Gaborik's First Scare

Alright Ranger fans; You knew it was going to happen sooner or later … but this isn’t as serious as some pessimistic Rangers fans would lead you to believe.

It was first reported Saturday that Marian Gaborik was held out of the second half of Saturday’s training camp activities. And then on Sunday, Gaborik was held out as a precautionary measure. Normally I’m the pessimistic one, but some of the responses to this have been a little too much for me not to laugh. Certainly I’m worried, as every Ranger fan should be, but some seem to think that Gaborik’s season is over already. How about we let him actually get injured first before we jump off the ledge, shall we?

Let’s look at this logically and calmly for a second, something New York area fans do not specialize in, and really dissect what is happening here.

For one, Gaborik missed all but 17 games last season. So for all intents and purposes he has missed almost an entire season and recently had surgery. This would lead you to believe that his conditioning and training hasn’t been at full tilt in quite some time. Then enter the fact that Tortorella runs the most grueling camp Rangers fans have seen since Mike Keenan. Then consider Gaborik’s injury history and the need to protect a 5 year, $37.5 million dollar investment. Then consider the fact that it was the organizations choice to hold Gaborik out, as opposed to Gaborik taking himself out.

All of this leads me to believe that this is nothing more than the Rangers being very careful with a player that they have such high expectations for. Let’s face it, if Gaborik is missed for any extended period of time the Rangers are in very deep trouble. Therefore, it is fine with me that they heir on the side of caution here. And like I said, he’s not even injured, he’s sore, there is a difference.

Gaborik is scheduled to take part in most of today’s training camp activities with the exception of scrimmages and heavier skating/running. However do not panic when you don’t see him in tomorrow night’s pre-season opener at home against the Bruins. Tortorella has already said that he will be using this game to see what the “Kids” can do.

So take a deep breath … relax … and remember … Hockey is Officially Back!