The Rangers Tribune

The Interview File: Chatting with Ranger Prospect Ryan Bourque

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Drafted in the third round by the New York Rangers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, forward Ryan Bourque begins his journey to the National Hockey League with much pressure on him due to his father Ray's illustrious career as a Boston Bruin, and also that famed raising of the cup as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. But Ryan is on his way to establishing himself for who he is, not for who his father is. Since joining the Blueshirts organization, Ryan has won a Gold Medal in the World Junior Tournament last January, and also had an excellent rookie year in the QMJHL. He is one of the core prospects that the Rangers have in their possession and is also a very large part of the club's future.

Ryan was kind enough to chat with us about several different topics including having his Dad as a coach, that amazing run to Gold last year with Team USA, and also this year's Traverse City Prospects Tournament and training camp.

Nick Montemagno: Obviously your last name already has a lot of meaning in the National Hockey League due to your father Ray’s tremendous Hall of Fame career. Do you feel that there is a little more pressure on you than other youngsters looking to begin their career at the NHL level because of that? Or do you see that as an advantage?

Ryan Bourque: There has been pressure on me ever since I was a young boy playing hockey, but it is something that I have learned to use to my advantage. My dad was a hall of fame defenseman and if I were able to accomplish half the things he did in my career I would be very pleased. I'm just trying to make my own name for myself as Ryan Bourque, not Ray Bourque's son.


NM: How was it to have your Dad as a coach throughout your Pee Wee and Bantam years? Not everyone has one of the greatest players of all time constantly giving them pointers as they develop their game.

RB: To be able to have my dad as a coach throughout my minor hockey years is something I feel very fortunate about. It was surreal to have him there in practice helping me out with little things, but I think the most important things I have learned from my dad have been off the ice about being a good person and teammate.


NM: Last January you were a part of Team USA’s incredible Gold Medal championship in the World Junior tournament. Talk about that experience and how it felt to defeat the rival Canadians in the final match of the tourney.

RB: When we beat Canada in the finals last year it is still a blur to think about to this day. To win with the 22 guys next to me I could not have thought of a better way to end that tourney. I grew up playing with all those guys and to do it in a great hockey country and against a rival like Canada made it even better.


NM: How would you describe the type of hockey player you are in terms of style? Is there a certain player in the NHL that you try to model your game after?

RB: I think I am a two way forward that provides a lot of energy in all assets of the game. I see the ice well and can find my linemates when they're open. I am reliable defensively against team's top players. In terms of a player I envy in the NHL I would have to say Zach Parise with the effort he brings night in and night out and his second and third efforts on pucks.


NM: This coming September you will take part in the Rangers’ preseason training camp as well as the Traverse City Prospects Tournament. What are your expectations heading in and what are you looking to accomplish?

RB: This September I plan on having a very good experience at Traverse City. I think we have a great group of guys there with tremendous potential. Following that I hope to get another chance to participate in the Rangers main camp and hopefully get a chance to play in some exhibition games.


NM: In the future, how do you see yourself fitting into the Rangers roster? What type of role do you plan to take on?

RB: I'm the type of player and teammate to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful and wherever the Rangers need me to fit in I will take on that role with great pleasure.


NM: Last year you had a standout season in the QMJHL. Do you feel like that league has prepared you well for the NHL? How far out do you think you are from making the jump to the big leagues?

RB: The Q has been a great league to help prepare me for the NHL, and I am very fortunate to be playing in the organization I am, with great coaches and teammates. I plan on having a very successful season this year and trying to make the jump after having a productive summer after this year.


NM: Lastly, concussions have caused you some trouble in the past. Are you worried about that going forward?

RB: No concussions are not a problem for me. I have had two minor ones in my career and hope to never have one again.

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Huge thanks to Ryan for doing this. He has had an extremely busy schedule the past month but still found the time to get back to me with answers to all of my questions. Ryan happens to be one of my favorite Ranger prospects because of his non-stop effort and drive. In short time, we should see him in Ranger blue.

The Interview File: Rangers Tribune Talks with Henrik Lundqvist at Gray Line Ceremony

Henrik poses in front of his bus

Yesterday, August 31, 2010, was a very special day on several levels. First and foremost, New York Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist was awarded by Gray Line Bus Tours for his work with the Garden of Dreams Foundation. His award? A New York City Sightseeing bus named in his honor with a photo tribute to him on the front of the bus. To celebrate, the Rangers and Gray Line held a ceremony for the "King" on Seventh Avenue in front of Madison Square Garden, in which fans were invited to attend and cheer on their favorite goaltender. The Rangers Tribune was on the scene and in addition to having full coverage of the event, also got an exclusive interview with Henrik that can be read below.

