After a somewhat disappointing 2009-10 season in which Callahan
did not take that next step offensively as he seemed poised to do following the
hiring of coach John Tortorella to end the 2008-09 season, Callahan responded
with the breakout offensive season many had hoped for. The quality with which Callahan played this
past season leaves Rangers fans with great hope that this heart and soul player
can become a 30 goal, 60 point type player for years to come. You know you are going to get the tremendous
forecheck, excellent hitting, penalty killing and self-sacrifice of shot
blocking, but the offense has been the question.
The reason for the raised offensive expectations heading
into next season is that Callahan managed to set career highs with 23 goals and
25 assists in the 60 games he dressed this season. If he was able to maintain that pace over an
82 game season, then you would be looking at 31-34-65 season. Add that kind of offense to the way Callahan
has played for his entire career and you are looking at a legitimate first line
type player.
Let us take
a look at the breakdown of Callahan’s numbers by month.
|
Month
|
Games
Played
|
G
|
A
|
Shots
|
|
October
|
10
|
4
|
7
|
41
|
|
November
|
15
|
3
|
5
|
32
|
|
December
|
7
|
3
|
1
|
19
|
|
January
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
February
|
12
|
6
|
3
|
39
|
|
March
|
14
|
7
|
8
|
42
|
|
April
|
2
|
0
|
1
|
6
|
As impressive as Callahan’s numbers were this season, what
showed his true value to this club was the difference in the team during the
playoffs without his presence in the lineup.
The team as a whole lacked a sense of energy and the forechecking style
that the team implemented, and Callahan epitomized, just never got going
against the Capitals. In a series as
close, game to game, as the Rangers first round tilt against the Capitals was it
is hard not to imagine that a healthy Callahan changes some of the games, if
the not the end result of the series. The
combination of what he brings individually and what he allows linemates Brandon
Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov to do on the ice makes a huge difference to the
balance of the team.
The only negative thing you can say about Callahan’s year
would be concerning the injuries.
Missing 22 games during the regular season and the first round playoff
series is something the Rangers cannot afford to have happen. His importance is both a statement on him and
all that he brings to the team along with one that speaks to the overall talent
level of the forwards on the team right now.
Offensive talent and production, especially consistent production, is something
the Rangers lack and so they cannot afford to lose their second leading scorer,
and pulse of the team, for a 27% of the games the team plays. The flip side of that is you cannot be too upset
with Callahan over the injuries because of how he sustained them. Both major injuries occurred while he was
playing his game and sacrificing his body for the betterment of the team, and if
he changed those things, then he wouldn’t be Ryan Callahan.
Grade: A
