Well hello there! It certainly has been a while, now hasn't it?
There's been a lot going on in the world of sports since I last posted, but most importantly, there has been a ton going on with our beloved NEW YORK RANGERS.
As most of you know, the season is well underway. Rather than recap what turned out to be a very interesting offseason (additions, subtractions, training camp, Traverse City, etc.), I'll start with the here-and-now.
One of the biggest holes in the Rangers game last season was offense. I don't think anyone will argue that point. This offseason, Glen Sather did his best to address this issue by getting some new players (and letting go of others) in an attempt to create some much needed and long absent chemistry.
So far, so good.
The Rangers have been trotting out the following line configurations since the start of the season:
1. Prospal - Dubinsky - Gaborik
2. Higgins - Drury - Callahan
3. Lisin - Anisimov - Kotalik
4. Voros - Boyle - Brashear
If you've been watching the Rangers play, you'll notice that the top three lines are all hard-working, fast-moving, and potentially explosive lines. It appears that the Rangers have finally assembled lines that can go out and put up solid offensive numbers night in, night out.
The key, of course, is Marian Gaborik. The Slovakian is one of the most explosive players in the game - smooth skater, quick release - he's got it all. His health, however, has always been called into question. I won't say any more about it, but the Rangers offensive success hinges on his ability to stay healthy.
Vinny Prospal, an NHL castoff a few months ago, seems to really enjoy playing under former Tampa Bay Coach John Tortorella. He's clicking very well with Gaborik and Dubinsky, and it's showed so far. Speaking of Dubinsky, the camp holdout hasn't showed any signs of rust so far. The youngster is embracing his role as the number 1 pivot, and it doesn't look like he's willing to relinquish it any time soon.
On the second line, the Rangers have one of the best character players in Chris Drury. Never truly suited for first line duty, he looks much more comfortable on the second line. Skating with Long Island native Chris Higgins (acquired from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal) and fan-favorite Ryan Callahan, Drury is providing solid 2-way play from the second line. Callahan and Higgins look ready to step into a bigger role on the team - and Tortorella acknowledged that by awarding Callahan the only Assistant Captain position.
The third line is composed of rookie center Artem Anisimov and wingers Ales Kotalik (signed in offseason, former Buffalo Sabre) and Enver Lisin (acquired for Lauri Korpikoski - remember him?). They're a quick, balanced line - but quite young and inexperienced. The presence of Kotalik has provided a veteran skater to a line still learning the ropes of the game. The raw offensive potential is sky high, and with some time, this line could develop into a very consistent scoring threat.
And finally, the fourth line. Not quite as possession-minded as Betts and Sjostrom were (both lost in the offseason), but still a hard-working line with veteran members.
Looking at the defense, you see a very young unit, and you assume that they'll play below-average. Of course, you'd be sorely mistaken.
The Rangers still have Wade Redden (hold your boos momentarily) and Michal Roszival. Returning from last season are young defenders Marc Staal and Dan Girardi - both quality defensemen, despite their youth. And finally, the Rangers have added Hobey Baker Award Winner Matt Gilroy and called up 19-year old former first round pick Michael Del Zotto. Judging from the early returns, the Rangers should produce a solid defense that works its way into the play offensively, creating increased scoring opportunities.
Del Zotto and Gilroy have both already scored their first NHL goals, and they've looked very comfortable playing at a NHL-level. Redden and Roszival look much improved since last season (I know it's still early), and Staal and Girardi are exactly what Rangers' fans expected - consistent and hard-working.
Notice a pattern? Hard-working. Motivated. These are things John Tortorella has done his best to instill upon a team full of young players. It seems to be working so far, as the Rangers are 2-1 with solid wins over the Senators and the Devils, and a close, hard-fought loss versus the Penguins in Pittsburgh.
And of course, there's not much to say about THE KING. Henrik Lundqvist has provided his usual elite goaltending. The Rangers are looking to rest him more this year (especially with the Olympics), but you can count on Henrik getting a solid majority of the starts.
Tonight's game against the Devils put everything about the revamped Rangers on display. Solid play from all four lines, an explosive offense that takes advantage of mistakes, a defense that can shut down the opposition but also jump into the play quickly, solid special teams (2 powerplay goals, 1 powerplay goal allowed on 6 chances), good physical play (out hit the Devils), and spectacular goaltending.
