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Antropov Coming Into His Own on Broadway
by Patrick Hoffman on 04/15/09 at 10:00 PM ET
Comments (2)
For what seemed like his whole career in the blue and white in Toronto, Nik Antropov was a guy that the Maple Leafs were looking to unload. He had become known as a player who could turn on a switch a play great hockey whenever he wanted to. However, he didn’t do that often enough with the Maple Leafs and at the trade deadline, he found himself acquired by the New York Rangers.
So far, the move has worked out in spades for the Rangers as Antropov put up 13 points (7 goals and 6 assists) in 18 games and helped a struggling Ranger team clinch the seventh playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference.
What’s more is that he has been consistent on both sides of the puck. Everyone knows that Antropov, 29 years old, is gifted offensively but as a Ranger, he has shown that he can back check, forecheck, give a hit, take a hit and more importantly, play in the last few minutes of the game.
In Game one against the Washington Capitals tonight, he scored a power play goal, picked up an assist and was trusted enough by head coach John Tortorella to be on the ice in the last minute of the game when the team was clinging onto a 4-3 lead.
Sometimes, all that’s needed is a new start and Antropov is thriving in his new start with the Rangers.
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Tags: Eastern+Conference, John+Tortorella, New+York+Rangers, Nik+Antropov, Toronto+Maple+Leafs, Washington+Capitals,
Comments
For what seemed like his whole career in the blue and white in Toronto, Nik Antropov was a guy that the Maple Leafs were looking to unload.
Bingo. Except it was the exact opposite. Good to see him continue the pace that he’s set over the past 200 games. Big return to the playoffs for the lanky Kazakh.
Posted by Pension Plan Puppets on 04/16/09 at 11:27 AM ET
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Good for Antropov that he isn’t missing a beat with the Rangers and in some aspects, really upping his consistency. But the Maple Leafs were not always looking to unload him The team kept him for 10 years, despite all the setbacks, so I don’t think the Maple Leafs management soured on him that much. Furthermore, Antropov played on the penalty kill quite regularly and was always a conscientious back checker in his time with the Maple Leafs. Simply put, Antropov for the last few years has been one of the best bargains in the NHL and just a good hockey player. Obviously, I’m making this a bigger deal than I have to, but I’ve been a big Antropov backer throughout his career and I wanted to clear the air that his play with the Rangers is more of an extension, rather than a revelation. Call it a nervous tick based on an Antropov bias.
Posted by bkblades on 04/15/09 at 11:00 PM ET