Torts: Anisimov and Lisin Expected to be in Lineup

Earlier Today, Andrew Gross of Ranger Rants posted a quote from Rangers head coach John Tortorella regarding forwards Enver Lisin and Artem Anisimov. In it, Torts basically claims that both players will most likely start the year up with the Rangers.

"John Tortorella said minutes ago Artem Anisimov has the "inside track on that position," which, based on where he's been skating recently, would be the fourth-line center. Also, asked about Enver Lisin, Tortorella said "I'm pretty sure he'll start here, we want him around us to teach him."

When Tortorella says "here", I am assuming he means the fourth line center position, where we saw Artem Anisimov play during last night's game against the Washington Capitals. As we know, John Tortorella is not a coach that prefers his fourth line seeing more than ten minutes per game in ice time, so I do not know if I can necessarily agree with Torts on this move, unless he plans on shifting Artem to play on other lines, giving the young center some extra ice time, in addition to his time on the fourth trio.

I have a feeling that Anisimov will play much better than what is expected, eventually landing himself on a third line spot, which I would much more prefer. Artem holds a lot of talent, and does not deserve to be restricted to fourth line ice time.

As for Enver Lisin, he has been a threat offensively in every pre-season game so far. However, I agree with Torts on the fact that Enver is a bit weak away from the puck, particularly in the defensive end. A prime example of this was last night on Alex Semin's goal. Semin was Lisin's man to cover, and instead of taking the body, Lisin simply gave a half-hearted poke check at the puck which did not connect, giving Semin the open lane to fire the wicked shot that beat Lundqvist blocker side.

A way in which I would be more comfortable with the situation would be if both Lisin and Anisimov were played on the fourth line, with Donald Brashear on the opposite wing. Lisin has the speed, Anisimov has the hands, and Brashear has the body, which is a perfect combination for a fourth line. But as I said, Tortorella will need to find a way to get Anisimov a bit more playing time on the third line at some point in games, because it is a waste to have him up and playing in the NHL if he will only play ten minutes per game.

The odd-man out here would have to be Brian Boyle, who was acquired in a draft day trade with the Los Angeles Kings. Boyle has centered the fourth line for a majority of the pre-season, but it seems like that role will now be given to Artem Anisimov.

Tortorella went on to mention that he hopes to have all remaining cuts made by Tuesday, and the lineup finalized by the middle of next week. He neglected to mention anything concerning the status of winger Sean Avery, who is currently out of the lineup on account of a sprained knee, which was supposed to be treated by doctors today.
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