http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/teams/new_york_rangers/94 Recent articles about New York Rangers en-us Former Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard was not a fan of New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella’s decision to scratch Brad Richards on Thursday night.  Savard went so far as to say that Tortorella should be fired and that he ruins players confidence. Tortorella had his own opinion for the critics of his decision after the Rangers game four win. “A guy i love as a person and a hockey player. Kiss my ass if you wanna write something different.” Torts on Richards. — Patrick Kearns (@PatrickKearns) May 24, 2013     Thu, 23 May 2013 22:31:29 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/former_bruins_f_marc_savard_calls_out_rangers_coach_john_tortorella/13683437 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/former_bruins_f_marc_savard_calls_out_rangers_coach_john_tortorella/13683437 Former Bruins F Marc Savard calls out Rangers Coach John Tortorella http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/former_bruins_f_marc_savard_calls_out_rangers_coach_john_tortorella/13683437 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8ce46949fbcc5f850c010ed52b5f40c3a3c4cfb9/mini/rangers-coach-tortorella.jpg On Thursday night the New York Rangers were facing a four game sweep at the hands of the Boston Bruins and frustration was settling in. Rangers coach John Tortorella was his usual fiery self and was ranting at one of the linesman in the crucial Game 4. CNBC microphones and camera caught the altercation and at the boiling point the linesman told Tortorella, “F*ck you!” The Rangers won 4-3 in overtime so hopefully Tortorella can calm down just a little bit for the next game. [Deadspin] Article found on: Next Impulse Sports Thu, 23 May 2013 22:27:30 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/during_verbal_clash_linesman_tells_rangers_coach_john_tortorella_fck_you/13683452 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/during_verbal_clash_linesman_tells_rangers_coach_john_tortorella_fck_you/13683452 During Verbal Clash Linesman Tells Rangers Coach John Tortorella, “F*ck You!” http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/during_verbal_clash_linesman_tells_rangers_coach_john_tortorella_fck_you/13683452 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8ce46949fbcc5f850c010ed52b5f40c3a3c4cfb9/mini/rangers-coach-tortorella.jpg This series is not over just yet. Chris Kreider‘s game-winning goal 7:03 into overtime allowed the Rangers to stave off elimination in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Bruins. After goals by Nathan Horton and Torey Krug gave Boston a 2-0 advantage in the second period, consecutive goals by the Rangers knotted the score just over a minute into the third. Tyler Seguin finally tallied his first goal of the playoffs to put the B’s back ahead, but a power-play goal by New York’s Brian Boyle tied the game at 3-3 just two minutes later. That deadlock would last through the end of regulation and into the extra session until Kreider’s deflection past Tuukka Rask ended it. Still holding a 3-1 series lead, the Bruins will have another chance to close out the Blueshirts in Game 5 on Saturday at TD Garden. Check out the best photos from Game 4 >> Thu, 23 May 2013 22:11:46 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/chris_kreiders_game_winner_highlights_best_images_from_rangers_series_extending_win_in_game_4_photos/13683356 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/chris_kreiders_game_winner_highlights_best_images_from_rangers_series_extending_win_in_game_4_photos/13683356 Chris Kreider’s Game-Winner Highlights Best Images From Rangers’ Series-Extending Win in Game 4 (Photos) http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/chris_kreiders_game_winner_highlights_best_images_from_rangers_series_extending_win_in_game_4_photos/13683356 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/c/0/c024094bdc2d6638ab09a385b429cb5b71738fd8/mini/6221074.jpg The New York Rangers called a timeout late in the third period in a tie game against the Boston Bruins, and that’s when the CNBC microphone/cameras caught an interesting exchange.  Rangers head coach John Tortorella and a linesman exchanged a few f-bombs and the announcers were quick to apologize once they realized what happened. [@cjzero] Thu, 23 May 2013 21:53:14 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/rangers_coach_john_tortorella_and_a_linesman_exchange_f_bombs_on_tv/13683233 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/rangers_coach_john_tortorella_and_a_linesman_exchange_f_bombs_on_tv/13683233 Rangers coach John Tortorella and a linesman exchange F-Bombs on TV http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/rangers_coach_john_tortorella_and_a_linesman_exchange_f_bombs_on_tv/13683233 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/c/8ce46949fbcc5f850c010ed52b5f40c3a3c4cfb9/mini/rangers-coach-tortorella.jpg Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara is known for having the hardest slapshot in the entire NHL, but that didn’t stop New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist from stopping the shot with his head.  Lundqvist knows the Rangers are in a must-win game four and has shown that he is willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means finishing the game with a different mask than the one he started with.  