An RX for the PP?
Petr Prucha and Ryan Callahan, both right hand shots, will probably see time on one of the power-play units tonight and down the road. With the Rangers and Islanders---and many teams---scoring two goals or fewer in recent weeks (11 teams last night were in that category), special team scoring is becoming more critical.
Prucha skated with Jaromir Jagr, Brandon Dubinsky, Martin Straka and and Michal Rozsival, while Scott Gomez, Chris Drury and Brendan Shanahan were up front on the other unit, with Fedor Tyutin and Dan Girardi at the point. Callahan was watching, and coach tom Renney said afterward that he wanted Callahan to be ready to step in with the man-advantage.
Other observations from the morning skate: Henrik Lundqvist was first hit up high by a Marc Staal slap shot and then took one off the mask from Rozsival, and dropped to his knees. No damage.
Dubinsky was limping towards a doorway just off the rink with his left knee wrapped after practice. He said he was OK, but clearly was favoring the leg. Somethng to watch...
Comments (3)
What else could be said about Avery other than when he’s in, we tend to win. Hurry back!
Prucha and Drury are going to bury the puck tonight.
That’s right, I’m making 2 predictions!
Let’s beat these left-overs!
In addition to taking more shots, I would like to see Renney put more of an emphasis on guys going to and standing in front of the net on the power play. Whenever you put a big, strong guy who cannot easily be moved in front of the net, the defense becomes preoccupied with clearing him from in front. This results in increased confusion and running around on defense, creates screens and improves the likelihood of deflections and "ugly" goals.
Other than Avery, who is not even a prototype for this role, I am not sure who is either willing to or fits the bill for standing in front (perhaps Hossa or Moore?). Regardless, the Rangers should either direct their existing players to get in front of the net or find or promote a player who will do so. Combined with more shots, I can almost guarantee they will begin scoring more PP goals once they emphasize getting players in front of the net.
It always worked for Graves and Espo, and seems a tried and true approach to scoring PP goals.
Hooray for Cally being back! Granted, I give a hearty, "boooo" for the loss of Avery.
Callahan adds some serious spark to the game though, so even without Avery there will be a little more life out on the ice tonight.
Agreed on the pressure in front of DiPietro. I don't care who it is as long as someone is willing to stand in there and take the punishment to create the screen.
Prediction: Rangers 3 Isles 1
I think Straka may net one tonight on the PP. We shall see.
Let's Go Rangers!