Bickel Ready for NHL Debut

Blueshirts United has this quote from Stu Bickel on making his NHL debut in New Jersey tonight...

"It's tough to say (how I will feel), obviously I'll be a little nervous heading into my first game, but at the same time I have played in pressure situations before and I feel that I am ready for the opportunity," said Bickel on Monday after taking part in practice with the Blueshirts. "I'll definitely be able to handle it, so I'm just going to go out there and play my game."

...didn't realize till yesterday that Bickel has never played in an NHL game before. Wow, the Rangers have gone through defensemen this year.

...with Woywitka's status still up in the air, hard to speculate on who Bickel could play with but my guess would be if Woywitka can go then Bickle-Stralman and Del Zotto-Woywitka. But if Woywitka is out then I can see Bickel with Del Zotto and Erixon-Stralman.

For John Tortorella's thoughts on Bickel as well as Del Zotto's comments on the Steve Eminger injury click the "Read More" tab below.

Tortorella on Bickel...

"He had a really good camp. I didn't know too much about him, but he played well. He's done some good things down there (with the Whale), and he's a physical guy who sticks up for his teammates."

Here's Del Zotto's reaction to Steve Eminger being out for the next 8-10 weeks (via Blueshirts United)...

"I know how down he was after the game, and he's probably my best friend on the team, so I was heartbroken to see this happen. You never like seeing a teammate go down, especially a close friend like that. Every day he has waited for his opportunity, and he's stepped up with all the injuries, played so well for us. It's terrible timing, and I just feel so badly for him."

...got to say I'm shocked to hear Del Zotto say he's best friends with Eminger. Would have thought his closest friend would be either Prust or Boyle.

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