Back before a critical afternoon match-up between the Rangers and the top - seeded Boston Bruins.
Having parted ways with Dan Fritsche (for seventh defenseman Erik Reitz), the onus will now be on Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, Aaron Voros, and Lauri Korpikoski to try and establish themselves as part of the top four lines.
In addition, the presence of Reitz also places a little pressure on the likes of Paul Mara, Wade Redden, and Dmitri Kalinin. Perhaps this is the little fire that the defense needs to shore up and get back on track.
Today’s lineup will look like:
Markus Naslund - Scott Gomez - Ryan Callahan
Nigel Dawes - Lauri Korpikoski - Chris Drury
Aaron Voros - Brandon Dubinsky - Nik Zherdev
Freddy Sjostrom - Blair Betts - Colton Orr
All the D - pairings will be the same.
I have to admit I am a bit surprised by this. Drury is a proven NHL center, and he is being stepped over and forced to wing for Korpikoski? No disrespect to the “Korpedo,” but Drury should have the second line center spot.
Which leads me to our title, Tom Foolery…
As anyone who visits here will attest, I like Head Coach Tom Renney and feel that he is currently the best coach for this group. However, that does not mean that he is infallible. And there are a few items worth noting:
1. Drury’s Place: Clearly a team player. Clearly the team Captain. Clearly established. Yet, not once has he had the security of knowing his position for more than a game or two nor has he known who his linemates would be. Is this a testament to his ability to adapt or just mis-use of a fine player? I would argue the latter.
2. Positive Prucha: He works hard. Comes into the lineup and scores. Then he’s benched again. Are the Rangers showcasing Voros at the expense of Prucha? Or did Prucha insult Renney’s mother? Something doesn’t add up.
3. Too much #4: Renney has overused the fourth line plain and simple. I am not claiming that they are ineffective because they play an important role. But late in periods, after goals, etc. the line has come out and simply been overmatched and resulted in goals against. Think of the most recent Carolina game. Rangers get a two-goal lead, Renney puts the fourth line out. A few seconds later, goal against. The Rangers allow far too many goals on the immediate shift after scoring and that is due in large part to the use of the fourth line.
More after the B’s game…
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Errant Pucks: (A new feature with musings, rumblings and tidbits)
So Long Sammy: First we lost John Dellapina of the Daily News, now former Rangers beat writer Sam Weinman of LoHud is waving goodbye as he takes on ventures in the golf world. I know I speak for all bloggers when I say “thank you” as he was the most frequent and intriguing Rangers blogger over the past couple seasons.
The King: Henrik needs to get back to his throne, and worry less about his off-ice ventures. If he doesn’t, his career will be as successful as another King. He of Graceland.
The Gravy Train: Tuesday marks the retirement of No. 9 to the Garden Rafters. Stay tuned for additional coverage…
