The New York Rangers announced a few minutes ago that they have avoided arbitration and resigned Brandon Dubinsky to a 4 year deal that will reportedly pay him $16.8 million with a $4.2 million cap hit.
I like the contract. It’s right between the $4 and $4.5 million that many people were speculating that he would receive. It locks up Dubinsky for the rest of his RFA years and two of his UFA years. Now it’s time for the Rangers to sign Callahan to a similar, probably a bit cheaper deal.
The Rangers suffered a huge blow today when the team announced leading scorer Brandon Dubinsky will miss 3-4 weeks with a stress fracture in his left leg.
The Rangers season has been filled with injuries and this just adds to the list.
With this, Dubinsky’s name is added to the lenghty list that includes Callahan, Christensn, Frolov, Prospal, and Boogaard.
The Rangers have moved within one point of the Boston Bruins for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Bruins have two games in hand, but the Rangers play the Bruins on Sunday in a game that will no doubt have severe playoff implications.
The Rangers are coming off a good game against the Flyers. Here are some quick thoughts.
1) Sean Avery seemed to be “engaged” in this game, eh? After a one game benching by Coach Tortorella, Avery responded with one of his best games a a Ranger. Avery scored twice, drew two penalties and was active with hits and pressure throughout the game.
2) I think it was smart not going after Carcillo. Remember the Rangers last two games are both against the Flyers. By that time we should know whether the Rangers have clinched or been eliminated from the playoffs. I’m thinking he’ll get something then.
3) Brandon Dubinsky really laid the smackdown on Brad Richards. Here’s the video courtesy of HockeyFights.com
4) I thought Lundqvist played a good game. He wasn’t called upon to make many saves. But, when he needed too he came through as usual.
5) The game against Montreal will be another game that will have huge playoff implications. Unfortunately the game is on Versus which I do not get.
6) There will be a new poll on the side soon so be on the look out for that.
1)Man alive, for the first two periods of the game the players looked completely lethargic. The first goal against the Rangers was just a terrible BS goal. If Avery would have taken the body to Samsonov instead of trying to poke check him with his stick Hank would have had his second shutout of the season.
2) SHOOT DAMMIT! This isn’t criticism, but dammit Gaborik shoot the puck! Don’t try to go all finesse and slide it through his pads. Gabby could of had a trick last night if would have just shot the puck. But, this isn’t criticism as he is the best and most gifted player on the ice most nights.
3) Dubinsky’s goal was pretty. First he makes a great play to keep the puck in the zone and keep the play alive. Then Prospal with a great cross-ice pass to Gabby who shuffled it to Dubi who back-handed it over Ward and into the net.
4) Gaborik always seems to be in the right place at the right time, eh? That shot by Rozsival where he broke his stick and it hit the backboards and Dubinsky just flung it out in front of the net. The defenseman for the Hurricanes, I think it was Gleason, had the puck on his stick and Gaborik just stole the puck and put it away into the emptied net.
5) Hey Drury, Marc Staal can score from his own zone and you can only hit the post? Take some notes, eh?
6) Hank, as usual, stole the game once again. He didn’t have to make the spectacular saves like he did in Philly, but damn did he keep the team in the games or what? This is now eight of the last nine games where he has kept opponents to two goals or less.
P.A. Parenteau was assigned back to Hartford over the weekend and it looks as Brandon Dubinsky will make his long awaited return to the Blueshirts line-up tonight. It looks as if once Dubinsky returns to play center, Vinny Prospal will be once again go back to playing winger.
The lines are as followed for tonight if Dubinsky should return tonight:
Christopher Higgins-Brandon Dubinsky-Marian Gaborik
Vinny Prospal-Chris Drury-Ryan Callahan
Sean Avery-Artem Anisimov-Ales Kotalik
Donald Brashear-Brian Boyle-Enver Lisin
Moving Prospal to the second line is a smart thing to do in my opinion, because it spreads the scoring around a little. Hopefully, Prospal can help jump start Ryan Callahan and especially Chris Drury. I think if Higgins doesn’t fit well on the top line the Prospal could easily replace him.
What’s the over under on how long these line combos actually stay intact tonight? I’ve got five shifts. Any takers?
