No, your favorite correspondent didn't get hit by a puck, but did need some dental refurbishing, so Newsday's Eric Boland subbed for me at practice today.
He reports that Ryan Callahan skated with Chris Drury and Petr Prucha (good speed there), and that the Straka-Dubinsky-Jagr line was unchanged. Both Brendan Shanahan (sore back/rest) and Sean Avery (CAT scan on sore wrist) didn't skate, but are expected to play against the Islanders, as is Callahan. That means Marcel Hossa could sit, as predicted here yesterday.
Marek Malik, who has missed 12 games with bruised ribs and back, is ready to return, but coach Tom Renney won't commit to exactly when he'll play. He's apparently reluctant to break up the three d-pairs for Thursday's tilt against the Islanders.
Thanks to Eric for the info. Check out his Callahan story in tomorrow's editions.
I understand some rumors are floating around about a Jagr trade. Please stop. Is he discouraged by his start? Of course. Is he concerned about his numbers? Yes. But a trade? He has said numerous times that he wants to finish his career here.
As for me, tonight I'll have an icepack on the right jaw and be sipping through a straw.
But I'll be back at practice bright---maybe still a tad swollen---and early tomorrow to report on the preparations for the Isles' visit to MSG, where the Rangers will try to snap their losing streak against their Nassau County neighbors.
Comments (11)
I like Malik, but the defense is playing great, AND is the source of most of the Rags offense. I say scratch Malik until the defense gives a reason to play him... my guess is Mara will be the odd man out if that happens.
I agree, Mike. Don't fix what isn't broken. However, if Renney scratches Mara instead of Struds (who has played well) when Malik comes back, then his head is more screwed up than Dipietro's. There is no way we can expect Struds to play 70 games this year. Mara is much younger, has played well and has a great shot, if only he would hit the net a little more often.
If you must bring Malik back, which he will, than Struds sits. And who knows, Rozy may need a couple of nights off with his knee acting up so we can get Struds in for him at times.
Don't get me wrong, I like Struds. I just don't think you can expect him to play as often as he has done for an entire season.
Really hope it's Hossa with the scratch...he's been very sloppy with the puck - Drury will be more effective with Cally on the line
i think Dubi should be thrown to the third line and leave it as Straka Drury Jagr. We really didnt give that line enought time to work out. Drury is not going to put up as many point killing penalties and playing on the third line. Wouldnt touch the second line, they are really gelling well, just need Gomez to shoot more ...
Brian - Why the talk of Strudwick not being able to handle a full season? I am not saying he should and I don't believe that was the plan when he was signed. He very well may end up the odd man out. But, you say "there is no way we can expect Struds to play 70 games this year. Mara is much younger"...
Strudwick is a year younger then Malik.
Someone's got to sit. Struds will not protest. Malik will. The BooBirds will be back and the team will suffer for it. Anyway you look at it, Malik will be making us turn our heads in fear while playing the puck in front of the net in his usual dangerous fashion. What are ya gonna do?
He'll be gone next year for sure.
But Struds on the other hand could be a staple as long as Renny is around.
Where can I find some news on Cherepanov? What's the Rangers game plan for him? Who deals with his crossing of the pond? Those sort of things. Can anyone help?
i think Dubi should be thrown to the third line and leave it as Straka Drury Jagr. We really didnt give that line enought time to work out. Drury is not going to put up as many point killing penalties and playing on the third line. Wouldnt touch the second line, they are really gelling well, just need Gomez to shoot more ...
Hossa has been horrible lately. The play against Dallas was horrendous. I realize he's a "decent" penalty killer, but beyond burying a shootout goal here and there, what has he really done to validate a roster spot over someone like Nigel Dawes?
All this talk of replacing this guy with that guy. With Avery gone 2 maybe 4 weeks bring up Greg Moore. let him play on 3rd line with the kids. Put Jagr on the 2nd powerplay unit.
Put Hossa.on waivers. call up Nigel Dawes. Add Prucha to the second line. Last but not least Let Valiqutte play against the Islanders.
N Dawes- Gomez - Shanny Stall - Rosival
Straka - Drury- Jagr Tyutin - Giaradi
Prucha- GMoore - Callahan Malik- Mara
Dubinsky- Betts- Orr
Anonymous go to blueshirt bulletin - and there is a link to prospect park - ask your question there as they follow our youth very closely.
thanks Joe