The event began with a Gray Line representative discussing Lundqvist's accomplishments and the reasons he was being honored by the company. Henrik then came to the podium and gave I guess what you would call an acceptance speech, thanking the fans and Gray Line for their support. He then presented Gray Line with a jersey with his name on the back as an action of gratitude. The entire opening ceremony can be watched in the video provided at the end of this post.

From there, all attendees boarded the upper deck of the bus with Lundqvist where he was asked several questions about his childhood and experiences playing hockey over in Sweden before coming to North America. Afterward, when the bus tour was over, Henrik stuck around to take photos with fans who showed up to support him. That is when I moved in an had a brief Q and A session with him.

Here's what I asked:

Nick Montemagno: What are your expectations for the season this year and are you looking forward to it yet?

Henrik Lundqvist: Ah, my expectations. Well I am happy to be back and all of the guys are excited to be back. I can't wait to start camp and get going. I guess we will see how it [the season] goes. 


NM: How have the informal pre-camp skates been going?

HL: Very great. They are a lot of fun.


NM: I heard Zuccarello-Aasen had a slick goal on you this morning. (Referring to a nifty goal scored at yesterday's skate)

HL: (Laughing) Oh yeah, he is really good.

Lundqvist also mentioned that he has been playing the sport of hockey since 8-years-old, when he used to skate on the lakes in Sweden with his twin brother, Joel. Growing up, Henrik said, his favorite players were Dominik Hasek and Patrick Roy, both of which were elite goaltenders during their time.

I would like to thank Henrik for answering my questions, and he probably would have stayed to answer more if I was not pushed out of the way by some aggressive fans trying to get up front in the press area.

Overall, the ceremony was very well put together and fans appreciate when a player devotes time out of his schedule to participate in public events such as this. I must say, I knew there are some loyal Henrik fans out there, but some of these people take dedication to a level I have never witnessed before. For some reason I think his charming personality and sharp looks having something to do with that - for the female fans anyway. Us males tend to appreciate the skill more than the looks.

Below are a collection of pictures I took while at the event as well as the video of the ceremony itself that I mentioned above. And thanks to everyone who followed my updates live from the event yesterday on Twitter. Some of the photos I posted received over 300 views!

Lundqvist making his speech

Henrik presenting his jersey to Gray Line

Hank cuts the ribbon

On board the bus

Our video of the ceremony:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADS8hpTm77k?fs=1]

The Interview File: Andrew Gross Discusses Upcoming Rangers' Season

Last summer we began conducting interviews here on the Rangers Tribune and our first guest was beat writer Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record. Andrew gave honest answers to all of our questions and gave an amazing interview to kick off the "Interview File" series. He did such a tremendous job that I decided to ask him to come on and do something similar this summer in preparation for the upcoming season. Being the great guy that he is, Andrew once again accepted to answer my questions, which is what you see below.

This time around we spoke more about Ranger prospects as well as off-season acquisitions and what they will add to the lineup. He was also kind enough to share some inside information with us that can only be found exclusively here on the site.

Mr. Gross is one of the best writers on the Blueshirt Beat in my opinion. You can read more of his work over on his blog, Ranger Rants, and also give him a follow on his twitter account, @AGrossRecord. Trust me, it will be worth your while.

So enough of me talking, let's get to the interview.......

Nick Montemagno: What is your take on the Rangers’ first round draft pick of defenseman Dylan McIlrath? Do you think management walked into the Staples Center on draft night knowing they were going to select him?

Andrew Gross: Dylan McIlrath was absolutely the Rangers’ guy. And even if he wasn’t as high up on some of the draft prognosticators boards as Cam Fowler or Brandon Gormley, the Rangers knew they couldn’t trade down to take him because Dallas, at No. 11, also had McIlrath in their sights. The organization loves McIlrath’s physical play and, watching him at the prospect camp, he’s definitely a big body who knows how to use his size. But he also wasn’t too shabby with the puck on his stick.


NM: Mats Zuccarello Aasen was signed by New York shortly after their season ended. What have you heard about the Norwegian winger and do you think he has a shot at making the lineup out of training camp?

AG: The Norwegian Hobbit was not at the prospect camp so my first chance to see him in person will come in September. He comes advertised as a speedy skater with a great scoring touch, a person who knows how to get to the net. The biggest adjustment will be in adapting to the North American game. Playing in smaller rinks than in Europe, Zuccarello-Aasen will be facing much more physical opponents. If he quickly shows he can handle that, he stands a very good chance of making the team out of training camp. Otherwise, he’ll need some seasoning at Hartford.


NM: Steve Eminger was picked up by the Blueshirts in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks earlier in the month. What does Eminger add to the lineup that could be beneficial to the team?

