Unfortunately due to work, I missed the first two periods of last night's Rangers game. I did get to see the final period between the Rangers and Panthers, and I was impressed with a few things. First was the way we scored the two goals to come back and tie the score at three a piece. The second goal of the night, scored by Brandon Prust, was a deflection off of a point shot from Michael Sauer. The third goal, which was Brian Boyle's 18th of the year, was scored by providing traffic in front and crashing the crease. These are the dirty goals that the team needs to score to be successful. With all of the injuries that this team has suffered and with the lack of pure finesse and skill, a team like the New York Rangers needs to go hard to the net.
A few quick notes:
-Mats Zuccarello had three assists last night, and now has three goals and eight assists for 11 points in 17 games since being called up.
-Brian Boyle saw time on different lines yesterday, including seeing time with Gaborik and Avery. The trio created chances and were very strong together. Boyle scored his 18th goal of the year, which now leads the team. Boyle's previous career high was four goals in a season, which he scored three times in 07-08 and 08-09 with LA, and also last year with the Rangers. His improvement has been one of the best surprises of the season so far.
-Unfortunately, Sean Avery has not been able to produce offense consistently, and a new first line left wing needs to be found. Steve Zipay reports via twitter "Vinny Prospal close to returning from his knee surgery? Rangers activate him off injured reserve". The Rangers have found alternate performers with Prospal out this season, but with Brandon Dubinsky, Erik Christensen and Ruslan Fedetenko out past the All-Star break, Prospal's return will be welcome.
-Finally, Evgeny Grachev has looked very good since being recalled from AHL Connecticut. The big winger showed his strength in the offensive zone, playing hard along the boards and showing improvement from training camp and his previous call-up.
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Lets talk about some of the forwards. In today's post, I'll talk about the surprises of the season. Lets start with...
Brian Boyle, who I just mentioned has the team lead with 18 goals. An RFA after this season, Boyle was acquired two summers ago from LA for a 3rd round draft pick. This has turned out to be one of the best value trades, and it continues to build Glen Sather's reputation as an excellent GM (when it comes to trades, at least). The 6'7" Boyle took skating lessons over the summer, and the results have shown. Boyle has played in all situations, including in front of the net on the powerplay and as a key penalty killer as well. Boyle's line has even become one of Tortorella's favorites before injuries befell the team, and that line was getting second line minutes.
That brings me to Brandon Prust, Boyle's partner in crime. Prust was acquired last season along with Olli Jokinen for free agent mistake signing Ales Kotalik and underperforming winger Chris Higgins. Prust has seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points this season, and is the premier penalty killing forward for the team. Considered a warrior who battles through pain, he recently blocked a shot with his foot in a game against Atlanta yet has not missed either of the two games since while being in noticeable pain. The All-Star break will prove to be a good help to the bumped and bruised Prust, as he can rest what is sure to be a sore body all over. Prust also leads the team in short-handed goals with three this season, proving to be a threat at all ends of the ice.
Rookie Derek Stepan came into this season after playing for Wisconsin in college hockey, and has surprised many with his scoring ability and offensive vision. Stepan currently has 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points, and is the Rangers' third leading scorer. The Rangers couldn't have asked anything more from the young Stepan, 20, as his skills have translated well so far this year. In the coming seasons, Stepan can continue to build upon his strength and conditioning to become a perennial contributor to this roster.
The Rangers leading scorer is surprisingly not Marian Gaborik. Instead, Brandon Dubinsky has broken out at an incredible pace to lead the team in both scoring and effort. The fast-skating and hard-hitting Dubinsky has scored 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points in only 47 games before finding out about a stress fracture in his leg. Dubinsky has played in all situations for the Rangers and has become one of their most dangerous offensive weapons. An RFA in the off-season, Dubinsky will be seeking a big raise from the $2 million he will make this year.
Considered by many to be a strong candidate as the Rangers next captain, Ryan Callahan has added a scoring touch to his hard-working style of play. Always putting in the extra effort to lay a hit or block a shot, Callahan scored 10 goals and 13 assists in only 32 games before getting hurt. In those 32 games Callahan also has 128 hits, still second on the team. Callahan is expected to come back to the Rangers after the All-Star break where the Rangers can really use his leadership. Another one of the Rangers RFA's in the summer, he is one of the leaders of this team that needs to be re-signed. He is an integral part of the lineup that has been missed with his time out.
Artem Anisimov has seen improvements in his game after his rookie season saw him score 12 goals and 16 assists in all 82 games, he currently has scored 10 times and has assisted on 16 others 52 games through the season. His playmaking abilities have been shown more this season, especially early in the year on a strong line with Dubinsky and Callahan. Anisimov's game has always been skill, and he has used his lanky frame to make plays during the year. He shows flashes of brilliance with an excellent wrist shot that has proved to be lethal at times. Anisimov is the team's fourth and final RFA forward of the year. He should not get as much of a raise as either Callahan or Dubinsky, but is a player that should be retained as he has the potential to center this team's second line.
Well that's it for now. There's a chance I'll post again later tonight, but if not look for me to post about more forwards tomorrow. Let me know what you think about these guys in the comments section below!
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