Rangers Analysis: Rangers Olympic Report Card
I know the site has been centered around the Olympic Craziness for the past week and a half, so I thought I would put up a post today containing some Rangers analysis along with Olympic coverage. Below I present to you my New York Rangers Olympian Report Card, evaluating all of the Blueshirts that are participating in the Olympic games. So here goes nothing.
Henrik Lundqvist
Henrik Lundqvist has been the most valuable player to his team so far out of all of the Rangers in the Olympics. In two games played with Team Sweden, Lundqvist is yet to allow a goal. First, he shutout the Germans in a 2-0 Swedish victory. Then on Sunday night he was perfect in net again as the Swedes blanked their rivals in Team Finland, 3-0 in a contest that found them getting a free pass to the Quarterfinals.
Grade: A+
Marian Gaborik
Marian Gaborik has played three games to this point with the Slovakians, despite a nagging thigh laceration suffered a couple of weeks back in practice when leaping over Henrik Lundqvist in practice. He was a gametime decision in Team Slovakia's first tilt against the Czech Republic, and to Rangers fans' displeasure, the skilled winger played in that game. He recorded a goal in the second period, which now is still his only point in the tournament. However, he has skated well and helped the team out defensively.
Grade: B
Olli Jokinen
Olli Jokinen is considered a top player on the defending Silver Medal Champ Finns. Olli, so far, has been good for a goal and an assist. Two points in three games is fairly decent but his club could have used his scoring in their loss to Sweden on Sunday. That is going to hurt his grade in the long-run, but other than that the newcomer to the Blueshirts has played some relatively solid hockey. Also, Team Finland is positioned at the top of their Group, so they will not have to play a Qualifier, but rather wait for either the Czechs or the Latvians to face in the Quarterfinals.
Grade: A-
More after the Jump>>
Chris Drury, I feel, has been the most valuable to his team other than Lundqvist for Team Sweden. The Rangers Captain has been instrumental in USA's perfect record so far in the tournament. He has two goals and has been spectacular when penalty-killing all in a limited amount of ice time. You wonder if the Americans would be where they are without him. Chris took a lot of heat for even making the team, even though it was not his decision, so I am delighted to see him prove critics wrong. I am also keeping my fingers crossed that he can play like this for the Rangers starting next week.
Grade: A
While Ryan Callahan may only have one assist on the tournament, he has done what he has been brought here to do. Callahan, or Drury for that matter, was not added to this roster to be a main contributor on offense. Instead, he was brought here to kill penalties, grind, and provide a spark. Up to this point, I think he has done all of those quite well, except I do feel he can have a bit more of an impact by throwing the body around like he always does in the National Hockey League. But again, he is young and new to this so I expected some adjustment time.
Grade: B+
John Tortorella
Not much to say about Torts because all we really know is that he runs the powerplay. The United States powerplay has been streaky at best, much like the Rangers, so I think Tortorella can bring it up a notch.
Grade: B+
Jim Ramsey
Jim Ramsey, one of the best trainers this game knows, got out onto the ice lightning quick when a Canadian player injured himself during the USA game. I think he deserves recognition for his efforts.
Grade: A+
Agree with these grades so far? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!