All-Star Brendan Shanahan was back and practiced today, but the Rangers left for Philadelphia this afternoon without a key player: Martin Straka is still down with the flu.
He could fly south tonight or early tomorrow for the 1 p.m. game if he feels better.
Jason Ward skated in Straka's place with Jagr and Nylander.
Rookie callup defenseman Dan Girardi skated with Fedor Tyutin again, so it appears Thomas Pock might sit tomorrow.
Possible explanations: The Rangers are trying to determine which veteran defenseman (Rachunek, Malik) they can package with a prospect or pick for forward help, because they know Pock can play.
It is also possible that Pock, and some other players, have been slightly under the weather.
I'm guessing Pock will be back in against Boston.
Comments (5)
More likely explanation: despite their years of experience and superficial glibness, the people running the New York Rangers, at a deeper level, really don't know what they're doing. (See: Jagr on ice for PK in last minutes in a lost game 1 vs Devils, for which we're still paying the price; also see: entirety of Sather's reign (how many years is it now?))
More likely explanation: despite their years of experience and superficial glibness, the people running the New York Rangers, at a deeper level, really don't know what they're doing. (See: Jagr on ice for PK in last minutes in a lost game 1 vs Devils, for which we're still paying the price; also see: entirety of Sather's reign (how many years is it now?))
I think at some point we may need to accept that last year's team played over its head on the blue line. Malik is not the type of defensive player who can succeed in this new NHL where a premium is placed on speed, especially since Malik isn't a physical presence that makes players pay for entering his area and doesn't clear people out from in front of the net.
Rosey was overrated last season and seems to have taken over Tom Poti's job of being there physically but not mentally. Karel is just not a good player at this point.
In addition, I don't think Slats realized how much of a steady influence in the room guys like Strudwick and Ruccin were. Add to that a sophomore slump by Prucha and one of the emotional leaders (Jed) being out to start the season and you're left with a struggling club. Lets see if they can turn it around. I for one would like to see some youth and energy in their to amp up the heart rate of the team.
Steve,
I hear the Flyers aren't thrilled with Mike York, since acquiring him. What would it take to get him? He would be a fine 2nd line center.
I think its time for some infusion of young players. If any thing it will make us a little faster.It kills me to see how we just plod along against faster teams.