Big Apple Sports: All New York Sports. All The Time.

With roughly 25 games left in the season, how are our locals looking?

1. Devils

I have to admit, I haven’t followed the Devils recently, but as Bill Parcells would say, “you are what your record says you are.” And in the case of the Devils, this is a team ten games over .500 (31-21-4; 66 pts), merely three points behind the Penguins for first place in the Atlantic Division. I’m throughly impressed that despite New Jersey’s “mid market” status losing players like Scott Niedermayer, Brian Rafalski, and Scott Gomez the past few years.. they do not miss a beat. Of course, the staple here is Martin Brodeur (29-19; 2.19 GAA). Marty’s year in and out a Vezina and Hart Trophy finalist, and will be remembered certainly as one of the top three goalies of all time upon retiring. Keep an eye on the emerging Zach Parise (20 G, 28 A, 14 +/-).

2. Rangers

Although the Rangers (28-24-7; 63 pts) would be in the playoffs as the #7 seed if the season ended today, they are hanging by a thread. The Blueshirts are tied for the most games played in the Eastern Conference with 59, and are a mere 2 pts ahead of ninth place. For the Rangers the only word to describe this, considering the preseason hype, is disappointing. And you can’t blame the young defense either. Defensemen like Mark Staal have played adequately..and look even better because Henrik “the King” Lundquivst (24-21; 2.37 GAA) saves the team on a nightly basis. All blame should be casted on this team’s inability to score goals (28th out of 30 in the NHL in goals scored). No one is more indicative of the Rangers futility than Jaromir Jagr (15 G, 32 A) , who may finish the season with less than 30 goals for the first time since 1990-1991.

3. Islanders

Not a whole lot was expected from the Islanders (25-25-7; 57 pts) prior to the 2007-2008 campaign. Nevertheless, this team was playing pretty good hockey until a recent seven game losing streak-which was finally broken today with a 4-3 victory over the Flyers. Just like the Rangers, their offensive woes (hard to believe no one has a +/- better than 3 !) have been saved by the play of goalie Rick Dipietro (19-21 2.70 GAA) who’s been worth every penny of that 15 year extension the organization gave him before last season.

As we stand on February 12, I think the Devils are a playoff lock. As for the Rangers and Islanders, both teams will need to make a run if they want to be playing into mid April.

… As a side note, I think we are all grateful to hear that the Florida Panthers’ Richard Zednick has been upgraded to good condition and removed from the ICU of Buffalo General Hospital following his potentially life-threatening injury on Sunday. All the best to Zednick and his teammates..