AG: Eminger likely will fill the same role that Jason Strudwick had during his tenures with the Rangers. That is, a veteran guy who understands he’s the sixth or seventh defenseman and doesn’t chafe at being a healthy scratch. Yet, when he is in the lineup, provides a steadying presence to some younger teammates. Of course, Eminger doesn’t turn 27 until Oct. 31.


NM: Martin Biron has had his ups and downs while playing in the National Hockey League. Do you feel that GM Glen Sather made the right choice in signing him to back-up Henrik Lundqvist? Or is there someone else you had in mind that would have been better to add to the Rangers goaltending tandem?

AG: The Rangers obviously targeted Biron because of his prior relationship with goalie coach Benoit Allaire. Personally, I liked what I saw of Alex Auld the few times he was on the ice for the Rangers but the Rangers made it very clear at the end of the season they were going in a different direction. Biron comes in with the right attitude: Despite being a No. 1 goalie with both the Flyers and Sabres, he has no delusions about competing with Lundqvist for the starting job. Biron also has a great reputation in the dressing room and was selected for the Islanders’ Good Guy award by that team’s media despite an admittedly awful season for him. The Rangers never trusted any of their backups last season. Biron comes in already having the coaching staff’s respect. As coach John Tortorella told me recently, a huge key for the Rangers’ playoff chances is being able to play Biron 15-20 games. And not just play him, but play him a couple of games in a row when Lundqvist might be struggling. If the Rangers can go over .500 with Biron in net, their playoff chances rise dramatically.


NM: RFA defenseman Marc Staal remains un-signed by the team he has played for his entire NHL career. What is the status on that situation and is it Staal or Glen Sather that is holding things up? Or both?

AG: The situation hasn’t changed much since the end of the season – or since Sather described a “chasm” between the two sides at the NHL Draft. Neither side is being particularly chatty about the negotiations but the crux of the issue seems to be the length of the contract. Staal is believed to be seeking north of $4 million per season, perhaps around $4.5 million and that doesn’t seem to be a non-starter for the Rangers (there’s no way it could be considering Staal is the team’s No. 1 defenseman and Wade Redden, a fifth or sixth defenseman last season, is making $6.5 million and Michal Rozsival is earning $5 million, never mind the $3.3 coming to Dan Girardi). But the Rangers want to lock up the 23-year-old Staal for the long term while Staal no doubt wants to be able to test the market as an unrestricted free agent as quickly as possible.


NM: Speaking of defense, the belief right now is that Wade Redden and his $6.5 million cap hit will be waived and eventually buried with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL after training camp. Do you believe this, and if so, what do you think the club has planned with the extra cap space they will gain?

AG: Both Redden and newly-acquired center Todd White ($2.375 million) could find themselves in Hartford this season in order to give the Rangers’ cap flexibility and both must come to camp and prove they belong in the NHL. Of the two, Redden certainly faces a much more uphill challenge because the Rangers, over the $59.4 million cap right now (they can remain 10 percent above the threshold until the end of training camp), will need that room once they sign Staal. If the Rangers could move Rozsival’s contract for a center, Redden could get a reprieve but such a move must be considered unlikely.


NM: Ryan McDonagh, after a short delay, finally decided to sign with the Rangers this past summer. What are your thoughts on the Wisconsin blue-liner possibly making the squad this season?

AG: I was impressed with what I saw out of McDonagh during the prospect camp – of course, that was against non-NHL competition. But the organizational belief is that McDonagh could be NHL ready, which is why the Rangers were fairly frantic to sign him this summer and, for a bit, quite perturbed McDonagh was leaning heavily toward returning to Wisconsin. Even if McDonagh isn’t on the opening day roster, the Rangers wanted him training under their staff, which they believe will accelerate his progress toward the NHL as compared to spending one last season at the NCAA level.


NM: Matt Gilroy had an interesting experience in his rookie year with New York. I am hoping head coach John Tortorella gives him another chance and allows him to play his game more this season. How do you feel about this?

AG: I don’t think it was a matter of Tortorella not allowing Gilroy to play his game. I think it was Gilroy failing to meet the coaching staff’s expectations for defensive play. Gilroy seemed meek about challenging opponents as they came into the Rangers’ zone. In college, great players can get by on their skill. In the NHL, skill is not enough. There must be the correct technique as well. Whatever the reason, Gilroy clearly lost his confidence as the season progressed. He also wasn’t having any fun and that showed off the ice. Gilroy must regain both his confidence and his enjoyment in playing hockey and the two, no doubt, go hand in hand.


NM: Between Evgeny Grachev, Derek Stepan, Ryan Bourque and many others, there is a solid group of prospect forwards knocking on the Rangers’ door. How far away do you think some of these youngsters are from the NHL? Are there any that we can count on seeing being called up for short periods of time throughout the season?

