Evgeny Grachev Deserves Time in the NHL and on the New York Rangers

Monday night, tonight, the New York Rangers will host last season's Stanley Cup Champions, the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Rangers are coming off of a well-played shutout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night, which they won 2-0. A complete game was needed by the Rangers, and they played extremely well in every part of their game.

They played well on offense, amazing on defense (they blocked a season-high 35 shots), and their goaltending was outstanding. They will need another complete game if they are going to beat the Blackhawks, who are off to another hot start, tonight.

Okay, now let’s get to Evgeny Grachev.

Last Thursday, the Rangers called on Grachev to fill an open roster slot. Derek Boogaard was injured with an infected finger, which opened the spot and Grachev, who failed to make the team for the third time this offseason, gladly took it from him.

On Friday night, Grachev played in his NHL debut on the fourth line with Todd White and Erik Christensen.

The Rangers lost the game to the Hurricanes 4-3, but Grachev logged just under seven minutes of ice-time and he made the best of it.

He did not score a point in the game, nor did he get a shot on net; but he played an excellent two-way game, showed his speed, and threw his huge body around, totaling two hits in the game.

Grachev played an excellent game and he was given the opportunity to play again on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He played on the fourth line again but this time with Derek Stepan, who he played with during the Traverse City Tournament in September, and Derek Boogaard.

Grachev was given just above eight minutes of ice-time, and once again he played very well. No, he did not score or get any shots on goal, but he played another solid two-way game.

He was forechecking when he needed to forecheck, and he backchecked when he needed to backcheck. Once again he used his huge 6’4” frame to his ability, throwing four hits in the game.

Grachev has shown his ability to play in the NHL, and that he deserves the playing time. It seems he will see more time in the NHL.

During Sunday morning’s practice, Grachev was practicing on the fourth line with Derek Stepan, Derek Boogaard, and occasionally Todd White would swap on and off of the line (according to Andrew Gross of The Record).

Grachev’s play is being recognized by the Rangers coaching staff and, for now, there are no signs pointing to him being demoted. Grachev will likely play his third straight game tonight against the Blackhawks.

As long as Grachev continues to play hard, forecheck, backcheck, throw his body around and make some hits, and maybe even score some goals or assists, he should find it easy to stay in the NHL until the injured players return.

Grachev is playing well, and he deserves to stay in the NHL and play for the New York Rangers.

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