If the Rangers can keep the energy up, they're going to surprise a lot of the hockey pundits. Written off early as a team that would fail to produce, the Blueshirts are showing that they have the potential to succeed.
There's still a lot of hockey to be played folks, but this writer LOVES what he sees from the Rangers already. The infusion of youth is proving to be exceptionally successful, and it's a breath of fresh air. And of course, I love what I'm seeing from Marian Gaborik. I've always loved his game, and I always hoped he would end up a Blueshirt some day. My wish came true, and I hope it continues to work out.
Until next time - who knows when that will be - I'll continue to enjoy the New York Rangers, win or lose.
Let's Go Blueshirts!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Christmas in July!
This will be brief, as most of my writing time has been devoted to my research-following blog (located here).
But to recap some very exciting Blueshirts news...
Yesterday, the Rangers managed to trade off Scott Gomez and his largely inflated salary, along with Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto, to Montreal in exchange for Chris Higgins, top organizational D-prospect Ryan McDonagh, and gifted Russian D-man Pavel Valentenko.
The deal opened up a ton of cap space for the Rangers, and also shipped two blue chip prospects their way. At least right now, it looks like a landslide win for the Rangers, though Gomez may be a better fit in Montreal. If so, the Habs get a very talented playmaker with great vision and excellent skating.
Today, the Rangers lost Colton Orr to the Leafs, but then signed Donald Brashear away from the Capitals. Nothing too major here, one tough guy out for another (though I prefer Orr by leaps and bounds to Brashear).
The biggest news is just being reported: Marian Gaborik to the Rangers, 5 years at $5.25 million/year.
This is a steal for the Blueshirts. A legitimate 1st line scoring threat, the first the Rangers have had since Jagr. If he can stay healthy (definitely not a guarantee), the Rangers made an incredible signing. My hope is that his injury history results from poor physical conditioning. If that's the case, Tortorella and the staff will turn him around quickly. This offseason is supposed to be a tough one in New York, and I think Gaborik will benefit from it.
For now, that's all that's floating around. The Rangers did submit an offer sheet to Nikolai Zherdev, keeping him a restricted free agent. Callahan and Dubinsky haven't received offers from the team yet. Chris Neil may come to Broadway. Otherwise, it's been quiet - especially for an offseason with so much available talent.
We'll see what the next few months hold. More to come I hope.
But to recap some very exciting Blueshirts news...
Yesterday, the Rangers managed to trade off Scott Gomez and his largely inflated salary, along with Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto, to Montreal in exchange for Chris Higgins, top organizational D-prospect Ryan McDonagh, and gifted Russian D-man Pavel Valentenko.
The deal opened up a ton of cap space for the Rangers, and also shipped two blue chip prospects their way. At least right now, it looks like a landslide win for the Rangers, though Gomez may be a better fit in Montreal. If so, the Habs get a very talented playmaker with great vision and excellent skating.
Today, the Rangers lost Colton Orr to the Leafs, but then signed Donald Brashear away from the Capitals. Nothing too major here, one tough guy out for another (though I prefer Orr by leaps and bounds to Brashear).
The biggest news is just being reported: Marian Gaborik to the Rangers, 5 years at $5.25 million/year.
This is a steal for the Blueshirts. A legitimate 1st line scoring threat, the first the Rangers have had since Jagr. If he can stay healthy (definitely not a guarantee), the Rangers made an incredible signing. My hope is that his injury history results from poor physical conditioning. If that's the case, Tortorella and the staff will turn him around quickly. This offseason is supposed to be a tough one in New York, and I think Gaborik will benefit from it.
For now, that's all that's floating around. The Rangers did submit an offer sheet to Nikolai Zherdev, keeping him a restricted free agent. Callahan and Dubinsky haven't received offers from the team yet. Chris Neil may come to Broadway. Otherwise, it's been quiet - especially for an offseason with so much available talent.
We'll see what the next few months hold. More to come I hope.
Monday, May 4, 2009
...
Well that update never happened.
Since then, the Rangers successfully made the playoffs, gained a three-games-to-one lead on the Capitals, and then quickly lost the next 3, seeing their playoff dreams collapse beneath them. Henrik Lundqvist did all he could in the series (despite being pulled in back-to-back games in favor of S. Valiquette), but his efforts could not make up for the deficiency in the Rangers offense. They could not score goals, and the Capitals played a faster, more passionate game than they did. In the end, had the Rangers had a more offensive team, they probably would have taken the series.