AG: Grachev will certainly come to training camp with the goal of making the team. He and Stepan were a potent duo during prospect camp scrimmages. But the organization may believe Grachev, still developing physically, still needs one more season at Hartford. The brass is clearly intrigued by Stepan and, particularly with a lack of depth at center, he could conceivably make the team quickly. Despite being a quick skater, the Rangers seem somewhat concerned with Bourque’s skating technique. Right now, he does not seem a legitimate NHL candidate. The player not mentioned is Dale Weise, who garnered a late-season call-up, even if he didn’t dress. He could make a serious push to be on the roster and, if not, no doubt will be up at some point during the season. The Rangers like his scoring punch and on-ice maturity. Brodie Dupont and Dane Byers also should see some time with the Rangers this season.


NM: This past week the Rangers inked forward Alex Frolov, who was an unrestricted free agent. How do you think Frolov will contribute to the lineup and will he get along with coach Tortorella?

AG: Frolov will get every opportunity to play on the top line along with Marian Gaborik. Playing for a longer term contract and trying not to spend the rest of his career in the KHL, Frolov will certainly be motivated. He should also help on the power play. Frolov said all the right things about playing for Tortorella the day his signing was announced and, as long as he doesn’t ignore his defensive responsibilities and isn’t too sensitive to criticism, the two should be fine.


NM: After coming off of a bright rookie year, what do you think defenseman Michael Del Zotto’s goals will be heading into 2010-11?

AG: I don’t think Del Zotto’s goals will be numerical. Instead, he likely wants to play more consistently over the course of the long NHL season. After getting off to a strong start offensively, Del Zotto’s production slipped as the season progressed. Having been through the NHL marathon once, Del Zotto will have a much better notion of how to pace himself over 82 games. Del Zotto was essentially gassed by the Olympic break.


NM: Assuming he can stay healthy, what do you believe the chances of Marian Gaborik hitting the 50-goal mark this season are?

AG: Gaborik tied his career high with 42 goals and, set a career high with 86 points. If Frolov takes some of the scoring pressure off Gaborik while playing on his line (and assuming Gaborik plays at least the same 76 games he did in 2009-10), I’d say it’s more likely Gaborik tops 86 points than it is for him to crack the 50-goal mark for the first time in his career.


NM: Considering all of the moves the Blueshirts have made in the offseason in attempt to improve the lineup, how do you feel about them making the playoffs come April?

AG: The Rangers will likely find themselves in the same spot they’ve been the past few seasons – among a group of teams battling for the final three playoff spots in the East. Trouble is, both the Thrashers and Lightning improved more in the offseason, though it can be argued both the Canadiens and Sabres have slipped. I do think it goes back Biron and how successfully he can spell Lundqvist.

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Another special thanks to Andrew for doing this. I am honored to have him on the site to talk about the team and I know all of the site's readers appreciate it as well. Thanks Andrew!

The Interview File: Face to Face with Wayne Gretzky

Me and Wayne after Interview

As you may know, this past Wednesday I attended the EASports - Gillette Champions of Gaming event in New York City, where I would interview the one and only Wayne Gretzky for Blueshirt Banter. To give you a brief rundown of the event, it basically saw the best sports gamers from around the world compete in one place for the championship. If they won that championship, they would move on to play an athlete in the game, depending on what sport game they were champion in. For example, if you were the NHL champion, you would take on Wayne.

Anyway, I spent my time in the media lounge, which was quite an experience. Sure I have been near athletes before, attending sporting events and what not, but something about being up close and personal with these guys as a member of the media was very special. When I was walking in, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was being escorted in right in front of me. When I made my way through bouncers and security, I reached the media lounge where NFL star Matt Ryan was being interviewed on television and a ton of media outlets were running around. This was the first time in my life that I was experiencing something like this.

After waiting for a bit and trying to soak it all in while I could, my time to interview "The Great One" came. In fact, he walked up to me and obviously did not have to introduce himself. Wayne and I were then brought to a private room where the interview was held.  Just me, him, and a few observers. From there, I began the Q and A, which can be read below.


NM: Do you ever want to return to coaching in the National Hockey League?

WG: You know what, I don't think about it. Really just because I am enjoying my life right now. I think it is the greatest game in the world and I love the NHL, and right now I am having fun just watching it as a fan. At this point in time, I have not really thought about it, no.


NM: On Tuesday, the NHL held their Draft Lottery in which the Oilers were awarded the first overall pick in this year's draft. Now they have a choice between two future superstars in Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin. If you were the GM of the Edmonton Oilers and had the first overall pick in your possession, would you go with Hall or Seguin?

