It's not official, but you get the sense that defenseman Marek Malik will be returning to the dentist tomorrow or Wednesday to finish his multiple root-canal surgery.
That would let Rangers coach Tom Renney off the hook in determining what to do with a surplus of defensemen until just before the eight-day Left Coast road trip that begins when the Rangers fly to Phoenix after practice Thursday.
He could see who plays best---or worst---on Wednesday against the Panthers. How's that for pressure? Or wait to see if someone gets dinged up (and I'm not wishing that on anybody, by the way).
Actually Malik, whose wingspan---not his speed or shot---is his best weapon, could be the guy left behind Thursday under the premise of medical reasons.
Personally, I wouldn't risk sending Thomas Pock down and risking someone snapping him up, but the Rangers are in a bind, with too many under-performing, $2-mil or so backliners on hand. Renney said that "would be a consideration" if Pock was only going to play "minimal minutes" here. On the other hand, the Rangers have Ivan Baranka with the Wolf Pack who could be summoned if Pock is snatched and another D is necessary down he road.
Or as much as it might damage psyches, Sandis Ozolinsh, the disappointing Karel Rachunek or even Darius Kasparaitis could go to Hartford to sharpen their games. Ward, Tyutin and Rozsival presumably are safe. For now.
Cheers until tomorrow.
Unless there's some news...
Comments (5)
It's a no brainer. Rather than potentially lose a Blueliner that can skate and shoot (and only dents the cap at $600,000), you send a message to an underachieving defender: shape up or ship out.
Chances are, this time of year, nobody will pick up Darius Kasparaitis' $3268000, or Marek Malik's $2500000. BUT...If they do, so be it. What you're getting from them, you can get from a younger player-with a lot more intensity.
On an unrelated matter, how long will it be until people are commenting how much the Rangers miss Jed Ortmeyer?
Kaspar is the only Dman that will hit. Don't underestimate Kaspar. Does mgt see something in Rachunek that I don't. Z
Malik was by far our best defenseman last year. It really angers me that fickle fans at MSG began to boo him after one bad game.
As for the odd-man out, it's clearly Rachunek. Ozolinsh, when sober, is an elite offensive d-man. If we pair Sandis with Kaspar or Ward, he can really contribute. Rozsival is also expendable in my opinion.
Let's not forget there's still the possibility of Brain Leetch's return.
We'll see how it goes...
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