill the void left by Jagr. Naslund is known for his days in Vancouver where he was a good scorer. Nikolai Zherdev was acquired in a four-player deal from Columbus in a trade that can work out very well for the Blueshirts if Zherdev plays on top of his game. They also signed former Buffalo Sabre, Dmitri Kalinin. Their biggest addition was former Senator Wade Redden, who will be the top defensemen, and he should form a dynamic duo with Rozsival.

The Islanders really has only one notable free agency acquisition, and that was former St. Louis Blue Doug Weight. Weight is known to be very close with current Islander Bill Guerin, and the two of them should probably share a lot of time playing together. The Islanders don’t have very much depth, and if the opposition can stop those two players, the Islanders will most likely be in trouble.

Both teams may not be contending this season. The Islanders didn’t do much in free agency, but they seem to be confident in the young talent that they have coming through their system. The Rangers have a couple of players coming up as well, but they needed Redden and Naslund to help solidify the core. It should be an interesting year, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pittsburgh and Detroit go head to head in the finals again.

–MICHAEL GANCI

STARS: Bringing Aboard Avery

Former New York Rangers forward Sean Avery has signed a four-year $15.5 million contract to play with the Dallas Stars.

BOTTOM LINE: Avery is one of the best agitators in the league, and this is a good signing for Brett Hull in Dallas. Avery provides the distraction that will help the players around him get more scoring opportunities. He may face health issues because of his style of play, but he will be an asset for Dallas.

BLUE JACKETS: Trade Offense for Defense

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nikolai Zherdev was traded to the Rangers along with Dan Fritsche in exchange for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman, according to TSN.ca.

BOTTOM LINE: This trade definitely made sense for both teams. The Rangers were looking for some scoring, so Zherdev fits the bill for that, and the Blue Jackets acquired the young Tyutin, who will prove that he is an above average defender. If Zherdev develops into the player scouts think he can be, the Rangers will easily be the victor in this deal.

RANGERS: Bringing in Redden

Former Ottawa Senators defensemen Wade Redden has signed a six year contract to become a member of the New York Rangers.

BOTTOM LINE: The deal is reportedly worth $6.5 million per year, and Redden will be paired with Roszival on the power play. Redden is coming off of a disappointing year, but this helps the Rangers big time.

RANGERS: Jagr Likely a Goner

New York Rangers winger Jaromir Jagr has a one-year $6 million offer on the table from the Rangers. He said he would rather remain with the Rangers, but he is more likely to take the three-year offer from a team in Europe.

BOTTOM LINE: The Rangers want the captain back, but only if he would sign the deal with incentives leading to a second year. We’ll see how this unfolds.

RANGERS: Straka Signs With Czech Team

Former New York Rangers winger Martin Straka has signed with HC Lasselsberger Plzen of the Czech league for next season.

BOTTOM LINE: This is an interesting development. He may not be the only Ranger who leaves to go play in another country, because Jaromir Jagr is rumored to be doing the same.

SHARKS: Campbell Likely to go East

San Jose Sharks defensemen Brian Campbell is likely to leave for free agency on July 1. The Rangers, Canadians, Bruins and Senators are among the most interested.

BOTTOM LINE: This would indicate a return to the East for Campbell. He is said to want to return to the Northeast Divison, and the Rangers and Ottawa seem to be the best fits.

RANGERS: Hamilton Concerned About Knee

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton’s injury is to the same knee that required arthroscopic surgery in 2006. The Rangers won’t decide on whether he needs a trip to the DL until after Hamilton’s examination on Wednesday.

BOTTOM LINE: Hamilton is on a torrid pace, so fantasy owners would be dissaponted to see him shelved for a couple weeks. More as we get it.

SHARKS: Campbell to Test Open Waters

San Jose Sharks defensmen Brian Campbell will test the free agent waters once he becomes a free agent on July 1. Rather than get nothing for him, the Sharks have given teams permission to speak to the former Sabre.

BOTTOM LINE: Campbell is said to be seeking $7 million per season, and there will definitely be a team that pays the price. He is said to want to go back to the North Eastern divison, so who knows? Rangers maybe? 

