2009-2010

Well hello there! It certainly has been a while, now hasn't it?

There's been a lot going on in the world of sports since I last posted, but most importantly, there has been a ton going on with our beloved NEW YORK RANGERS.

As most of you know, the season is well underway. Rather than recap what turned out to be a very interesting offseason (additions, subtractions, training camp, Traverse City, etc.), I'll start with the here-and-now.

One of the biggest holes in the Rangers game last season was offense. I don't think anyone will argue that point. This offseason, Glen Sather did his best to address this issue by getting some new players (and letting go of others) in an attempt to create some much needed and long absent chemistry.

So far, so good.

The Rangers have been trotting out the following line configurations since the start of the season:

1. Prospal - Dubinsky - Gaborik
2. Higgins - Drury - Callahan
3. Lisin - Anisimov - Kotalik
4. Voros - Boyle - Brashear

If you've been watching the Rangers play, you'll notice that the top three lines are all hard-working, fast-moving, and potentially explosive lines. It appears that the Rangers have finally assembled lines that can go out and put up solid offensive numbers night in, night out.

The key, of course, is Marian Gaborik. The Slovakian is one of the most explosive players in the game - smooth skater, quick release - he's got it all. His health, however, has always been called into question. I won't say any more about it, but the Rangers offensive success hinges on his ability to stay healthy.

Vinny Prospal, an NHL castoff a few months ago, seems to really enjoy playing under former Tampa Bay Coach John Tortorella. He's clicking very well with Gaborik and Dubinsky, and it's showed so far. Speaking of Dubinsky, the camp holdout hasn't showed any signs of rust so far. The youngster is embracing his role as the number 1 pivot, and it doesn't look like he's willing to relinquish it any time soon.

On the second line, the Rangers have one of the best character players in Chris Drury. Never truly suited for first line duty, he looks much more comfortable on the second line. Skating with Long Island native Chris Higgins (acquired from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal) and fan-favorite Ryan Callahan, Drury is providing solid 2-way play from the second line. Callahan and Higgins look ready to step into a bigger role on the team - and Tortorella acknowledged that by awarding Callahan the only Assistant Captain position.

The third line is composed of rookie center Artem Anisimov and wingers Ales Kotalik (signed in offseason, former Buffalo Sabre) and Enver Lisin (acquired for Lauri Korpikoski - remember him?). They're a quick, balanced line - but quite young and inexperienced. The presence of Kotalik has provided a veteran skater to a line still learning the ropes of the game. The raw offensive potential is sky high, and with some time, this line could develop into a very consistent scoring threat.

And finally, the fourth line. Not quite as possession-minded as Betts and Sjostrom were (both lost in the offseason), but still a hard-working line with veteran members.

Looking at the defense, you see a very young unit, and you assume that they'll play below-average. Of course, you'd be sorely mistaken.

The Rangers still have Wade Redden (hold your boos momentarily) and Michal Roszival. Returning from last season are young defenders Marc Staal and Dan Girardi - both quality defensemen, despite their youth. And finally, the Rangers have added Hobey Baker Award Winner Matt Gilroy and called up 19-year old former first round pick Michael Del Zotto. Judging from the early returns, the Rangers should produce a solid defense that works its way into the play offensively, creating increased scoring opportunities.

Del Zotto and Gilroy have both already scored their first NHL goals, and they've looked very comfortable playing at a NHL-level. Redden and Roszival look much improved since last season (I know it's still early), and Staal and Girardi are exactly what Rangers' fans expected - consistent and hard-working.

Notice a pattern? Hard-working. Motivated. These are things John Tortorella has done his best to instill upon a team full of young players. It seems to be working so far, as the Rangers are 2-1 with solid wins over the Senators and the Devils, and a close, hard-fought loss versus the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

And of course, there's not much to say about THE KING. Henrik Lundqvist has provided his usual elite goaltending. The Rangers are looking to rest him more this year (especially with the Olympics), but you can count on Henrik getting a solid majority of the starts.

Tonight's game against the Devils put everything about the revamped Rangers on display. Solid play from all four lines, an explosive offense that takes advantage of mistakes, a defense that can shut down the opposition but also jump into the play quickly, solid special teams (2 powerplay goals, 1 powerplay goal allowed on 6 chances), good physical play (out hit the Devils), and spectacular goaltending.

If the Rangers can keep the energy up, they're going to surprise a lot of the hockey pundits. Written off early as a team that would fail to produce, the Blueshirts are showing that they have the potential to succeed.

There's still a lot of hockey to be played folks, but this writer LOVES what he sees from the Rangers already. The infusion of youth is proving to be exceptionally successful, and it's a breath of fresh air. And of course, I love what I'm seeing from Marian Gaborik. I've always loved his game, and I always hoped he would end up a Blueshirt some day. My wish came true, and I hope it continues to work out.

Until next time - who knows when that will be - I'll continue to enjoy the New York Rangers, win or lose.

Let's Go Blueshirts!