Lundqvist took the shot right in the middle of his face and one of the two bars in the middle of his mask came loose.  Rangers fans should be happy that he doesn’t duck like Ilya Bryzgalov. [YouTube] Thu, 23 May 2013 21:41:43 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/zdeno_charas_slapshot_breaks_henrik_lundqvists_mask/13683188 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/zdeno_charas_slapshot_breaks_henrik_lundqvists_mask/13683188 Chara’s slapshot breaks Lundqvist’s mask http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/zdeno_charas_slapshot_breaks_henrik_lundqvists_mask/13683188 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/e/bef2d39afc92051f4adb4fc4a10b3f469cec7e65/mini/lundqvist.jpg With the New York Rangers’ season on the line tonight, their alternate captain will not be in the lineup to do battle with them. No, I’m not talking about Marc Staal, who is sidelined indefinitely with an eye injury. I’m talking about Brad Richards. You know – the guy who signed a mega contract two [...] Thu, 23 May 2013 17:27:30 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/healthy_scratch_of_richards_latest_sign_that_torts_needs_to_go/13681922 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/healthy_scratch_of_richards_latest_sign_that_torts_needs_to_go/13681922 Healthy Scratch Of Richards Latest Sign That Torts Needs To Go http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/healthy_scratch_of_richards_latest_sign_that_torts_needs_to_go/13681922 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/6/b6d7cff7ff32c9b596eac3613f2c05bd4ce8c21a/mini/6239976.jpg From ESPN InsiderAs soon as the news broke that forward Brad Richards was pegged to be a healthy scratch for Game 4, talk of pending compliance buyout resumed with fresh energy. And not without reasonable justification.  If the 33-year-old center isn't going to be part of the New York Rangers' long-term plans, he very well may be bought out this summer. Carrying an annual cap hit of $6.67 million until 2020, Richards has the potential to be one of the priciest albatrosses in all the league. TSN's Darren Dreger implies a parting of ways may suit all involved.  "... The NYR may swallow $24 mil for 14 years by buying Richards out, but there will be teams eager to sign him in summer for $3 mil per x 3 yrs ... Richards is still young, a very proud guy and proven winner. He will refocus in offseason and bounce back next year ..."  Mind you, if Richards returns to the lineup this postseason (the Rangers first need to win Game 4 against the Bruins for this to even be a... Thu, 23 May 2013 15:10:55 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/report_rangers_may_buy_out_richards/13680827 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/report_rangers_may_buy_out_richards/13680827 Report: Rangers may buy out Richards http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/report_rangers_may_buy_out_richards/13680827 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/d/2d263101aff4b39695da1cf9dcf15294146a693d/mini/6225376.jpg While there's next to zero chance he plays in tonight's Game 4, there was some good news on the Marc Staal injury front as he reported some progress with his blurred vision and altered depth perception after practice today (via Bergen Record)... “That week after the game I didn’t play [Game 4 against the Capitals], I had some ups and downs and I took a few days off to let things settle down. The last two days have been better so we’ll go from there. It’s worse to sit and watch than it is to deal with the eye." ...really excited to hear that there's some improvement. I'm still very concerned that he'll never regain 100% of his vision. But if he feels comfortable playing again by next fall I'm confident he can still be a very productive NHL player for the Rangers. ...and if not, I'm sure the Carolina Hurricanes will want to trade for him anyway, just to say they have all the Staal brothers on their team. Remember to follow me on Tw... Thu, 23 May 2013 14:51:16 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/staal_reports_progress_with_vision/13680707 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/staal_reports_progress_with_vision/13680707 Staal Reports Progress With Vision http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/staal_reports_progress_with_vision/13680707 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/3/73eb2c3a7b4e8d826daad69b9a00790b6d59d48b/mini/Pittsburgh_Penguins_v_be66.jpg Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist may be one of the best goalies in the world, but he’s also really good at finding a way to place the blame elsewhere when things don’t go very well. He was doing just that only a few hours before his team looks to avoid being swept out of the playoffs in Game 4 of their second-round series with the Bruins. This time, it’s the bounces’ fault. “I’ve looked at a few games and they definitely got some lucky bounces,” Lundqvist said Thursday morning, according to ESPN.com. “Last game I blame the loss on lucky bounces, but they haven’t changed the way they’re playing. They shoot from the point and they get a lot of people in front of the net. That’s what they do and they’re good at it. You just have to play them hard and make sure we make it tough for them to get in front.” Lundqvist turned in his best game in Game 3 against Boston where he made a series of highlight-reel saves. However, the