Now today, veteran winger Markus Naslund has announced his retirement from the NHL. At only 35 years of age, it would seem Naslund still has hockey left in him; however, this move has been seen as a class move by analysts, suggesting that Naslund is retiring to save the Rangers several million dollars next season. Regardless of the circumstances, my hat is off to one of the classiest and most talented players the NHL has seen.
Looking forward, the Rangers have lots of work to do this offseason, beginning in-house. For the 2009 offseason, the Rangers need to consider re-signing:
Each player on that list made contributions to the club this past season, and each player can make an argument for being brought back.
I can't see the Rangers allowing the Summer to go by without signing Dubinsky and Callahan to long-term deals. I'm sure Sjostrom, Antropov, Betts, and Morris will be back, though I'm not sold on Zherdev, Mara, and Orr. The Rangers have some great defensive talent in the system, so I could understand Mara being let go (also, Matt Gilroy, captain of the NCAA Championship winning BU team, signed with the Rangers). Zherdev has not played well under Tortorella, and letting him go opens up space for a bigger name player to come in. Orr contributes as a grinder, but his spot could also be filled from within the organization.
As for big stars, I see the Rangers pursuing a high scoring winger. In my opinion, that's the piece they were missing this past playoff run. A player like Gaborik, though injury-prone, could be worth the money if signed to a short to mid-length deal. He's a prolific scorer when healthy, and he would undoubtedly make the players around him better.
Yes, it was an up-and-down season, but there were several good things to come out of it. Marc Staal, Dubinsky, and Callahan are all developing nicely as future NHL Stars. The penalty kill was incredible, though the powerplay was not. Lundqvist recorded his 4th straight 30 win season, the first time in NHL history for any goalie to start his career with 4 straight 30+ win seasons.
On the downside, Wade Redden and Michal Roszival did not live up to expectations, letting down Rangers fans everywhere and drawing the ire of crowds at every home game. Perhaps 2009-2010 will be better, and the duo looked better in the playoffs. The Rangers offense was among the very worst in the league. They won't survive another season by putting the entire team on the defense and Lundqvist's backs. Without a true scorer, you can bet next year will most likely be a playoff miss for the Blueshirts.
For now, the team will rest and relax; Sather will begin scoping out options for the offseason; and us fans will wait restlessly for signing day to come around. Until then, enjoy the playoffs.
Let's Go Rangers!
Since then, the Rangers successfully made the playoffs, gained a three-games-to-one lead on the Capitals, and then quickly lost the next 3, seeing their playoff dreams collapse beneath them. Henrik Lundqvist did all he could in the series (despite being pulled in back-to-back games in favor of S. Valiquette), but his efforts could not make up for the deficiency in the Rangers offense. They could not score goals, and the Capitals played a faster, more passionate game than they did. In the end, had the Rangers had a more offensive team, they probably would have taken the series.
Now today, veteran winger Markus Naslund has announced his retirement from the NHL. At only 35 years of age, it would seem Naslund still has hockey left in him; however, this move has been seen as a class move by analysts, suggesting that Naslund is retiring to save the Rangers several million dollars next season. Regardless of the circumstances, my hat is off to one of the classiest and most talented players the NHL has seen.
Looking forward, the Rangers have lots of work to do this offseason, beginning in-house. For the 2009 offseason, the Rangers need to consider re-signing:
RFA: Nikolai Zherdev, Lauri Korpikoski, Fredrik Sjostrom, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan.
UFA: Nik Antropov, Blair Betts, Colton Orr, Paul Mara, Stephen Valiquette, Derek Morris
Each player on that list made contributions to the club this past season, and each player can make an argument for being brought back.
I can't see the Rangers allowing the Summer to go by without signing Dubinsky and Callahan to long-term deals. I'm sure Sjostrom, Antropov, Betts, and Morris will be back, though I'm not sold on Zherdev, Mara, and Orr. The Rangers have some great defensive talent in the system, so I could understand Mara being let go (also, Matt Gilroy, captain of the NCAA Championship winning BU team, signed with the Rangers). Zherdev has not played well under Tortorella, and letting him go opens up space for a bigger name player to come in. Orr contributes as a grinder, but his spot could also be filled from within the organization.
