When the season began the expectations for Michael Del Zotto
coming off an excellent offensive rookie season were very high. The plan was for him to remain a top four
defenseman for the club, and be the power play quarterback, but that plan has
failed for this season. It has been a
tumultuous sophomore season in which he struggled with his play on the ice and
then his confidence. Things got to the
point where the Rangers sent him down in early January to work on his game and
while he was better when he came back, he was still not where he needs to
be. With the Rangers trading for Byran
McCabe over the weekend they decided to send Del Zotto down to Connecticut to
work on his game and get plenty of ice time.
It appears that plan might be out the window now as well.
Per Mitch Beck at Howlings
Del Zotto was slashed on the wrist during tonight’s game and did not return to
action. After the game he was wearing a
splint and had the hand wrapped. The
hand/wrist will be evaluated by a hand specialist tomorrow so there should be
more information available at that point.
Hopefully it will be good news and there is just bruising, but always
have to be prepared for more costly news.
Also injured in the game was Jeremy Williams who was hit
into the boards during the first period and had to be taken off the ice on a
stretcher. Also via Howlings, the
initial reports on Williams are good and he was said to be joking with
teammates.
Wishing the best to both players as the Rangers injury curse
for 2010-11 just continues to spread.
