Ottawa Senators' Pascal Leclaire (33) and Erik Karlsson, of Sweden, watch the puck as New York Rangers' Brandon Dubinsky, right, celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
By Michael McEnaney
Opening the season with a stretch of three games in four nights was going to give coach John Tortorella a fast look at exactly what he had to work with for the 2009-2010 season. While the 2-1 start hasn’t answered every question he may have had, the no-nonsense Tortorella has to be pleased less than a week in to his first full season behind the bench in New York.
After a ragged effort defensively in the opener, a 3-2 loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh, the Rangers bounced back with back-to-back victories at home against the Senators (5-2) and at the Rock against the Devils (3-2). While neither of those two clubs is expected to make much noise in the Eastern Conference this season, the Rangers have to be impressed with the play of rookies Michael Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy.
Both first-year defensemen have played with surprising poise in the opening three games and have helped stabilize a defense that currently lacks depth. Each has already tallied their first NHL goals (Del Zotto added his second against Jersey) and perhaps more importantly, have looked solid in their own end as well.
The young duo’s skating ability has added a dimension to the defense that fits well with Tortorella’s high pressure system. Gilroy in particular plays as though he designed the system for Tortorella. It hasn’t been uncommon to see the Hobey Baker award winner take several chances offensively yet effortlessly get back in the play defensively – often times within the same shift. Whether or not the kid can skate like this for 82 games remains to be seen but for a club that may be offensively challenged at times he is quickly becoming a bonafide offensive weapon from the blueline.
For Del Zotto, the fact Tortorella has him quarterbacking the power-play this early in the season spotlights the 19-year-old’s swift ascent up the depth chart. A 2 for 6 night with the man advantage against New Jersey isn’t likely to change that plan anytime soon.
The last minute bail out by the hulking Alexei Semenov dealt an early and unexpected blow to the defense. Sather’s bewildered reaction told you all you need to know about how blindsided the organization was when Semenov essentially told them, “My wife won’t let me play.” Despite the obvious physical presence the 6-6 Semenov brought to the team, perhaps Sather should have been pursuing his wife – apparently the real snarl in the Semenov family is hiding under a red babushka.
While Del Zotto and Gilroy have been pleasant surprises, depth remains a very real issue on defense. Dan Girardi looks fine and Marc Staal should continue his progression to becoming an elite player in the league. However, the organization has to be feeling like there’s a much better player hiding somewhere in Wade Redden’s jersey and it appears that Michal Rozsival’s time has simply come and gone. Can’t imagine a deal isn’t on the horizon for some veteran help here.
Up front, the Brandon Dubinsky/Marian Gaborik pairing looks potentially explosive. Playing with Gaborik, Dubinsky is getting to do what comes natural and that’s carrying the puck and looking to dish. What a wonderful option Gaborik provides as he’s always finding open ice and his release is as quick as you’ll find in the league. Vinny Prospal has fit in nicely on the left side giving the team a very legit number one line.
Outside of Ryan Callahan’s tireless efforts every night and Ales Kotalik’s steady play on the point for power-plays, most of the other forward have yet to distinguish themselves but it’s early. The fourth line comprised of Aaron Voros between Donald Brashear and Brian Boyle has been intriguing, The trio saw a lot of ice time against the Devils and acquitted themselves well generating a few scoring chances and throwing their considerable weight around.
Sean Avery’s return, set for this Thursday against the Capitals, should help add some spice and probably means Enver Lisin or Artem Anisimov will be picking out a tie to wear after the pre-game skate. Neither of the two young Russian forwards has looked bad, but neither has lived up to the considerable promise they showed in the pre-season either.
Worth keep an eye on is Tortorella’s early season decision to pass over Chris Drury on the powerplay. Drury’s overall ice time is down as well and you have to wonder how all this sit with the here-to-fore valuable and versatile center.
Again, it’s still too early to get a handle on exactly where the 2009-10 Rangers are headed but one thing is abundantly clear – it will be in whatever direction Tortorella tells them to head. His combustible style behind the bench has certainly gotten their attention. He exploded after the club gave up a meaningless goal to Ottawa in the final seconds on Saturday and his fist pounding timeout tirade against New Jersey jarred the club out of early first period coma in that game.
Whether or not that act will inspire or wear thin over the next few months will be interesting to watch – as will the play of Gilroy, Del Zotto and Gaborik.
