Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky Among the New York Rangers' Hottest Players
The New York Rangers are 10 games into the 2010-11 season and hold a record of 5-4-1 for a total of 11 points. Overall, it’s been a pretty good start for the injury-riddled team.
With injuries to forwards Marian Gaborik, Chris Drury and Vinny Prospal, multiple players have stepped up their play to keep the team afloat in the Eastern Conference.
But there are also players who have struggled throughout the season and have not stepped up their play in the Rangers' time of need.
This slideshow will include a Top 5 for both the hottest and coldest Rangers.
The rankings will not be based on statistics alone, but how they have contributed to the Rangers in all areas (offense, defense, special teams, etc.).
At the end, feel free to leave a comment below.
5. Michal Rozsival—Hot/Alexander Frolov—Cold
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Stats after 10 games:
Michal Rozisval: 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points
Alexander Frolov: 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points
Rozsival is off to a strong start this season, ranking third for the Rangers in the points column. He has arguably been the best defenseman for the Rangers. He has been excellent on the power play and has been solid in the defensive zone. Rozsival took heat from Ranger fans during the opening-night ceremonies, but those boos should come to an end very soon. No, Rozsival is still not deserving of his $5 million salary, but he has taken strides to better his play, and fans are noticing.
Alexander Frolov was a much-needed acquisition during free agency as the Rangers needed secondary scoring for Marian Gaborik, and Frolov was the best available. Glen Sather made an excellent signing when he acquired Frolov at a small price of a one-year contract worth $3 million, but Frolov has not had a strong start to the season. With Marian Gaborik injured, Rangers head coach John Tortorella turned to Frolov for offense. Since the injury to Gaborik, Frolov has tallied two goals and an assist for the Rangers. His production will likely increase when Gaborik returns to the lineup, but for now he is on the cold list.
4. Artem Anisimov—Hot/Michael Del Zotto—Cold
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Stats after 10 games:
Artem Anisimov: 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points
Michael Del Zotto: 1 goals, 2 assists, 3 points
Coming into the season as a top second year forward for the New York Rangers, Artem Anisimov was poised for a breakout season. Anisimov has played very well for the Rangers thus far, with his seven points is tied for third on the team. Anisimov has worked hard and he has worked well on a line with young teammates Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan. At this pace he will definitely score 20 goals and possibly 60 points in only his second NHL season.
Second year defenseman Michael Del Zotto has struggled this season. Del Zotto has been given time on the power play and has been allowed to carry the puck into the offensive zone, but that still has not helped his production. He has had a very weak start compared to last season, and not only in his offensive play. Del Zotto has been weak on defense with multiple giveaways this season. He cost the Rangers a game against the New York Islanders earlier this season. Hopefully Del Zotto can regain his confidence and playing level sometime soon.
3. Brian Boyle—Hot/Erik Christensen—Cold
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Stats after 10 games:
Brian Boyle: 4 goals, 0 assists, 4 points
Erik Christensen: 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points
How about Brian Boyle? He went into September's training camp determined to earn a spot on the Rangers, and so far he has impressed. Boyle has scored four goals in only 10 games for the Rangers, tying his season high (he totaled four goals in 71 games last year). Boyle is going to set a season high for goals obviously, and if he can continue his hot streak he may even reach 20 goals. Boyle has also played very well on the penalty kill for the Rangers, and he's using his 6'7" frame to his advantage—hitting anything in his way.
Last season's waiver-wire surprise, Erik Christensen, has struggled this season. He was re-signed to a two-year contract early in free agency, and that may turn out to be a mistake by Rangers general manager Glen Sather. Christensen has not clicked with any Ranger forward thus far, and he had trouble when playing between Marian Gaborik and Alexander Frolov. When Gaborik and Vinny Prospal return from injury, last season's line of Gaborik-Christensen-Prospal may be reunited, and that may help Christensen regain his confidence from 2009-10.
2. Brandon Dubinsky—Hot/Steve Eminger—Cold
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Stats after 10 games:
Brandon Dubinsky: 5 goals, 4 assists, 9 points
Steve Eminger: 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 points
What a start for young forward Brandon Dubinsky. He leads the team with five goals on the season and he is second with nine points. Dubinsky has played terrifically during Marian Gaborik’s absence, and he has taken a major scoring role for the Rangers. Obviously there were trade rumors and trade speculation surrounding Dubinsky before the season began. But if he continues his play, there will be no reason for a trade. Dubinsky may be on pace for 25 goals this season or more.
Acquired in an offseason trade, Steve Eminger was brought to the Rangers to be a tough, veteran defenseman. Eminger has not played very well for the Rangers this season, but he has not been terrible. Eminger has taken some costly penalties, and he has had his fair share of miscues and giveaways. Eminger is a bottom-three defenseman for the Rangers, and he will likely stay there for the remainder of the season.
1. Ryan Callahan—Hot/Matt Gilroy—Cold
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Stats after 10 games:
Ryan Callahan: 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points
Matt Gilroy: 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points
Ryan Callahan is off to an outstanding start. The young forward has played extremely well as the right wing on the “Future Line” with Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov. He leads the team in points and assists, and he is also second place on the team in goals. Callahan has played a huge role on the Rangers' penalty kill, blocking many shots and on the power play with two power-play goals on the season. Callahan is on pace to score over 60 points and over 20 goals this season. Since he is one of the many players the Rangers will have to re-sign at the end of this season, he is putting up big money numbers. (Note: by big money I mean around $3million to $3.5million, like the contracts signed by Marc Staal and Dan Girardi).
Matt Gilroy seems to be feeling the sophomore curse this season, as he has gone eight games played without a point. His numbers are extremely shocking when you consider how well he played during training camp and preseason. He has been the worst defenseman thus far and must step up his play. There is a willing rookie, Michael Sauer, ready to take his spot at anytime so I expect Gilroy to step up his play very soon.
Honorable Mentions: Sean Avery—Hot/Derek Boogaard—Cold/Brandon Prust-Hot
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Stats after 10 games:
Sean Avery: 1 goal, 6 assists, 7 points
Derek Boogaard: 0 goals, 1 assists, 1 point
Brandon Prust: 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point
Sean Avery has been Sean Avery this season, and he has really stepped up during the absence of Marian Gaborik.
Derek Boogaard has been more of a useless player than a cold player. Yes, he makes the team a lot tougher. But there are very few players in the league willing to fight Boogaard, in the Eastern Conference at least, and Boogaard has not won either of his two fights this season. I understand he only receives about three minutes of ice time a game, but can he at least throw a few hits?
Though Prust only has one point on the season, an assist, he has been one of the better Rangers this season. He has played the toughest game for the Rangers, and he has given one-hundred percent each game. He is playing with a half-open eye for goodness sakes! Prust is quickly becoming a fan favorite, and a favorite of coach John Tortorella for sure.
That’s it, thanks for the read. Feel free to comment below.
Above is a link to this week's weekly report (Marian Gaborik update).
