The Fifth Liners

They say everything happens for a reason, that God moves in mysterious ways, it's the circle of life etc... In a move compared by my fellow troublemaker Alex to "trading Sidney Crosby for magic beans", the New York Rangers have traded defenceman Michael Del Zotto to the Nashville Predators. In return, the Rangers get blueliner Kevin Klein. Answers on a postcard if you can figure out why. Klein has played 403 games in the NHL, 47 so far this season, although he took time out to film Last Vegas with Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman. Worryingly for the Rangers, his best days seem to be behind him. He's also injury prone; missing several games each season. A few seasons ago, after starring alongside Will Smith in Wild Wild West, he posted good numbers, and was shaping up to be a dependable first line defenceman. Since 2010/11 Klein's numbers have been slipping, and he's currently rocking a +/- of -11. Compared to last season (after the same number of ga...

The New York Rangers set up a semi final appearence with a dominant 5-0 victory over the Washington Capital in game 7 at the Verizon center! This series had been neck and neck all the way through and going into the game it was anyone's guess which way the tide would turn? Aron Asham got the party started for the Rangers in the 1st period and the second period followed suit as Taylor Pyatt and Michael Del Zotto scored early on to put New York ahead by three clear goals! The third period was a similar affair as the Rangers impressive offensive put the Caps defense to the sword with further goals by Ryan Callahan and Mats Zuccarello. Henrik Lundqvist was once again the hero with 35 saves to firmly shut out Ovechkin and co as the Rangers spoiled the homecoming party for Washington! This series has been one of the most unpredictable of the lot and has continued the spirit of exciting play we have been priviledged to watch. It is a shame that the Capitals will not be going forward ...

The Pittsburgh Penguins ' injury woes continue, according the  Trib's sport page . James Neal is out indefinitely after his head to elbow interface with New York Rangers' Michael Del Zotto left him with concussion. This is in addition to Sidney Crosby who is still out with a broken jaw.  To shore up the main line, Evgeni Malkin and Jussi Jokinen have traded places, with the Finn taking the center position on the 2nd line. Malkin will partner Chris Kunitz and the Pens' other big trade Jarome Iginla up front.  The positive news is that both Crosby and Neal are doing well, but it is not currently known if either player will be back in time for the playoffs.