WG: That's hard for me because truth of the matter is I have only seen each of those guys play probably one time. It would not be fair for me to comment other than say that from everybody that I have talked to, both kids are going to be really good players and will be good acquisitions in the National Hockey League, and will have great careers. If I saw them, I would tell you, but I really haven't seen them play.


NM: During your career, was there any specific goaltender that had your number and would give you fits to play against?

WG: There are a lot of good goalies. I always look back at guys like Pelle Linbergh, Ron Hextall, and I always thought that Billy Smith was the best big game goalie who ever played. Then along came guys like Patrick Roy and Marty Brodeur. We've had a lot of great goaltenders who have stopped me a great number of times, but the challenge to go against them was always fun.


NM: If you could pick any player that has ever laced up the skates to captain a team that you coached, who would that player be and why?

WG: Well it's pretty simple. You pick number eleven [Mark Messier] because first of all he was a great captain and a wonderful player, and he was a six-time champion. I think that's a pretty easy choice. I think even you can make that choice [laughing].


NM: Hockey players have always been known as pranksters on and off the ice. Would you consider yourself one of those pranksters?

WG: The way it works is, if you don't bother anybody, they won't bother you. I didn't have enough energy getting ready for a game to do stuff like that. I just got ready for practice and for games.


NM: Earlier today, it was reported that Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of both the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox, had his proposed arena lease for the Phoenix Coyotes approved by the Glendale City Council. Now all Reinsdorf has to do is come to an agreement with the NHL, who bought the team in bankruptcy court last year. Since you were previously a part of the Coyotes organization as head coach, I wanted to know what your take on this was.

WG: I think it's great. Phoenix is a wonderful city and Jerry Reinsdorf has had great success with the Bulls and the White Sox. He lives in Phoenix for half the year and I think he is going to be a great owner for that city, and it is exciting news for the entire sport.


NM: My last question is who is your prediction for the Stanley Cup Champion this year?

WG: You never go against the defending champions, so if somebody knocks out Pittsburgh, watch out.


This was an experience  that I will always remember and it certainly means the world to me. Being able to stand face to face with the greatest hockey player to ever live, an ambassador of the sport, and an icon in general was truly breathtaking. He was nice, he was funny, and just an all around great guy. He treated me as if we were friends that meet up once a month just to talk.

I was thrilled that not only I would be able to take part in this, but also that I would be able to share it with my readers. With that being said, I want to personally thank Jim Schmiedeberg, the man that makes Blueshirt Banter work, as he is the one that coordinated all this and set it up. All I had to do is accept. This was not only a hockey experience, but a personal one, and I appreciate all of the people that worked at the event who also made this happen. And of course, a big thanks to Wayne Gretzky.

To read more about the night and the emotions that went along with it, read my main story over on Blueshirt Banter.

The Interview File: Rick Carpiniello's Thoughts on the 2009-10 Rangers Season

It has been a while since we did our last interview here on the site, mostly because of the Rangers busy and compact schedule this season. Now, with the regular season dwindling down and the Blueshirts currently fighting for their lives in a wild playoff race, Rangers beat writer Rick Carpiniello of the Journal News and Rangers Report was kind enough to take time out of his schedule to answer some of my questions regarding this year's Rangers season and their playoff hopes.

Before that, though, I would just like to thank Rick for doing this. All of the readers of the site, as well as myself, greatly appreciate it. He gave us some great material here. Now, onto the Q and A.


Q: Have the Rangers met, not met, or exceeded your expectations that you had for them heading into the season so far?

A: In the beginning of the season, and throughout, I said that they would be in the same position as last year -- in a large group of mediocre teams fighting for the last two or three playoff berths in the weak Eastern Conference. So I guess they have met my expectations.


Q: There is no question that goal scoring has been a difficulty for the Blueshirts this year, even with Marian Gaborik on the roster. Do you feel that the coach should be at fault for this problem, or is it the personnel that is incapable of consistently scoring? Or maybe even a combination of both?

A: The problem is a lack of overall skill. The Rangers have a star in goal, one first-line players, one first-pair defenseman. The rest are second (at best) and third liners and second (at best) and third pair defensemen. That said, I think the coach tried to play a system that required more skill, when perhaps it should have been playing a more cautious style given the lack thereof.


Q: Did you agree with GM Glen Sather’s move to trade away forwards Christopher Higgins and Ales Kotalik? And in your mind, were they players that needed to be moved?

A: Yes. From all I'd heard about Higgins, I thought he would be a solid 20-goal scorer; and I originally liked the Kotalik deal (though it was for too much money). The Rangers rarely get those second-tier free agents that seem to thrive with other teams. But both were busts, especially Higgins, who couldn't hit the side of a barn with a handful of rice. Getting Jokinen and Prust for those guys was a steal, even if Jokinen is not re-signed this summer. As one of my readers said, it would have been a good trade even if it was Higgins and Kotalik for no Higgins and no Kotalik.


