Blue Notes

"If you asked him to play goal, he'd go out there...."

That was Tom Renney, speaking after practice in the players' lounge, about Marty Straka's professionaliism, desire.
and versatility.

After last season's vanquishing by the Devils in the playoffs, Straka said he wasn't sure about returning to the NHL. If he did, it would be on a one-year basis, he said. His off-season signing for $3 million was a little overlooked in the tumult of free-agent news.

Well, in his 14th season, the Rangers are reaping the rewards of this unassuming, world-class athlete.

Straka, who turned 34 in September, accepted the "A" for his sweater and has led by example. Daily. Not weekly.

With his goal against the Thrashers, he extended his point streak to five games (five goals, three assists). The goal was Straka's 14th of the season---two more than Czech pal Jaromir Jagr!

Straka is almost certain to surpass his mark of 22 last year. And don't forget his 13 assists

Can you spell bargain? But don't expect him in goal.

Newsday's Adam Ronis has more on Marty in tomorrow's paper.

As for practice, we can report that the coaches tested the mettle of the lads (except for Jagr, who was excused) with stop-watch timed conditioning drills, "gassers", in which players busted it hard from goal line to blue line; then red line; then far blue line.

Jed Ortmeyer sat out with the flu.