As for big stars, I see the Rangers pursuing a high scoring winger. In my opinion, that's the piece they were missing this past playoff run. A player like Gaborik, though injury-prone, could be worth the money if signed to a short to mid-length deal. He's a prolific scorer when healthy, and he would undoubtedly make the players around him better.
Yes, it was an up-and-down season, but there were several good things to come out of it. Marc Staal, Dubinsky, and Callahan are all developing nicely as future NHL Stars. The penalty kill was incredible, though the powerplay was not. Lundqvist recorded his 4th straight 30 win season, the first time in NHL history for any goalie to start his career with 4 straight 30+ win seasons.
On the downside, Wade Redden and Michal Roszival did not live up to expectations, letting down Rangers fans everywhere and drawing the ire of crowds at every home game. Perhaps 2009-2010 will be better, and the duo looked better in the playoffs. The Rangers offense was among the very worst in the league. They won't survive another season by putting the entire team on the defense and Lundqvist's backs. Without a true scorer, you can bet next year will most likely be a playoff miss for the Blueshirts.
For now, the team will rest and relax; Sather will begin scoping out options for the offseason; and us fans will wait restlessly for signing day to come around. Until then, enjoy the playoffs.
Let's Go Rangers!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Back again.
Oh dear...
Well, I've certainly let this blog go, wouldn't you say? Nearly the entire regular season has come and gone, and I haven't updated with a new entry. Sad, sad story.
Hopefully that will change soon. I'm a bit under the weather, but feeling the desire to write about my favorite hockey team. So later tonight, I'll attempt to put out an entry that discusses the following topics:
1. Deadline Deals
2. Coaching Change
3. Looking Forward
There's been a lot going on with the Rangers this year, and there's a lot to cover. I'll focus on a couple main points.
Also, I'll address the 5 minute major and game misconduct Colton Orr received for Interference against the Pittsburgh Penguins over the weekend. There's a bit of debate surrounding it, and I'd like to discuss it further.
And, though I've known this stereotype has existed for sometime, I'd also like to dispel any myths that all Rangers fans are stupid, disrespectful people. Though there are a few of those, there are others who know hockey and respect the game. I count myself in that category.
So while the Rangers take on the Devils tonight, hopefully I'll be updating this blog. We'll see how it goes.
Well, I've certainly let this blog go, wouldn't you say? Nearly the entire regular season has come and gone, and I haven't updated with a new entry. Sad, sad story.
Hopefully that will change soon. I'm a bit under the weather, but feeling the desire to write about my favorite hockey team. So later tonight, I'll attempt to put out an entry that discusses the following topics:
1. Deadline Deals
2. Coaching Change
3. Looking Forward
There's been a lot going on with the Rangers this year, and there's a lot to cover. I'll focus on a couple main points.
Also, I'll address the 5 minute major and game misconduct Colton Orr received for Interference against the Pittsburgh Penguins over the weekend. There's a bit of debate surrounding it, and I'd like to discuss it further.
And, though I've known this stereotype has existed for sometime, I'd also like to dispel any myths that all Rangers fans are stupid, disrespectful people. Though there are a few of those, there are others who know hockey and respect the game. I count myself in that category.
So while the Rangers take on the Devils tonight, hopefully I'll be updating this blog. We'll see how it goes.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Season Update 1: 5-0
(This blog will do 'large' updates every 5 games)
Even though there's a bittersweet taste to go along with it, the Rangers are 5-0 and off to their best start since 1983.
But in the face of Prospect Alexei Cherepanov's death yesterday, the Rangers came out and stuck it to the rival New Jersey Devils, defeating them 4-1. With that win, the Rangers pushed their record to 5-0 - perfection in this early season.
In the early goings, the Rangers have racked up wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning (both games 2-1), the Chicago Blackhawks (4-2), the Philadelphia Flyers (4-3), and the Devils (4-1). That's 4 Eastern Conference opponents and 2 Atlantic Division opponents.
Exactly how you want to start a season, no?
So far, the Rangers have proven the critics wrong. Continuing the existing trend of smart, defensive hockey, the Rangers have infused a quicker, more relentless offensive attack lead by rising young stars and proven veterans.