Bruins were able to will a couple of pucks by the New York netminde Thu, 23 May 2013 14:31:46 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/henrik_lundqvist_says_bruins_have_got_some_lucky_bounces_blames_game_3_loss_on_bounces/13680527 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/henrik_lundqvist_says_bruins_have_got_some_lucky_bounces_blames_game_3_loss_on_bounces/13680527 Henrik Lundqvist Says Bruins Have ‘Got Some Lucky Bounces,’ Blames Game 3 Loss on Bounces http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/henrik_lundqvist_says_bruins_have_got_some_lucky_bounces_blames_game_3_loss_on_bounces/13680527 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/b/eb2a7336ae80bde1d06f56cfdeda9b1ffa9c3efc/mini/Lundqvist.jpg Brad Richards won a Conn Smythe under John Tortorella in 2004 when the two were teaming up to win a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning. That now seems like a very, very long time ago. The two are now in New York, of course, and Tortorella will go into Thursday’s do-or-die Game 4 against the Bruins without Richards. The head coach has decided to make Richards a healthy scratch for Game 4, a seemingly unprecedented move, even with the forward’s recent struggles. That’s not the only change Tortorella will make for his Game 4 lineup. Forward Arron Asham will also be a healthy scratch as the Rangers look to climb out of a 3-0 series whole. Kris Newbury and Micheal Haley, who have one Stanley Cup playoff game between the two of them, will be in for Richards and Asham. Defenseman Anton Stralman, who sufferd an injury in Game 3, is also expected to be out. The initial speculation is that veteran blue liner Roman Hamrlik will replace Stralman. The big story, though, is Richards. The ve... Thu, 23 May 2013 12:25:50 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/brad_richards_a_healthy_scratch_for_rangers_in_game_4_against_bruins/13679465 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/brad_richards_a_healthy_scratch_for_rangers_in_game_4_against_bruins/13679465 Brad Richards a Healthy Scratch for Rangers in Game 4 Against Bruins http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/brad_richards_a_healthy_scratch_for_rangers_in_game_4_against_bruins/13679465 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/6/b6d7cff7ff32c9b596eac3613f2c05bd4ce8c21a/mini/6239976.jpg New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella announced that Brad Richards will be a healthy scratch for tonight's Game 4 against the Boston Bruins. The Rangers will also play defenseman Roman Hamrlik in place of the injured Anton Stralman. Richards has been struggling throughout the playoffs and has been playing on the fourth line. Richards played a postseason-low 8:10 in Game 3's loss to Boston. Richards has only one goal and a -3 rating so far in this postseason. Richards said of the scratch, "I'm surprised, I guess. I'm disappointed." Tortorella hasn't said very much about his lineup tonight other than Richards being out and Hamrlik in. At this time, Tortorella hasn't announced who will take Richards place in the lineup. Hamrlik hasn't played since April 1st against the Winnipeg Jets. Hamrlik will replace the injured Anton Stralman who took a hit to head from Milan Lucic in Game 3 and as a precaution will miss the all important Game 4.    Thu, 23 May 2013 12:17:11 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/brad_richards_scratched_for_game_4_roman_hamrlik_will_play/13679402 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/brad_richards_scratched_for_game_4_roman_hamrlik_will_play/13679402 Brad Richards Scratched for Game 4, Roman Hamrlik Will Play http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/brad_richards_scratched_for_game_4_roman_hamrlik_will_play/13679402 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/c/6c7e86249699bc3a357cff07ac932e3e94a9a260/mini/6224170.jpg Per Andrew Gross, Brad Richards will be a healthy scratch tonight. Richards was on the ice with the extra skaters following today’s optional skate. For those saying players are never held accountable, here’s your proof that they ARE held accountable. Tweet Thu, 23 May 2013 12:16:52 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/breaking_brad_richards_a_healthy_scratch_tonight/13679393 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/breaking_brad_richards_a_healthy_scratch_tonight/13679393 Breaking: Brad Richards a healthy scratch tonight http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/breaking_brad_richards_a_healthy_scratch_tonight/13679393 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Anton Stralman did not participate in the Rangers optional practice a day after being forced to leave Game 3 due to a crushing hit he received along the boards from Milan Lucic. Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record adds that it's not likely that he'll play in Game 4 and that Matt Gilroy or Roman Hamrlik are the likely replacements. No word if Marc Staal, who skated again today, is an option. ...with the Rangers offense struggling mightily, I think Torts has to go with Gilroy. Hell, not even should he be in the line-up, the Rangers head coach should give him a spot on the top power play unit. Can't get worse. ...big loss if Stralman can't go as he's been one of the most under-rated Rangers in the playoffs. ...as far as a possible Staal return, I'd be against it. Why even risk putting him in an uncomfortable situation now. Not worth it. Meanwhile, Chris Kreider, who was forced to leave Game 3 as well after taking a stick to the face, was a... Wed, 22 May 2013 15:32:15 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/stralman_likely_out_for_game_4_kreider_doesnt_practice_clowe_powe_staal_skate/13673107 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/stralman_likely_out_for_game_4_kreider_doesnt_practice_clowe_powe_staal_skate/13673107 Stralman Likely Out for Game 4; Kreider Doesn't Practice; Clowe, Powe & Staal Skate http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/stralman_likely_out_for_game_4_kreider_doesnt_practice_clowe_powe_staal_skate/13673107 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Rangers had the most convenient excuse in the world following the club’s 5-2 loss to the Bruins in Game 2. Not only did they play a poor defensive game with a ton of mistakes, Henrik Lundqvist had one of the worst games of his career. Surely Lundqvist would bounce back in Game 3 with a much better effort, perhaps a sterling showing that would steal New York a win and get them right back in the series. Lundqvist was damn good Tuesday night in Game 3, and even that wasn’t enough. The Bruins, despite being frustrated by big save after big save, eventually did just enough and got enough good fortune to beat Lundqvist and the Rangers. Boston took Lundqvist’s best shot, and they were even a little bit better. And now, the series is over. The Rangers’ best chance to win this series was for Lundqvist to play like the best goalie in the world. For two games, he was far from that but on Tuesday, he started to resemble a Vezina finalist again. He was there to turn away both Chris Kelly and... Wed, 22 May 2013 11:58:33 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/henrik_lundqvists_game_3_performance_makes_rangers_loss_even_more_demoralizing/13671151 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/henrik_lundqvists_game_3_performance_makes_rangers_loss_even_more_demoralizing/13671151 Henrik Lundqvist’s Game 3 Performance Makes Rangers’ Loss Even More Demoralizing http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/henrik_lundqvists_game_3_performance_makes_rangers_loss_even_more_demoralizing/13671151 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/6/b6bd81bdb506ebf821146beb4d7d0a4d63ca2a2a/mini/New_York_Islanders_5eba.jpg Per Dan Rosen, injured winger Ryane Clowe is on the ice for practice today. Clowe has been out since Game Five of the Washington series with a likely concussion. While this is always promising news, let’s remember that Marc Staal has been practicing for a while, and he’s only played in one playoff game. This is a hopeful sign, but until we hear confirmation he is playing, it is still just a hopeful sign. Andrew Gross is reporting that Darroll Powe is on the ice at practice as well. Anton Stralman and Chris Kreider were not at the optional. Tweet Wed, 22 May 2013 11:56:42 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/clowe_on_the_ice_at_practice/13671139 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/clowe_on_the_ice_at_practice/13671139 Clowe on the ice at practice http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/clowe_on_the_ice_at_practice/13671139 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/7/e7f500b52e63e5bc987c96ebd2c58d4cd81af827/mini/San_Jose_Sharks_493f.jpg from Larry Brooks of the New York Post, It was hardly earth-shattering stuff, nothing like saying a player “stinks” on the power play, for instance, but John Tortorella sure had it right before the playoffs started when the Rangers’ coach talked about legacies being made in the postseason and not in the regular-season. Ten games into the playoffs following last night’s dagger-to-the-heart, 2-1 defeat to the Bruins in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal, we’re still waiting. There is Henrik Lundqvist, all right, whose back-to-back shutouts with the Blueshirts facing opening-round elimination by the Caps in Games 6 and 7 of the first round carried his team forward, and whose spectacular work last night was all that stood between the Rangers and humiliation. continued Wed, 22 May 2013 08:44:37 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/theres_lundqvist_then_everyone_else/13669612 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/theres_lundqvist_then_everyone_else/13669612 There’s Lundqvist Then Everyone Else http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/theres_lundqvist_then_everyone_else/13669612 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/8/48bd8476c5b7d71e7bef46470f04e12575819146/mini/Florida_Panthers_v_faf9.jpg Big picture outlook > lockout shortened season. After the Rangers loss against Boston Sunday night, much of the Rangers fan base went into panic mode. The usual suspects came out and called for Tortorella’s head, Michael Del Zotto’s and to some extent Brad Richards, as if the loss was solely on them. We’ve been down this road before, and quite frankly, I wasn’t surprised at the fan sentiment. The stakes are high at this time of year and everyone is wound tight. I get it. Still, despite some Rangers bloggers calling this team mediocre and overachievers (which kinda contradicts the Torts hate no?), I beg to differ. No matter what happens the next couple of games, I still believe the Rangers are closer to the Cup than most give them credit for. Do the Rangers need to make a couple of moves