The Rangers defeated New Jersey 3-2 on Tuesday to win their second in a row. The main reason for the win, at least in my opinion, was two-fold, Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Del Zotto. Lundqvist, despite accidentally getting hit in the head by Dan Girardi, which resulted in an penalty called incorrectly on NJ, stoned the Devils, while MDZ built on his fine effort from the previous game in helping the Rangers win. In addition, the Blueshirts overall D was strong, especially late, with Steve Eminger continuing to earn Tortorella's confidence. The two wins are great, now the key is to build on that, both in terms of quality of play, and more important, adding to the column on the left side.

Several topics have come up again in the past day that I thought I would touch on: Gaborik, Kreider, Sather.

Gaborik - the rumors of a deal involving Gaborik and Dan Boyle were swirling again yesterday. I think you all know my view on this, which is one shared by others. It's no secret that Gaborik has struggled mightily this year, possibly due to the move to the off-wing or the length of time it has taken him to get back to 100 percent following off-season shoulder surgery or maybe just purely due to him having a poor season. It's also no secret that he has been in Tortorella's doghouse and rumored to be on the block. We also know there are 10 teams on his no-trade list, though none of us know who those 10 are, plus he has the ability to waive the NTC to go elsewhere. The speculation with Boyle is mainly because the Rangers are reportedly looking for a top-four righty shooting d-man who can run the point, all of which Boyle can do. San Jose is also looking for young players, so could see Christian Thomas, maybe Lindberg or Fasth part of the deal, though the latter two are less attractive from my standpoint.

In addition to Boyle, Ryane Clowe, who is in the final year of a four-year, $14 million contract also possibly could be available. Clowe does provides some of the "jam" the Rangers lost this off-season, but lately, he too has struggled to score, with his numbers plummeting last year and continuing to fall with no goals so far this season. Gaborik has just one goal in his last 16 games along with no points his last five, so on paper, this would seem to make sense, but I still have issues with the deal. Gaborik is a proven goal-scorer. The Rangers as a whole, like last year, have struggled to score, if you remove Gaborik and replace him with Clowe or even Kreider, as I will discuss below, are you better offensively? Clowe may fits Torts' system better than Gaborik, but you lose the potential that Gaborik brings where he could break out and score in bunches. I am well aware that in general, and especially with Marc Staal out, the Rangers need another d-man and Boyle would clearly help the PP. I may be in the minority, but while I would love Boyle and believe that Clowe would add something to the team, especially in the playoffs, giving up Gaborik will come back to burn the Rangers. I know many have compared Gaborik to Gartner, and I have given you my view on that, but how well did getting Glenn Anderson work out after the Cup year? Granted, if they make the deal and win, I will be wrong, and hope I am, but see trading Gaborik to get Boyle/Clowe as robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Kreider. He has earned the call up with six goals in eight games, but the promotion brings up all the old questions. How will he be used? Will he truly get a chance to succeed? Would he have benefited from more time in the AHL? All of those answers are subjective. I think we all believe that Kreider will play with Miller and Pyatt, creating a line that has some speed and a bit of grit to it. That said, if Kreider gets just 8-10 minutes a game, why is he here? Either play him consistently of leave him down, plus, is he ill-suited to the third line? If Gaborik does get moved, then Kreider could move up, but will that re-create the pressure he had on him earlier in the year when many viewed him, along with Rick Nash, as the savior of the Rangers' offense. This one is all on Tortorella, as he has to find a way to maximize Kreider's usage to provide the biggest bang for the Rangers while enabling Kreider to grow.

Sather. Unfortunately, prostate cancer surgery has become all too common. Hopefully they caught this early and it's treatable. In the interim, assistant GM Jeff Gorton and Gord Clark will have more responsibility heaped on them. Day to day, it hopefully won't impact the Rangers and Sather should be able to be involved when needed. Godspeed and get well soon.

I expect Martin Biron to be in net today, giving Lundqvist a day off, especially after he said he was sore and had some headaches during and after the NJ game due to Girardi's hit. As noted above, I expect Kreider to skate on the third line while Aaron Asham, who is inching closer to a return, to remain out again. Beyond the Kreider and Biron changes, the lineup against Florida should be unchanged.

Join the Discussion: » 632 Comments » Post New Comment

» Rangers look to take 3-0 series lead tonight in Washington

» Game 2: Rangers hold on for 4-3 win and 2-0 series lead

» Game 1: Rangers hold serve at home 4-1 over Caps behind the fourth line

» 2024 Series Overview and Preview - Round 1 - Rangers-Capitals

» Rangers-Capitals: Reading the Numbers, Looking for an Advantage