The Blueshirts have outscored their opponents 16-8, and they've outshot their opponents 161-126; however, the Rangers have been outshot in all of the games except the Tampa Bay series, where the shot differential was heavily in favor of New York. The offensive attack has been much more effective this year, with the second line (Zherdev-Dubinsky-Voros) contributing the most.
The offseason additions of Redden, Nasland, Zherdev, Kalinin, and Voros now appear to be free-agent gems. The losses of Jagr, Avery, Straka, and Shanahan don't sting quite as badly as they did before. Voros has already contributed 7 points (3G, 4A, with two goals on the power play) and 9 PIM. The shoes of Sean Avery have apparently been filled, complete with the pestering of Martin Brodeur (minus stick waving, of course). Linemate Zherdev has contributed 5 points (2G, 3A), first-liner Naslund has 4 (1G, 3A), and star D-man Redden has 3 (2G, 1A, 1 goal on the powerplay). Kalinin has been a solid defensive force, making good plays on the third unit.
Add to that the success of returning 2nd line center Brandon Dubinsky (3G, 4A), defenseman Dan Girardi (0G, 5A), and 1st line center Scott Gomez (1G, 3A), and you have a very productive Rangers offense. The first line has yet to click as expected, but Drury, Gomez, and Naslund are looking more comfortable together with each game. Even the 3rd and 4th lines are contributing, with Betts, Callahan, Orr, and Sjostrom all contributing points.
Even more impressive than the offense have been the play of Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers special teams units. The powerplay has converted 20.8% of its chances, and the penalty kill has been perfect so far. And of course, the King has ascended his throne, taking over where he left off last year. Lundqvist has won all 4 of his matches, posting a GAA of 1.25 and a Sv% of .949. Very impressive numbers, even this early in the season.
Looking back to last year, Lundqvist had posted an equally impressive start to the season. The difference was the team around him. Now, he's surrounded by a more experienced defense, one that's not afraid to step up and make a hit, but also one that's not afraid to move the puck up ice. The offense in front of him is much more balanced, combining talent on all 4 lines with a solid, smart system implemented by coach Tom Renney.
Though the season is very young, the Rangers should undoubtedly continue proving the critics wrong. Will they win every game? No way. It's hockey, and a loss is bound to come soon. But can they keep the momentum going? I believe so.
The Rangers are a team with great talent, bolstered by a solid system and excellent chemistry. If the pieces continue to fall right, don't count the Blueshirt out of a Stanley Cup discussion.
Stars of the Games (1-5)
1st Star
Henrik Lundqvist (4-0, 1.25, .949%)
Expected solid play has Rangers off to great start
2nd Star
Brandon Dubinsky (3G, 4A, +2, 11PIM)
Rising star stepping up as leader all over ice (see fight v. Mike Richards)
3rd Star
Aaron Voros (3G, 4A, +2, 9PIM)
Pleasant surprise from offseason; looking like a real contributor
Biggest Spark
2nd Line
Voros, Dubinsky, and Zherdev have combined for 8 goals and 11 assists
Biggest Dud
Chris Drury
The newly anointed Captain has only registered 1 assist and a -1 rating so far.
Next Five Games: vs. Sabres, vs. Maple Leafs, @ Red Wings, vs. Stars, @ Blue Jackets
Even though there's a bittersweet taste to go along with it, the Rangers are 5-0 and off to their best start since 1983.
But in the face of Prospect Alexei Cherepanov's death yesterday, the Rangers came out and stuck it to the rival New Jersey Devils, defeating them 4-1. With that win, the Rangers pushed their record to 5-0 - perfection in this early season.
In the early goings, the Rangers have racked up wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning (both games 2-1), the Chicago Blackhawks (4-2), the Philadelphia Flyers (4-3), and the Devils (4-1). That's 4 Eastern Conference opponents and 2 Atlantic Division opponents.
Exactly how you want to start a season, no?
So far, the Rangers have proven the critics wrong. Continuing the existing trend of smart, defensive hockey, the Rangers have infused a quicker, more relentless offensive attack lead by rising young stars and proven veterans.
The Blueshirts have outscored their opponents 16-8, and they've outshot their opponents 161-126; however, the Rangers have been outshot in all of the games except the Tampa Bay series, where the shot differential was heavily in favor of New York. The offensive attack has been much more effective this year, with the second line (Zherdev-Dubinsky-Voros) contributing the most.