this offseason? Sure. But the right core is still in place, the right coach still leads them, and both will be back next season. I guarantee it. Look, there will be plenty of time to debate who s... Tue, 21 May 2013 12:30:14 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_rangers_are_closer_to_the_cup_than_you_think/13663360 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/the_rangers_are_closer_to_the_cup_than_you_think/13663360 The Rangers are closer to the Cup than you think http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/the_rangers_are_closer_to_the_cup_than_you_think/13663360 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/7/47662c694636ce089acc415175d67314ffd25f31/mini/Ottawa_Senators_v_3c82.jpg New York’s fourth line center would cost an extra $6 million to buy out this summer It’s growing increasingly difficult to believe that this is just an off year for Brad Richards, that the 33-year-old will bounce back with the benefit of a summer to clear his head and a full John Tortorella training camp in the fall.  There are just too many signs that the former star center is on a steep decline. And yet, despite Tortorella’s own silent admission through a fourth-line demotion that Richards has been awful, it’s still extremely unlikely the Rangers will exercise a buyout on Richards this summer. As Dave Lozo explained so well last week, it would make very little sense for New York to exile Richards this summer rather than waiting until 2014.  The chief reason: buying out Richards this year would cost New York $24 million over the next 14 years, while waiting a season would cost the Blueshirts $18 million over the next 12 seasons.  Is it really a wise move for the franchise to swallo... Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:50 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/despite_playoff_struggles_brad_richards_wont_be_bought_out_until_next_summer/13661128 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/despite_playoff_struggles_brad_richards_wont_be_bought_out_until_next_summer/13661128 Despite playoff struggles, Brad Richards won’t be bought out until next summer http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/despite_playoff_struggles_brad_richards_wont_be_bought_out_until_next_summer/13661128 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/f/8f37e83e4b25afc68fe94f342a0930b1aa474f49/mini/6225366.jpg Per Andrew Gross, Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh are back together as a pairing on defense. After an abysmal Game Two with Michael Del Zotto, Girardi will be reunited with McDonagh to form that top shutdown pair the Rangers split up after the Washington series. Del Zotto will be with Anton Stralman, and the John Moore-Steve Eminger pair remains the same. The change is likely two-fold: Realizing that the current pairs weren’t working, and that the Rangers have home ice (and last change) for the next two games. Tweet Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/lineup_changes_girardi_and_mcdonagh_back_together/13656583 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/lineup_changes_girardi_and_mcdonagh_back_together/13656583 Lineup changes: Girardi and McDonagh back together http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/lineup_changes_girardi_and_mcdonagh_back_together/13656583 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/5/a58eaf2a94e11e560156a1f2d1aa2baa99194080/mini/GettyImage.ashx_url_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f91378953.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D0F83835EE1016EEF05739871304B399BFC2D087FCD615BA84.jpg Al Bello/NYDN Something that was very obvious during yesterday’s loss was that the Rangers defense had a lot of trouble matching up and shutting down the Bruins forwards. Prior to the series, coach John Tortorella swapped his defense pairings to prepare for a much deeper Bruins club. In doing so, he split up Dan Girardi/Ryan McDonagh, and put Girardi with Michael Del Zotto. Let’s be clear about one thing, Del Zotto is a top-four defenseman in this league. He’s a top-50 guy, which puts him in the upper echelon of second pairing defensemen. He’s not perfect, he’s not going to do well against the top scorers in the league, but he will be able to hold his own. That said, the pairing of Del Zotto/Girardi has never worked. It didn’t work two years ago, it didn’t work last year, it won’t work this year. Neither defenseman is perfect, and both have flaws that can be easily exploited by smart teams. We saw this last night. Girardi was on the ice for all five goals, and MDZ for four. We can spe Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:49 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/until_marc_staal_comes_back_the_defense_will_struggle_against_deep_teams/13654699 http://network.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/until_marc_staal_comes_back_the_defense_will_struggle_against_deep_teams/13654699 Until Marc Staal comes back, the defense will struggle against deep teams http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/until_marc_staal_comes_back_the_defense_will_struggle_against_deep_teams/13654699 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/2/424e4536f44a88376832d4f8d2e74df68f06daff/mini/GettyImage.ashx_url_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f96500399.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F5E0BC0ADE8274FCA878A7CC930AC93D1E4BD1F214B4E4A556.jpg