Q: With 70 plus games now in the rear view mirror, you have had the opportunity to watch star winger Marian Gaborik work his magic for about five months now. In your opinion, is he in a league with talents such as Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and Ilya Kovalchuk?

A: I think Gaborik is at the next level down from those guys. He's surely talented, and an absolute sniper. But sometimes he seems distracted, though I don't want to use the word lazy. Those other guys, Crosby and Ovechkin especially, are absolute superstars who do other things besides score, and are factors in every game they play. Gaborik is almost that. Still, he might be the best free agent the Rangers have signed since Adam Graves.


Q: Vinny Prospal has been a pleasant surprise for the Rangers this season. Do you think that Glen Sather should consider re-signing him and will Vinny’s age play a major role in that decision?

A: I don't think Prospal's age will be as big a factor as how much money he wants. He played at a discount this year because he was bought out by Tampa Bay, and therefore getting big bucks from the Lightning. If he wants to come back for another discount, he should be back. But how often do free agentsin any sport actually sign for less money? Don't count on it.


Q: Youngsters Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan are currently fourth and fifth on the team in scoring. Did you expect more out of these players this season, or are they producing at the rate you felt they would?

A: Yes, I expected more from both, and in the second half I think both gave more. Dubinsky, despite his broken hand, is closing on his first 20-goal season. I think that has to be a minimum for him in the future. And Callahan won't come close to matching his offense from last season. He needs to do that. These guys need to produce as legit second-liners. Or as first-liners if the Rangers can't find legit first-liners over the summer.


Q: At the moment, Captain Chris Drury has 30 points on the season, but has contributed to this team in many other ways. Do you feel that Chris has felt the pressure of wearing the “C”? If so, has he responded to it in a negative or a positive way?

A: I don't think it's the C as much as it is the $. Drury's contract brings unrealistic expectations. But he also failed to reach even acceptable offensive numbers for most of the season. He's a very good player who does a lot of things away from the puck, but at that price the Rangers can't have him having numbers like he's had. And I don't think he's a bad captain at all. I believe his teammates truly respect and look up to him as a captain and a leader.


Q: Rookie defenseman Michael Del Zotto, overall, has had a tremendous freshman year. What generally are a rookie’s goals when playing their first season in the NHL, and when they perform at an above average level like Michael has, how do they go about approaching their sophomore year?

A: I think rookie defensemen are different than rookie forwards. They have to take some lumps their first year (and in many cases their second and third and fourth -- D-men tend to mature and hit their primes later than forwards). They have to deal with hitting the wall late in the season, because they've never played 82 games at his pace before. Most important is that when they take those lumps, when they mess up, that they learn. And that the coach is patient and accepting of the mistakes. That is one areawhere I think John Tortorella has done very well this season.


Q: Matt Gilroy, also a rookie on the blue line, has been ineffective according to head coach John Tortorella. What do you think Torts will look to improve in the former Hobey Baker Award Winner’s game for next season?

A: I don't think Tortorella has been surprised by Gilroy's first season. It's just that this stretch is so crucial, and Gilroy is struggling pretty badly, and maybe at this stage it's better for him to watch a little bit than to cost the team a playoff spot. Remember, Gilroy didn't play defense before college, so he's still learning the position. Learning it at the NHL level is really difficult. I think he's done pretty well.


Q: In your opinion, what do you think Glen Sather’s approach will be this offseason? Will he be more focused on staying the course, or will he blow up the roster once again like we have seen in prior years?

A: I can't even guess what's going on behind Sather's doors. But if it were me, I'd stay the course, go for some lower level free agents or trades over the summer, and accept another season or two of lowered expectations until some of those huge contracts expire or can be traded or otherwise dumped. Until they get those off the books, I can't see the Rangers filling the top-level holes they have. Even if they got a Kovalchuk, for example, they would have to fill their second, third and fourth lines with low-paid guys again, and barely have enough cap space to have 20 NHL-caliber players. That has been the case at several points this season.


Q: Based on what you have seen from this team this season, do you think they have what it takes to make the playoffs? And if so, can they go further than the first round?

A: I think they can make it. I do not see them going beyond the first round unless Lundqvist is spectacular (and the opponent's goalie is not).


Q: I know this next question has been the cause for much debate among Ranger fans, so I would like to hear your take on it. How would you rate coach John Tortorella’s performance this season and do you still believe he is the right man for the job?

