Rangers News and Notes: GameDay Edition
Here are the news and notes for the day guys. Remember there will be an open thread for the game tonight at 6:30!
We know Sean Avery won't be playing tonight but Steve Zipay over at Newsday is reporting that Avery is targeting the Ducks game this Sunday for his debut this season. Here are the highlights from the story:
Sean Avery just said his sprained right knee was not 100 percent and will "give it a couple more days" and expects to be ready to play against the Ducks at home on Sunday at 5 p.m.. He said he has come back early from shoulder and wrist injuries and in this case, "It's not Game 80, the guys are playing well and I'm sure they will come out against Washington and play a hard game." It will be his fourth straight regular-season scratch.
No surprise here guys, although I would take this with a grain of salt seeing as how Avery was supposed to be back tonight. Knee injuries can be tricky and I would rather him sit for a few more games and be fully healthy than risk an even worse injury.
Steve Zipay is also reporting that Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist will take a seat during the Rangers 3 games in 4 nights session starting on Sunday.
With another three-games-in-four night stretch starting Sunday at 5 (and a back-to-back Monday against Toronto at the Garden), Henrik Lundqvistis expected to get a breather, with Steve Valiquette between the pipes for the first time this season in one of those two.
Again no surprise here, Lundqvist will see more rest this year than he is used to with the Olympics compressing the schedule. He needs to stay healthy and rested so this is a pretty easy decision for Tortorella to make.
Click after the jump for more news and notes!
Make sure you all check out our good friend Andrew Gross's new look Ranger Rants site. The new link to get to it is here.
Speaking of Andrew Gross he has a nice story running in the Bergen Record about Donald Brashear's first visit to the Verizon Center since switching sides to become a Ranger.
The Rangers skate at 11:30 this morning so check back for any news throughout the day. Of course, it’s Donald Brashear’s return to Washington, as noted in this morning’s preview. My biggest disappointment from yesterday’s Rangers’ practice was that big No. 87 didn’t bite when I asked him about knocking over Martin Brodeur with his shot. Brashear chuckled slightly but then gave a non-descript answer about his role on the team. I was expecting something mildly amusing from Brashear.
Rick Carpiniello did a little story analysing which Rangers would take a seat when Avery comes back. Needless to say I think there would be riots if this happened:
Artem Anisimov. I suppose, if Anisimov is scratched, Vinny Prospal could slip down to play third-line center and Avery could move to the first line. Or Avery could play on the second line and somebody else move up to Prospal’s spot on the left of Brandon Dubinsky and Marian Gaborik… if Tortorella wants to break up the top line’s chemistry.
To be honest I can't imagine Tortorella breaking up the first line--which has been incredible so far--to save the fourth line so don't panic.
Guys don't forget about the Open Game Thread tonight that will open at 6:30. They are tons of fun and anyone who is anyone at Blueshirt Banter participates in them! Just remember no giving links to where you can find the game on line. What you do through personal e-mails or other forms of communication are no concern of ours but we can't talk about them here. Thanks!
