Tonight's game will be the fifth Game 7 of Brendan Shanahan's career. That we know.
What we don't know is if it will be the final game of Shanahan's career as well.
Shanahan, 40, said that isn't on his mind today.
"No, I'm not thinking about that," he said. "I'm thinking about it being the game that will lead to my next game."
***
Devils coach Brent Sutter said he is not surprised by the contributions the team has received from David Clarkson (two goals) in the series.
"I think Clarkie get underestimated for what he brings to the team throughout the year," Sutter said. "This guy is the epitome of a warrior. Every game he goes to battle. He's a young player still learning the process of the game of wanting to be a complete player, but he doesn't take nights off as far as compete level. He just so happened to been able to get on the scoresheet for us in the playoffs. For a player like that, he had (17) goals this year. That's a pretty good year for him in the regular season and he certainly has carried that through in the playoffs and he's played well.
"I know he hasn't been an 18-minute guy, but the minutes he has played (8:15 per game) he's been very effective."
***
Sutter was a member of the 1987 Islanders team that played in the longest Game 7 in NHL history against Washington in the Patrick Division Semifinals. He didn't play in the game, however, because of an injury.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't playing in that game," Sutter said. "I was injured at the time and I was actually helping our head coach Terry Simpson behind the bench. I was out that whole series. I got hurt at the end of the regular season. That was a long one."
That one ended on Pat LaFontaine's goal 8:47 into the fourth overtime, which gave the Islanders a 3-2 victory.
"In that situation, you got into four overtimes and each overtime period, you came in after the period was over and the dressing room seemed to get looser and looser," Sutter recalled. "It seemed to get to the point where you were punch drunk. It got to be pretty giddy in there and guys were just like, 'Go play.' There wasn't much the coaches were saying at all. What do you say at that point in time? It was another situation that occurs in overtime in the playoffs where the puck was thrown at the net and it went in the net."
Shanny will follow his heart and sign with the Rangers next year and then retire.
Posted by: A Local Fan | April 28, 2009 at 02:54 PM
no cap space.
Posted by: Pat | April 28, 2009 at 02:56 PM
I think the Rags made it pretty clear they don't want him anymore..
Posted by: Rob | April 28, 2009 at 02:58 PM
4 overtimes, that's crazy...I wonder how many people ended up in the infermery that day. I don't know if I could take it. I'm just hope we blow the Canes out tonight, give them a good old fashioned spanking and send them on their way!
Posted by: Scratch-?- | April 28, 2009 at 03:02 PM
That was Renney that didn't want him. He's gone and the Rangers clearly lack leadership. Shanny is a perfect fit.
Posted by: A Local Fan | April 28, 2009 at 03:02 PM
look at ALF making sh*t up again...hes so cute
Posted by: DCdevil | April 28, 2009 at 03:03 PM
It's true that Renney was the one that didn't want Shanahan back.
Posted by: TG | April 28, 2009 at 03:05 PM
i personally am hoping shanny can loan his good buddy Gavery his Driver after tonight, cause he won't be needing it for a while :)
ALF... do you pay attention? if the Rangers WANTED him, and could AFFORD him... don't you think he would have signed there earlier in the year? Did he hold out on signing anywhere else for 5 months, and kept praciticing at the Rangers practice facility because he did not want to play the rangers... and then what happened? NOTHING. so he had to sign else where, and he had other offers but he wanted to keep his family in one spot so he signed in Jersey. Bottom line he wasn't wanted in NY.
Posted by: Tom Gulitti: Beyond Sutterdome.......Pearl Jammed | April 28, 2009 at 03:06 PM
What makes anyone think that #1 Shanny will be playing next season or #2 Shanny wants to be a Ranger again?
Posted by: Scratch-?- | April 28, 2009 at 03:07 PM
As a Caps fan I remember that 4 ot game - my husband and then 10 year old son were at the Cap Center for that verrry long game. I remember my son standing in line to call me from a pay phone (this was before the cell phone era) and the news crew from local channel 7 was there and instead of hearing from him I saw him on TV!
If you guys think you are nervous about tonight's Game 7 - I am DOUBLY nervous! I'll be at the Verizon Center hoping the Caps destroy the Queen and her Rags thoroughly and completely, while regularly checking the Devils score. This is too much tension for one person...at least if they both win I'll get to watch all the games!
Posted by: DevilsCapsGal | April 28, 2009 at 03:08 PM
I'd like Shanny to stay in Jersey. I like what he brings to the team.
Posted by: BrotherPucker | April 28, 2009 at 03:09 PM
I agree with ya Brother. I strongly believe that the experience that Shanny brings to the team is of far more value than the any points he puts up. Altough those points are still quite appreciated.
Posted by: .B.C. - 16W | April 28, 2009 at 03:12 PM
what's not to love about ALF?
his brown fur? his affinity for cats? his stories about being home on MelMac? the fact that he posts the same troll things EVERY thread?
i am just happy his "friends" let their twink post on here.
Posted by: ronmexico3 | April 28, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Typo, sorry. Not sure where that extra "any" came from.
Posted by: .B.C. - 16W | April 28, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Great to hear Clarkson getting some props. I hope Lou sees the potential in this kid. He's one of those heart and soul role players that great teams are built on.
MORE ICE TIME FOR CLARKIE!!!
Posted by: DevilDog | April 28, 2009 at 03:14 PM
I remeber that Ilses/Caps overtime game. I believe it was Easter Sunday, because overtime had just started when I had returned from visitng relatives. I remember thinking, "Great, I'll just watch the overtime." Little did I know how long that would take.
Posted by: Morgan | April 28, 2009 at 03:16 PM
I love ALF. It's such a great show cause it's so silly. Much better than Harry and the Hendersons.
Posted by: ZuljinRaynor | April 28, 2009 at 03:19 PM
Clarkson can be the new Randy McKay
Posted by: pando20rules | April 28, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Someone dropped their upper level tix to $22 on stubhub, I might be buying those and going to the game
Posted by: Nick | April 28, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Do It Nick!! Buy them!! We need loud voices out there!!!
Posted by: Scratch-?- | April 28, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Apparently they all dissapear 4 hours before gametime...scratch that
Posted by: Nick | April 28, 2009 at 03:34 PM
I wouldn't mind the Mandolfahan line staying together for another year... but its a risk.
If we resign madden to 3 year deal- we're hoping both him AND Pando can keep up the work they've done in the playoffs and last few games.. cuz they're not of much use apart. maybe Pandolfo-Rupp-Clarkson for a 4th line?
I wouldn't mind Shanny back.. but idk. Its not like we don't have veteran leadership. Maybe give him a tryout or whatever to see how he does during preseason? See if he can crack the lineup over Bergfors, Halischuk, Vrana...
I think i'm more depressed over Rolston's lack of play than Shanahan not returning. we need to figure out what makes him tick and to actually set him up for his canon. Rolston and Zubrus are a huge blow of money. We could've gotten a GREAT center and solid Dman with their salaries..
At least we know Holik won't be back. .. so thats 2.5 mil.
Posted by: modnarm | April 28, 2009 at 03:36 PM
As much as I like(d) Shanny back in the 90s, he really should sign a 1-day contract with Detroit and let them retire his number.
Posted by: Alz | April 28, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Either that or they all sold out
Posted by: Nick | April 28, 2009 at 03:36 PM
sux Nick
Posted by: Scratch-?- | April 28, 2009 at 03:38 PM