A: I think he's the right man for the job, but that the job is impossible for any coach right now. I don't think he's had a great first full season. Some players have regressed, obviously. I wonder how much influence he had, for example, on the Brashear signing. He's been a bit of a bully, and he has disrespected people in the press, and people from the team's own network, and though he thinks he doesn't need allies in the media, that will come back to bite him eventually. As I said earlier, I think the system he tried to shove into place didn't fit the talent he had. He failed to get sufficient rest for his goalie, who now has to play every night. On the other hand, he was at least partly responsible for the acquisitions of Prospal and Gilroy. He's handled the three rookies well, especially Anisimov. Basically, though, it's unrealistic to judge his performance given the roster he has. He should get the first half of next year at the very least, playoffs or not.

The Interview File: Andrew Gross on 2009-10 Rangers

As promised, here is Interview number 1, featuring Andrew Gross. Andrew Gross, Blueshirt beat writer, is the author of Ranger Rants and covers the Rangers for The Record. I decided to go with Andrew to introduce this new interview feature, mainly because I feel that he is one of the more knowledgeable beat writers for the Rangers. In this interview, Andrew discusses his thoughts on the Rangers of 2009-10. Also, a special thanks to Andrew for agreeing to take part in the first Rangers Tribune Interview.

Q: Before we get started, I would just like you to tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you became a beat writer for the New York Rangers.

A: I was first offered the beat in 2003 while working for Gannett Newspapers. At the time, I was covering St. John’s basketball and other college sports, in addition to plenty of Mets and Yankees games. To be honest, I had to be convinced to make the switch because my two daughters were very young. Turned out to be the best career move I’d ever made. Unfortunately, I decided to leave the beat in 2006 when an opening covering the Jets and the NFL became available since the flagging newspaper economy had sidelined me from traveling with the Rangers and it was driving me crazy missing half the games. I wound up leaving Gannett Newspapers in 2007 for The Bergen Record, though not specifically to cover the Rangers. Needless to say, I’m thrilled and grateful my new employers decided to put me back doing what I enjoy the most and in the manner that I prefer.

Q: What is your take on the Gomez trade, and was it a move, in your opinion, that needed to be made?

A: Taken on its own, I thought being able to trade Scott Gomez’s contract was a brilliant move by the Rangers’ brass. Gomez is a talented player but he’s not a true No. 1 center and the Rangers were financially hamstrung by paying two second-line centers – Chris Drury included – as if they were top-line talent. Without moving Gomez – or Drury, or Michal Rozsival, or Wade Redden – the Rangers would not have been able to start re-shaping their roster. Honestly, I’m still amazed Montreal GM Bob Gainey was willing to not only take on Gomez’s salary but actually give the Rangers back some useful parts in Christopher Higgins and a potential top four or even a top two defenseman in Ryan McDonagh.

Q: Do you feel that Gaborik was the best fit free agent out there for the Rangers, or was there a specific player that you would have liked Sather to sign, instead of Marian?

A: In terms of playing style, and assuming his health for now, Gaborik is a very good fit for what John Tortorella wants to do with the team. Because Gaborik is able to create space and, thus, his own plays often, it’s a very good fit considering the Rangers currently don’t have a No. 1 center. The trick will be getting Gaborik linemates who can skate with him.

Q: If you were Sather, would you have given Gaborik the contract that he did, considering Marian’s injury prone past?

A: Free agency, as we see each season, is all about overpaying to attract talent. Obviously, Sather overpaid for what could be seen as damaged goods. No doubt, though, Sather and company felt an absolute need to bring in an All-Star type scorer. They failed to convince the Senators to send Dany Heatley on the cheap so they were left to go shopping. There’s a very good chance the Gaborik contract becomes the same burden to the Rangers as was the Gomez one that Sather dealt in order to get Gaborik.

Q: Considering Marian Gaborik’s skill and what he has accomplished, do you believe that he can become the first Ranger to score 50+ goals in a single season since Jaromir Jagr?

A: Only if he has the right players around him. Unless you’re Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux, you need considerable help from your teammates to achieve such lofty goals. Jagr surpassed 50 because he went on the ice, for the most part, with the same four teammates (including defensemen) each shift and everything was geared toward him. You saw Jagr’s production dip as soon as his support system eroded (and he hurt his shoulder). No doubt, Gaborik has the skill to score 50 again. But if you look at the history of the Rangers, that just seems to be a Herculean task to accomplish on Broadway.

Q: In your opinion, which current Ranger is most suited to center a line with Gaborik’s in the 2009-10 season?

A: If the Rangers don’t make any other moves this offseason, my opinion is he’ll start out with Chris Drury and wind up with Brandon Dubinsky. Eventually, though, I’d like to see what Artem Anisimov could do with Gaborik but it’s way too early to put Anisimov in that spot.

Q: Do you think that Donald Brashear is an upgrade, or a downgrade from former enforcer, Colton Orr? How so?