NHL Playoffs: Second Round Preview

By: J.P. Del Monte

Update! Writer

Round two of the NHL playoffs are here and NHL editor J.P. Del Monte has broken down each matchup to give you the inside edge on what’s happening. Who will advance to Stanley Cup Finals? Read on to find out:

 

No. 1 Montreal vs No. 6 Philadelphia
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 24 @Montreal. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 2 (April 26 @Montreal. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, VS.); Game 3 (April 28 @Philadelphia. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 4 (April 30 @Philadelphia. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS).
About Montreal: The Canadiens are riding quite the high after scrapping their way through a surprisingly tough series against the Boston Bruins. Many people believed Montreal would walk all over Boston, but the 8th seeded Bruins proved to tough opponent. The Canadiens are at full health to start the second round, but have to be prepared for a Philadelphia team whose talent level is much higher than Boston’s
About Philadelphia: The Flyers are also riding a Game 7 high, beating Alexander Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals in overtime. They have the leading playoff scorer in Daniel Briere, a team full of talented youth and a goalie who many think is much better than Boston’s Tim Thomas. This could prove to be an even tougher task for the Habs.
Prediction: Montreal in six games.

 

 

 

No. 2 Pittsburgh vs No. 5 New York
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 25 @Pittsburgh. 7 p.m. ET. TV: VS., CBC); Game 2 (April 27 @Pittsburgh. 2 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 3 (April 29 @New York. 7 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS); Game 4 (May 1 @New York. 2 p.m. ET. TV: CBC, RDS).
About Pittsburgh: The Penguins own the league’s best duo in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Both those stars are performing well in the playoffs, while their (currently) underdog goaltender, M.A. Fleury, is coming through in the clutch. The question now becomes: is this team all about hype or are they the real thing? Their first round decimation of the Senators was not a sound enough benchmark.
About New York: The Rangers are turning into everyone’s Eastern Conference dark horse and for good reason — they knocked down the best goalie in the league in less than seven games. Henrik Lundqvist and Jaromir Jagr will be the keys to their success, while the pest-like Sean Avery should have a tougher time getting under Pittsburgh’s skin. With the likes of Gary Roberts, Hal Gill and George Laraque (to name a few), this Penguins team is a much tougher squad than the Devils squad that allowed Avery to walk all over them.
Prediction: Pittsburgh in six games.

 

 

 

No. 1 Detroit vs No. 6 Colorado
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 24 @Detroit. 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: VS.); Game 2 (April 26 @Detroit. 3 p.m. ET. TV: NBC); Game 3 (April 29 @Colorado. 10 p.m. ET. TV: VS.); Game 4 (May 1 @Colorado. 10 p.m. ET. TV: VS.).
About Detroit: Hockey Town is playing like they have all season long and hasn’t shown any of their recent lackluster post-season play. With their offense firing on all cylinders and their defense currently the best in the playoffs, this squad will be tough to beat. As long as Chris Osgood keeps playing like it’s 1998, the Avs will have their hands full.
About Colorado: Peter Forsberg, Joe Sakic, Paul Stastny, Jose Theodore and Milan Hejduk. Those four names are all you need to know. They are healthy and they are playing incredibly well. Theodore’s rejuvination has helped carry this club into, and through, the first round while the big guns up front are providing the offense. Let’s not forget that this team has a solid defense with tons of veteran leadership to help them out too. These two teams hate each other and I’m picking this one to be the best series to watch.
Prediction: Colorado in seven bloody games.

 

 

No. 2 San Jose vs No. 5 Dallas
Series Facts: Game 1 (April 25 @San Jose. 10 p.m. ET. TV: VS., CBC); Game 2 (April 27 @San Jose. 9 p.m. ET. TV: CBC); Game 3 (April 29 @Dallas. 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: VS., CBC); Game 4 (April 30 @Dallas. 9 p.m. ET. TV: CBC).
About San Jose: You’d think fighting through seven gruelling games against the Calgary Flames would be the toughest thing the Sharks would have to face this season. But now they’re tasked with facing the Dallas Stars, the team that knocked off last year’s champions. The Sharks, however, do boast the West’s most underrated goaltender in Evgeni Nabokov and have proven playoff competitors in Patrick Marleau and Jeremy Roenick. If Big Joe Thornton keeps up his strong play this team could truly do some damage.
About Dallas: The Stars are flying high right now after dominating the Anaheim Ducks in their first round matcup. They’ve got the firepower and a former Conn Smythe winner up front while Marty Turco continues to prove to his critics that he IS a playoff goaltender.
Prediction: San Jose in six games.

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