The offseason additions of Redden, Nasland, Zherdev, Kalinin, and Voros now appear to be free-agent gems. The losses of Jagr, Avery, Straka, and Shanahan don't sting quite as badly as they did before. Voros has already contributed 7 points (3G, 4A, with two goals on the power play) and 9 PIM. The shoes of Sean Avery have apparently been filled, complete with the pestering of Martin Brodeur (minus stick waving, of course). Linemate Zherdev has contributed 5 points (2G, 3A), first-liner Naslund has 4 (1G, 3A), and star D-man Redden has 3 (2G, 1A, 1 goal on the powerplay). Kalinin has been a solid defensive force, making good plays on the third unit.
Add to that the success of returning 2nd line center Brandon Dubinsky (3G, 4A), defenseman Dan Girardi (0G, 5A), and 1st line center Scott Gomez (1G, 3A), and you have a very productive Rangers offense. The first line has yet to click as expected, but Drury, Gomez, and Naslund are looking more comfortable together with each game. Even the 3rd and 4th lines are contributing, with Betts, Callahan, Orr, and Sjostrom all contributing points.
Even more impressive than the offense have been the play of Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers special teams units. The powerplay has converted 20.8% of its chances, and the penalty kill has been perfect so far. And of course, the King has ascended his throne, taking over where he left off last year. Lundqvist has won all 4 of his matches, posting a GAA of 1.25 and a Sv% of .949. Very impressive numbers, even this early in the season.
Looking back to last year, Lundqvist had posted an equally impressive start to the season. The difference was the team around him. Now, he's surrounded by a more experienced defense, one that's not afraid to step up and make a hit, but also one that's not afraid to move the puck up ice. The offense in front of him is much more balanced, combining talent on all 4 lines with a solid, smart system implemented by coach Tom Renney.
Though the season is very young, the Rangers should undoubtedly continue proving the critics wrong. Will they win every game? No way. It's hockey, and a loss is bound to come soon. But can they keep the momentum going? I believe so.
The Rangers are a team with great talent, bolstered by a solid system and excellent chemistry. If the pieces continue to fall right, don't count the Blueshirt out of a Stanley Cup discussion.
Stars of the Games (1-5)
1st Star
Henrik Lundqvist (4-0, 1.25, .949%)
Expected solid play has Rangers off to great start
2nd Star
Brandon Dubinsky (3G, 4A, +2, 11PIM)
Rising star stepping up as leader all over ice (see fight v. Mike Richards)
3rd Star
Aaron Voros (3G, 4A, +2, 9PIM)
Pleasant surprise from offseason; looking like a real contributor
Biggest Spark
2nd Line
Voros, Dubinsky, and Zherdev have combined for 8 goals and 11 assists
Biggest Dud
Chris Drury
The newly anointed Captain has only registered 1 assist and a -1 rating so far.
Next Five Games: vs. Sabres, vs. Maple Leafs, @ Red Wings, vs. Stars, @ Blue Jackets
More on Alexei
Latest news on Alexei Cheperanov:
"Russian investigators said Cherepanov suffered from chronic ischemia, a medical condition in which not enough blood gets to the heart or other organs.
Pavel Krasheninnikov, who sits on the Russian Hockey Federation's supervisory council and is a member of the State Duma, said there was no ambulance on duty at the arena where Cherepanov's Russian team, Avangard Omsk, was playing.
He asserted that emergency workers took too long to respond and didn't have a defibrillator, a machine used to shock the heart. It was unclear how much time it took paramedics to respond.
"There are elements of negligence here," Krasheninnikov said in televised comments."
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8672210/Rangers%27-prospect-Cherepanov-dies-in-Russia
Monday, October 13, 2008
R.I.P. Alexei Cherepanov
Sad news today out of Russia for the Rangers and the hockey world as a whole.
19 year old Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov died Monday night of a heart attack during a game for Avangard Omsk.
Cherepanov was the Rangers first round draft pick (17th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was considered one of the Rangers top prospects and an exceptionally talented forward, already making large strides in Russia.
Further information has not yet been released.
R.I.P. Alexei Cherepanov
19 year old Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov died Monday night of a heart attack during a game for Avangard Omsk.
Cherepanov was the Rangers first round draft pick (17th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was considered one of the Rangers top prospects and an exceptionally talented forward, already making large strides in Russia.
Further information has not yet been released.
R.I.P. Alexei Cherepanov
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