A: Based solely on fighting skills, Brashear is better than Orr. Brashear is also a better skater. Orr, though, didn’t have a knack for getting suspended and, for an enforcer, was a clean player. Brashear’s past argues otherwise. Most likely, Brashear will spend two seasons in New York as a marginalized player under Tortorella. I’m not saying I would have paid Colton Orr $4 million over four years to keep him (besides the fact it seemed Orr had his heart set on playing in Canada) but $1.4 million for Brashear is not likely to be money well spent.

Q: Which Blueshirt prospects do you think will make the team out of camp, and become a part of the 2009-10 Ranger roster?

A: In addition to Anisimov, mentioned above, I definitely look to Evgeny Grachev making the team out of training camp. His conditioning was a little off during the development camp but he hadn’t skated in over two months. As long as he shows he’s in proper NHL shape, he should be a very good addition to the roster. He’s a very fluid skater with a quick shot, plus he adds size. At least one of the Rangers’ defensemen prospects should make it, as well. Probably Bobby Sanguinetti, possibly Corey Potter, possibly Mike Sauer. I really like Michael Del Zotto and what he’s going to bring in terms of moving the puck but I suspect he’ll get one more season in juniors.

Q: Out of the current Rangers, who do you believe will be the “out of nowhere” producer for the Blueshirts this season?

A: I think either Grachev or Anisimov can be a solid NHL scorer. Also, I know he’s more of a veteran, but the Rangers obviously see something in Christopher Higgins in terms of his goal-scoring ability that he might not believe in yet. Plus, he’ll be in a contract year (again).

Q: Based on what you saw last season and what you expect from Tortorella’s training camp, do you believe that we will see great improvements in the games of Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan in the coming season.

A: Probably more so from Dubinsky and I mean that with all respect to Callahan. I believe Callahan is approaching the ceiling of what he’s going to be as an NHL player, and I’ll admit Callahan and Marc Staal are probably my two favorite Rangers’ skaters to watch. I love the energy Callahan brings to the forecheck. Dubinsky still seems to be finding his way and I think a season under Tortorella will help guide him.

Q: Do you think that with the addition of Gaborik, some pressure will be relieved from Henrik Lundqvist, knowing that there is a goal scorer on this team now, and he may not have to stand on his head to win the team so many 2-1 games anymore?

A: That’s the plan, and not just from Gaborik. Actually, there’s probably more pressure on Lundqvist under Tortorella’s system than there was under Renney. The Rangers were built to play 2-1 games under Renney and they evolved into a very cautious team. Under Tortorella, they’re going to be built to play a lot of 5-3 games and Lundqvist will wind up seeing more shots and, most likely, more breakaways and odd-man rushes.

Q: If things go as planned with the RFA situation, and Nik Zherdev returns to the team, do you expect a more consistent year from the young winger? And will he be a decent pairing with Marian Gaborik, being that Gaborik can play either LW or RW?

A: I’m convinced the odds of Nikolai Zherdev returning to the Rangers are very slim. He has no use for John Tortorella and I don’t think Tortorella has much use for him. The Rangers don’t want to pay him the $3.25 million they qualified him at, let alone any more. In arbitration, if the Rangers’ number is accepted, I’d expect Zherdev to return to Russia. If Zherdev’s number is accepted, I’d expect the Rangers to decline signing him, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Now I know it is still early in the off-season, and we haven’t gone through training camp or anything just yet, but I would like you to make some predictions for us as far as stats go.

Q: Who do you predict will lead the team in goals? Assists? Points?

A: If healthy, you have to pick Gaborik to lead the team in at least goals and points. Chris Drury will likely lead in assists.

Q: Will Henrik Lundqvist have a better or worse year stat wise, when comparing the upcoming season to the 08-09 season?

A: Lundqvist will probably have a worse year stat-wise just because the Rangers’ games will be more high-scoring. At the same time, Lundqvist will probably have a better season.

Q: While looking at the team on paper, are the Rangers of 2009-10, better or worse than the Rangers of 08-09?

A: Cop out answer but I really believe it’s too early to tell until Sather makes a few other moves, if he can. The myth would be just a season under Tortorella will make them better but that’s downplaying what Renney felt he had to accomplish with the team. He saw the roster (even if he had a large hand in shaping it) and saw it was not a goal-scoring machine so he played the defensive system he thought necessary. Tortorella is going to press the attack but his goal-scoring talent is only marginally better at this point.

Q: And finally, which current Rangers will be wearing the available A’s (Alternate Captain) on their jerseys come October?

A: I believe Ryan Callahan should get one A. Tortorella is likely going to want a veteran to also wear an A, though my personal second choice would be Marc Staal or Brandon Dubinsky. If you go the veteran route, Gaborik is probably in line given his importance to the team. I could also see Wade Redden getting an A, perhaps as a means to engaging him more emotionally.