When Rangers defender Ryan McDonagh was called up earlier
this week the coaching staff made it pretty clear the intent was to get a
firsthand look at him in practice situations but that he was unlikely to get
into game action. That plan of action
might just be adjusted this weekend with Michal Rozsival dealing with an
assortment of ailments, most specifically a rib issue that has been plaguing
him the past games. According to Larry
Brooks in the New
York Post Rozsival the injury to his rib cage area forced Rozsival to did
not play for the last 15 minutes of last night’s overtime game against
Carolina.
Steve Zipay reported the following this afternoon, via twitter:
Michal Rozsival hurt ribs in Florida game, twisted muscle again in battle on boards last night, treatment today, will try to skate in the AM
There had already been speculation about Rozsival being a healthy
scratch over the past week or so based on a slippage in his play since his
return from shoulder and knee issues earlier in the year. This rib issue might be the perfect cover for
the Rangers to give Rozsival the game off while getting a look at McDonagh in
the heat of game action, and we all know how much the Rangers love cover
stories.
If McDonagh does play I would ease him on the third pair to play
with Matt Gilroy, allowing Gilroy to move back to his more natural right side
of defense. What this would do is take
Steve Eminger and Michael Sauer who have played well together earlier this
season as the second pair on defense.
As my twitter conversation with Jesse Spector reminded me there
will not be a lot of difference in the amount of ice time between the second
and third pairs, but I believe there is a huge difference in the level of competition
so let McDonagh get his feet wet in the shallower water and then he will swim
all on his own. What Rangers fans should
expect from McDonagh is a solid, smart defensive defender who will make the
simple play and take the body, which is what this team needs right now and
would compliment Gilroy’s aggressive style well.
