Derek Stepan Leads New York Rangers' Weekly Report

Rangers Weekly Report No. 4

Rangers Weekly Review

This week the Rangers setup their opening 2010-11 NHL roster and began their season.

Sunday (10/3): The Rangers made their final cuts, sending Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko to the team's AHL affiliate in Hartford. The Rangers also placed Vinny Prospal and Chris Drury on the Injury Reserve list, cutting the roster to 23 players.

Monday (10/4): The Rangers finally signed veteran winger Ruslan Fedotenko to a one-year contract, which is another good offseason acquisition by Glen Sather.

On the same day the Rangers received news that Prospal may be out for the remainder of the season, head coach John Tortorella may have to place the forward on the Long-Term Injury Reserve list.

Tuesday (10/5): The Rangers waived veteran forward Todd White and young forward Tim Kennedy in an attempt to open cap space just in case they wanted to acquire someone off the waiver wire.

Wednesday (10/6): The Rangers were very quiet during waivers. Nothing was done, except for Kennedy and White clearing waivers.

Saturday (10/9): The Rangers were quiet on Thursday and Friday, but were not Saturday night when they began their season in Buffalo.

The Rangers trampled the Sabres with a 6-3 victory in which rookie Derek Stepan scored a hat trick in his first career game. Brandon Dubinsky added two more goals, and Erik Christensen scored once.

Henrik Lundqvist looked very solid throughout the game, but could not control shots coming from Jordan Leopold, who scored twice for Buffalo. The Rangers really impressed and looked like a team devoted to winning games.

Chris Drury practiced with the Rangers in their morning skate and may be back for Friday.

Rangers Weekly Preview

The Rangers have two games this week, one being against the Islanders on Monday, the other on Friday, in the home opener against the Maple Leafs.

Rangers at Islanders Preview:

The Rangers are coming off a very good game in Buffalo, and if they can bring that momentum into the Nassau Coliseum on Monday they may have another triumphant game on offense.

Marian Gaborik had success when playing against the Islanders last season and should not expect anything different this season. This game may be another offensive outbreak for the Rangers.

Rangers vs. Maple Leafs Preview:

The Rangers dominated the Leafs early last season, but this is a different Toronto team. They are much improved from last season and may give the Rangers trouble. I expect this game to be the first challenge this season for the Rangers.

Chris Drury

If Drury returns this week, expect one or two moves to be made to open roster space. Whether they make a trade or send a player to the minors, the Rangers must open roster space for him.

That's all for now, hope you enjoyed. Feel free to comment below.

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