Called up by the Penguins yesterday morning, Chris Conner's second marker of the evening spelled doom for the lowly Rangers. Watching the Blueshirts right now is downright saddening. After last night's disappointing loss that saw the Rangers blow a third period one-goal lead 31 seconds after acquiring it, I have a few questions for Coach John Tortorella:1. Why does Sean Avery only play 13:31 a night? Eight other Rangers forwards play more than the one guy that can bring life to MSG in the blink of an eye. Avery creates chances on offense, competes hard in every battle, and draws oodles of penalties. Yes, he takes some, as well, but more often than not he'll take somebody to the box with him. Plus, the New York penalty kill is money in the bank anyway.
2. No Ales Kotalik...still? Hey, I'm far from a Kotalik fan, but why hasn't he been plugged back into the lineup. I don't care if he's unhappy, pissy, or if Torts doesn't like him - he'll be much more affective than a Donald Brashear who barely fights anymore....
3. Why not give Brian Boyle a chance on the power play? The big guy's play has picked up tremendously of late, and he deserves a shot at some power play action. Boyle was a scorer in college, a scorer in the AHL, and a scorer during his first eight game stint in the Bigs with Los Angeles, the only opportunity he's ever received at the NHL level to play on a non-fourth line. What's to be lost by trying the 6'7'' Boyle (who actually has pretty solid hands - remember, he was a first round draft pick) in front of the net on the second unit?
As a side note from the game last night, it was good to see Michigan-native Chris Conner have a solid outing. He's already been sent down, but I've always liked what I've seen from the little guy dating back to his time with Dallas. He uses his speed very well and competes hard...
Seems like the Alexander Burrows/Stephane Auger confrontation isn't over just yet. After Hockey Night in Canada's Ron MacLean did a segment with NHL Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell which was clearly on the side of Auger, the Canucks proceeded to boycott HNIC in last Saturday's game against the Hawks, refusing to talk or give any interviews with the CBC network.
You can watch the segment here: Part 1, Part 2.
I break the situation down as thus:
- Was MacLean's segment biased? Yes.
- Do I agree with what he said? Yes.
- Does Auger have faults, too (as I mentioned here)? Yes.
- Is the Canucks' reaction a little childish? Yes.
- Do I have a problem with their reaction? No.
MacLean is a member of the media and a former ref, who clearly has his own opinion, while the Canucks are standing up for their player. Everyone's acting in a fashion that should pretty much be expected...
Not too many big name games on the schedule tonight, but here's a few things to watch for:
- The Wings' Niklas Kronwall returns to action after suffering a sprained MCL on November 21. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg will be reunited on the same line tonight, as well, as Detroit hosts Phoenix.
- It'll be interesting to see how the young Islanders fair as they continue to make a push for the playoffs. Tonight they will meet up with the Capitals on the Island. Center Josh Bailey is expected to be out of the lineup due to sickness.
- The Senators will put their six-game win streak on the line as Jacques Lemaire's Devils come to town. Ottawa is playing the consummate team game right now - they are committed to playing a sound defensive game and all 20 players are working their tails off night after night.
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