Girardi Back at Practice (Update: Might Not Play Sunday)
Update, 12:44 p.m.:
After practice Dan Girardi admits to a nagging injury, but says he feels better, not sure if he can play Sunday...
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 8, 2013
Gross adds that it might be a groin injury.
Original Post:
Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record braved the snow to report that Dan Girardi made it through today's entire practice and looked fine skating.
....and exhale. This is very encouraging news and would likely mean Eminger and his five minutes of ice time will return to the press box.
...with Gilroy's play improving on a gamely basis, I'm really happy with the defensive corps right now. Add Bickel's toughness and Eminger's experience to the mix and the Rangers likely have one of the best units in the league again.
Here are the lines from practice...
Marian Gaborik-Brad Richards-Taylor Pyatt
Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash
Chris Kreider-J.T. Miller-Ryan Callahan
Brian Boyle/Arron Asham-Jeff Halpern-Darroll Powe
...if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So expect Boyle back in the MSG press box Sunday against Tampa.
...now that the Rangers game seems to be rounding into shape, it's time to see a little bit of consistency and get on a run here.
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I know it is almost heretical to criticize Hank, but man, is there anyone worse in the league at handling the puck? When he handles the puck behind the net there is a 90% chance that the opposing team gets it. Watching Brodeur makes me cringe with envy. Biron is even light years better. It adds up to a whole lot of pressure and scoring opportunities that otherwise may not exist. It is hard to believe that someone so good can have that sort of deficiency.
As some know I don't have MSG, I looked up "beginnings" on YouTube and it says 22 minutes are they half hour shows or hour long?
@IcyCup sweet I looks like they have a couple. I saw parts of the Callahan one on vacation they seem really well done.
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Do us and yourself a favor and stop saying anything positive about bickel. To be a good defenseman, you need to either be quick or react quickly (For example, Delzo is slow, but his improved reaction time has kept him in the top 4). Bickel is slow and he reacts slower than a addict on downers. The only thing I think when I see him in the Rangers lineup is that he must be related to Torts or Sather. Being a punching bag doesn't make you a player.
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@rangersfan I think you are way off... cap is coming down, we need players like him to fill our roster and produce... They are not going to trade the kid.
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Showcased? that seems like a stretch man... Kid is just rightfully earning his spot on the Rangers. I mean its a business and all but why trade a player whos still on a rookie contract taking up .0001% of cap space?
@KevinDeLury @rangersfan with Gordie running the draft show, and their unwillingness to trade Kreider, why would you think he's being showcased?
I think boyle will be his old self soon. He was never the same player without prust on his line. He's just gotta figure out how to play without him
@CareyBrandsdorfer What was his excuse for sucking last season when he had Prust on his line?
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@CareyBrandsdorfer Hasn't been the same player since that hit from Neil, so I think that's more of the issue.
@KevinDeLury @CareyBrandsdorfer I think we can all agree that he does not want to get hit. I mean DOES NOT! See mcquaid fight for exhibit A haha
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG @KevinDeLury @CareyBrandsdorfer I'm sure he was the one torts was referring to as scared. He used to be a dominant force in front of the net. Maybe he just needs someone that will fight his battles for him again.
The one thing I'll say about these lines is that Stepan, right now, is basically another Halpern...........without the speed.
An injury could come up at any time. Only a few short weeks ago we were all saying how this team had no depth at F and that they needed more players. Keep Boyle around for as long as possible.
Just read that Edmonton just lost another center for 4 weeks. Ryan Jones for Boyle and a pick!?
The guess by Gross makes so much sense it almost has to be that. I'm surprised it knocked him out but at least he is taking care of it rather than letting it linger any longer. (And that it isn't anything worse!) Just wonder what they had to do to get him to rest it lol. And between a full skate and talking to media afterwards, I would be surprised if he isn't back on Sunday :-)
@KevinDeLury Think after last game they don't feel the need to rush him. If this is something that knocked Girardi out for two games, whatever this nagging injury is is something that is hurting him. Give him the time he needs to be 100%. Then again, Cally came back pretty quickly. So who knows.
@JoshKaye @KevinDeLury you're right the d was strong last night. But having said that they want to string a few wins together here. I'm sure they want Girardi back as soon as possible.
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG @JoshKaye @KevinDeLury I know they do, but you don't want to rush him with a nagging injury.
That's GREAT news, Kevin...thanks for the update! Honestly, I'm still a little bummed about Boyler. Hope this sidelining lights a fire under him (as was Torts' intention, I know). I just found him to be so de-moralized in that video interview.
Ok just imagine this trade and believe me it kills me to even say Step but just for the sake of generating some conversation. How about Boyle, Step, and a 3rd for Sam Gagner, and Ryan Jones from the Oilers? I love both of those guys and Jones is like Prust 2.0!!!
@GLENsatherVSglennDANZIG Oilers have too many young players that need direction - cant see them trading Gagner. There are plenty not teams that would make Boyle and or Step
@chrisD I could argue that Step and Boyle could provide that direction. Again the only guy I want to get rid of is Boyle. But if Step could sweeten our reward in the deal then I say do it.
Glad things are starting to work, but I wish Boyle could step it up. Hate to see him on the sidelines
Hmm. I was just wondering why we'd trade Boyle, but looking at these lines... I guess he'll find some time on the ice somewhere. I'm just glad we're not playing Bickle on forward anymore. Blech.
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@Ty Galpin Trading him right now wouldn't be smart. Just because Miller's had two solid games doesn't mean he's arrived. Still need the depth.
@KevinDeLury @Ty Galpin Agree with you here. We need players seasoned under Torts to be able to fill in right away if an injury occurs or a serious drop in production or mental breakdown. Not so sure I like Torts using the " you'll be in the press box or on the Whales if you don't step up" threat all season but it seems to be working for now
Any word on the updated defensive pairings with Girardi back? Interested to see where DZ is and if stralman now plays with Staal on the second pairing.
@slapshot13j I would expect to see Girardi McD/Staal Stralman/Del Z Gilroy to at least start off the game. Who knows what it'll turn into when there's a penalty kill or a power play. Gilroy has looked really solid as of late and he's getting over 10 minutes of ice time. I think he could get a bit more, and I'd feel comfortable with that.
@JoshKaye @slapshot13j Del turnover and Gilroy pairing not good. Both too offensive minded and Gilroy cannot cover for DZ. I'd expect Staal will be paired with DZ and Stralman with Gilroy. Stralman's game has been steadily improving and he may finally be the answer for Sauer's permanent absence.
@chrisD @JoshKaye @slapshot13j Yeah that's true. Del Zotto has just been annoying lately and him being on the third pairing just seems right. That was more of me speaking about how good all the other defensemen have been playing while Del Zotto has been not great. Granted, last game wasn't as bad, but I'll give that to him not being awful on the power play since he wasn't out there on the power play.
