AUTHOR: The Maven TITLE: Day and night DATE: 10/31/2006 01:02:00 PM ----- BODY:

RANGERS – JEKYLL AND HYDE? Talk about Jekyll and Hyde; how about Rangers and Rangers? On Saturday night against Phoenix they looked like world beaters – or should I say merely Coyotes conquerors. And just when everything looked hunky-dory, back-on-track, and all other things good, the Blueshirts, stumbled, bumbled and fumbled their way through a 4-1 loss to Los Angeles. I told my buddy John Giannone at the start of the pre-game show that I wanted Tom Renney to put Kevin Weekes in goal and Nigel Dawes up front. The Kings were as good an opponent as any for Weekes to face; that would prepare Henny Lundqvist for the back-to-back set with Anaheim and San Jose. Dawes has scoring potential but he needs patience and ice time. Instead Renney went with Colton Orr who played a mere 3:47 and was a non-factor offensively. Lundqvist played well, but not well enough and I’m not holding him to blame considering the lack of support he received. But it’s time to determine once and for all how much of an asset Weekes can be – either as a Ranger or as trade bait. The only way that can happen is by playing the man. Ditto for Dawes. So the Blueshirts head for Anaheim Wednesday night as we still try to figure out whether they’re Jekyll or Hyde. This much is certain the defense – especially Darius Kasparaitis and Sandis Ozolinsh, both minus two in L.A. had better tighten up fast or changes will be made. Dr Jekyll where are you now that the Rangers need you? DUNHAM, ALREADY: Like Kevin Weekes, Mike Dunham remains an under-utilized goaltending asset. Watching Rick DiPietro on Saturday night against Florida, I concluded he was average, at best, over 60 minutes and overtime and superb at winning the Shootout. But that’s not justification for playing him every game when the competent Dunham is there and able. One Tuesday night the decimated Black Hawks are at Nassau Colisseum; the perfect time to give Dunny his due. No arguments please!

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Anonymous DATE:10/31/2006 02:48:00 PM The Isles are the only team in the league that would bench Dunham after his string of solid play. Something tells me Nolan isn't calling the shots when it comes to starting goaltenders. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Ed in Westchester DATE:11/01/2006 02:21:00 PM Stan - um, Dunham played a bit already when Ricky was out.
As for the Fla game, once again, Rick was the victim off a deflection off of an Isle.
The only way he is going to get better is by playing. Dunham will get his 15 starts this year no doubt. But Rick is the starter. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Anonymous DATE:11/01/2006 09:25:00 PM Dunham will get his fair share of starts. Nolan is a smart coach. But Ricky did fine against the hawks. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Anonymous DATE:11/02/2006 01:50:00 PM stan i agree, but you didnt sign rickey to a 15 yr deal to sit him, unless hes tierd or not performing, and by years end dipietro will be better than any of us have seen so far, why do you ask?cause the defence is getting better, without a d, no golie would do good, thats including the great brodur ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Anonymous DATE:11/15/2006 12:50:00 PM Stan, I cannot fathom Elias' slump. The effort and the will is clearly there along with the supporting cast. One must assume that he will turn the corner and get red hot. If and when he does, the Devils will be a force with which to be reckoned; however, should he fail to contribute significantly, LL will certainly start contemplating this Elias' departure to alleviate persistant salary cap pressures. Should that happen, could there be a more interested party than the Czechoslavian Olympic team at MSG? Yet, that's a team with which Lou would least likely deal. ----- --------