Rupp, Biron In vs. Coyotes; No Avery (Updated: Avery Not on Ice)
Update, 7:40 p.m.:Torts says on MSG that Artem Anisimov is out with an illness.
...so Christensen gets another game, while Avery sits again. Perfect.
Update, 7:33 p.m.:
The Rangers report that all healthy players are on the ice for warm-ups except for Avery. One of the 22 still needs to be scratched.
...what is going on? Wonder if Avery was assigned to the Whale?
Original Post:
The Rangers announce that Mike Rupp will return to the Rangers line-up tonight vs. the Coyotes for the first time since knee surgery 22 games ago.
Here's John Tortorella on Rupp...
"He gives us a guy who can play center and wing, and once he gets back on his a game, a guy who can take and win faceoffs," Tortorella said of Rupp. "He adds some size, and takes some pressure off of (Brandon Prust) in certain situations. He can give us some banging. And he's a guy you can see right away that adds to our room even before he gets on the ice in the way he handles himself. We want to get him in there right away and start playing him."
For more line-up news including Martin Biron getting the start click the "Read More" tab below.
Andrew Gross says Tortorella was not ready to announce which forward was coming out of the lineup. A decision will be made after warmups.
The Rangers also say that Martin Biron will get the start in goal tonight.
...obviously this means no Avery. Unreal.
...no surprise with Rupp getting back in. Rangers need a spark and his game can provide that. Not as much as Avery's but he should be a factor tonight.
...as far as Biron goes, I like him getting a start here. Hank can't play every game.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Torts not only messing with Avery,he is also sticking it to the Ranger fan base. He know's that a big portion of the fans like Avery and he is out to prove that (I'am the coach and there is nothing the fans can do about who I scratch or who I play.) IMO. the only thing the fans can do is voice their displeasure at the games and maybe force upper management to do something. Torts is an egomaniack and a jerk. I wrote in one of my blogs that if the Rangers win a cup, I will tolerate Torts. I take it back there is no way I can even tolerate this idiot. And I want to make it clear that it is not because the way he treats Avery. I would feel this way no matter who he is mistreating.
They need to put avery back in the lineup! Pay attention torts! We were playing our best hockey with him the lineup!
@thenyrblog am i missing something? Does christiansen do anything? Is torts really that worried about a f-in shootout? #tortsegoproblem
@thenyrblog I think it's safe to say that I'll be watching the game in the dark and crying in a corner tonight!
@thenyrblog Avery was not going to play either way . Torts has personal issues with him . I think its BS but he's the coach !!!!!!!!!
@CaptCally24 After two lackluster efforts in a row for Rangers tonight's game is screaming for Avery.
@thenyrblog I agree I love Averys physical game , his speed and the way he annoys opposing players so to me this is a no brainer
@thenyrblog Torts obsession with hating Avery is becoming a bit much for my liking... We're a much better team with Avery in the line up!!!
