Goal Line Report
A Quick Look at The Rangers’ Offensive Depth Chart
by Patrick Hoffman on 08/13/10 at 03:40 PM ET
Comments (3)
I know that we’re still a month or so away from pre-season hockey but I figured now would be a good time to present the New York Rangers’ offensive depth chart to you folks and get your thoughts.
Forwards
Alexander Frolov-Erik Christensen-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Vinny Prospal-Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery-Artem Anisimov-Mats Zuccarello-Aasen
Derek Boogaard-Chris Drury-Brandon Prust
Just glancing at it, one can see that the first line has a lot of potential to put the puck in the net. Gaborik scored over 40 with the Blueshirts last season and Frolov has hit the 30-goal mark before and is looking to be that player once again and prove to the NHL that he’s a worthwhile signing.
A second line of Dubinsky, Prospal, and Callahan presents the oppostion with some grit, hard forechecking and bit of offensive skill. Dubinsky is someone that can score between 20-30 goals if put in the right situation and Callahan is someone who can probably score between 15-25, though head coach John Tortorella would like a lot more out of him.
The third and fourth lines is where it gets tricky because there is a lot of uncertainty. How will Avery play and how much ice time will Torts give him? How will Anisimov adapt to a more offensive role with the club and what about Zuccarello-Aasen - is he ready for the NHL?
What about Todd White? He’s a center but that position seems to be covered with Christensen, Prospal, Anisimov and Drury. Could White become a winger?
Here is what the team has waiting in the wings that either has a good shot to make the club out of camp or be a call-up:
Waiting in the Wings/depending on Training Camp:
- Todd White (If sean Avery isn’t used as much, White could easily be a third line pivot)
- Evgeny Grachev
- Derek Stephan
- Dane Byers
- Chris Kreider
Obviously, what matters most is that the offense produces on a consistent basis and scores goals because more often than not, the team relied too much on goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to keep it a low-scoring affair.
What do you folks think?
Filed in: | Goal Line Report | Permalink
Tags: John+Tortorella, New+York+Rangers,
Comments
While first line center seems a little above his talent level, Erik Christensen has shown some potential after being required from Anaheim, and earlier with the Penguins organisation. I think he’ll do well with talented players.
My guess is that Todd White will find a place somewhere in this lineup.
Posted by Moq from Denmark on 08/14/10 at 11:13 AM ET
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Patrick has a tremendous passion for hockey. Besides covering the Rangers and the NHL for Kukla’s Korner, you can also find Patrick’s work over at Sportsnet.ca, The Red Light District Hockey Blog, NHL Home Ice, and Liam Maguire’s Ultimate Hockey web site.
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How comfortable are you with Christensen as the 1st line centre? I know his game from Pittsburgh and how it carried over to Anaheim, but I remember seeing him have at the least slightly consistent play last year with Gaborik at the end of the season.
I read Tortorella say he’ll start Gaborik and Frolov together, so I see that line having a large hole in the grinder/grit department with the centre being Prospal or Christensen.
Is Dubinsky better suited for wing than centre?
Posted by NathanBC on 08/13/10 at 05:57 PM ET