TIME TO DROP THE PUCK 2009-2010

WE ARRIVE AT THE SEASON OPENER .

I am curious about this Rangers team at this point. It does not look as if it is a set group. The players seem to be feeling it out up to now. I mean, Dubinsky looks Dubinsky like. As does Callahan. The defense seems to have found an identity in the rookies . Not the vets. Thats a good thing. I do not think this Rangers team is ready for prime time. They seem like a team that will sneak away a couple victories, but on most nights they will fall just short. I like the new blood in the bottom 6 forwards. That is refreshing. But the top 6 have not proven anything in the past. I hope they change my opinion of them .

PRE SEASON SPECIAL

We are at the 3/4 pole of the pre season. The NY Rangers have played a bunch of rookies in games and used them in all situations. The coaches have been utilizing the teams faster players on PK. The result is average. Not so much that the forwards are not playing well. But that our defense is still way too soft. I heard that Stall and Garardi were asked to be tougher to play against in the goal area. Well that would be real nice of them. The leftovers from last years number 1 and 2 defense, Redden and Roszival, are soft and do not deserve top 4 status on this years team. The defense has shone from the offensive point of view. Matt Gilroy can truly go end to end with gusto. Mike Del Zotto is the most poised Ranger defenseman of the pre season with control of the puck.

The forwards are doing some new things from past Ranger teams. There seems quite a bit more push to the front of the net. Even from the back board cycles I can see the goal of the shift is to put the puck in the net by every line. Anisimov is already getting attention from the Hockey News. It is deserved. This kid may be the number one center. Grachev and Paranteu , along with Lisin and Callahan, have been dynamic at forcing the play. Marion Gaborik made a beautiful one time pass that hasn't been seen in MSG by a Ranger since Messier, Leetch and Kovelev. I hope Marion can skate in real games too.