Zuccarello-Aasen is Back; Can the Norwegian Hobbit Use His Magic To Make It Permanent?

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

Following his debut performance last Thursday it was clear the Rangers would have to find a spot for Mats Zuccarello-Aasen in their lineup because he demonstated he could play at this level and he added elements the team has lacked.  His play had changed the question from if he would get a chance to when would he get his next one.  The Rangers have answered that question by recalling the Norwegian Hobbit from the Connecticut Whale for the second time in the last week in time to play tonight against the Islanders.  So the question this Monday is not whether or when we would see Zuccarello again, but for how long will his stay be this time?  Management will ultimately have the right to choose the answer to that question, but it will be up to Zuccarello-Aasen to frame the options.

The Rangers sent him down following Thursday’s game against the Lightning because the NHL club was off until tonight’s game while the AHL team had a game yesterday for him to play in.  In the game, ironically against the Islanders AHL affiliate, Zuccarello would have an assist in the 4-0 Whale win.  That particular rationale will no longer be viable as the Rangers and Whale have virtually the same schedule this week and the Rangers schedule gets back to a more normal consistency, so now decisions will be based purely on play.

The reason there were questions surrounding whether or not he would be called back up were because of the following series of topics: things that had been previously said by the Rangers staff regarding him readiness; the fact he was not called up until Marian Gaborik was unable to play; that Gaborik was expected back for Monday’s game; that Zuccarello must have a top six role. 

Apparently what the coaching staff and management saw in Zuccarello’s opening act in the NHL was enough to eliminate all of those other issues and come to the realization that with that kind of talent and the team's need to add talent you must find a place for him.  The decision is not that hard right now as there is an easy fix in dropping Chris Drury out of the top six and letting Zuccarello take a spot in it.  Zuccarello adds a level of skill and creativity to a lineup that frankly lacks both in a significant way.  The Rangers have built their season on their grit and toughness and to add a talent they have not really had is something the club needs to take another step as long as they continue to play their style and not just watch as the talent goes to work.

As easy as the decision to bring Zuccarello-Aasen back now is it gets more complicated in a couple weeks with the scheduled return of Vinny Prospal and then even more so when Ryan Callahan is ready to return.  The timetable on these injuries should give Zuccarello at least a 2-3 week window to truly cement a role on the club before Prospal is ready to be back in the lineup.

I am with many of the fans who believe that even in Prospal’s return Zuccarello should stay with the club and in a top six role, especially seeing as how Prospal is 35 and is not part of the franchise long term.  The problem is Prospal has a history with Tortorella so he gets the benefit of the doubt and with all the different combinations that have been tried to get Marian Gaborik going you can bet that Torts will look to Prospal to try and rekindle the chemistry he had with Gabby last season. 

The only roster related move that would need to happen when Prospal comes back would be Todd White finally going down to the AHL, but the lineup does become more complicated.  If Prospal slots in on the line with Gaborik it means that Dubinsky likely slides back down and then the choice would be between Frolov and Zuccarello on the second line.  That choice is pretty obvious for most of us right now, but for Zuke to make it reality it will depend on his play these next few weeks because not only would that push Frolov down in the lineup, but it would also push someone like Avery or Christensen out of the lineup altogether, which both of them have been in danger of already this season at different points.

The lineup and roster would get even more complicated by the time Callahan came back because if no trades were made to keep Zuccarello on the NHL roster they would have to waive another player from the roster to stay within roster size limits.  If Zuccarello plays how he is capable it is certainly possible the Rangers will move someone out via trade or waivers, but if he shows any struggles he is the easier decision in sending him back down.

When the season started Zuccarello-Aasen was sent down to the AHL to learn the North American style of play and adjust to the smaller ice surfaces and after the initial struggles he did that to an extent that he forced the Rangers to give him a chance at the NHL level.  With that chance last Thursday he proved that he belonged at this level and forced the club to bring him back again for tonight.  Given the complications that lurk a few weeks down the line MZA will once again have to force the move to keep him because while there is no question that long term there is no question that MZA has a larger potential impact on the Rangers franchise than Prospal, Avery or Christensen, as we know that does not always get the greatest level of consideration in making all roster decisions. I believe he will get every opportunity to do just that now that he is back to prove that he should stay here so while the Rangers had a certain schedule in mind for Zuccarello when the year started as has been the case at each turn the puck will be on his stick to force the team change that schedule.  He will have to do it one more time and force them to keep the hobbit on the big stage and let him try to become lord of the MSG rink.  With the fierce determination he plays with and his willingness to mix it up even at his size I would not bet against him succeeding.

Weekend Recap: Zuccarello Proves He Belongs, Called Back; Better W/O Gabby?; Gaborik Groin Better?; MDZ Out; WJC

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Been a quiet few days for the Rangers and the league, so might as well wrap up the holiday break all at once.  On Friday following his excellent debut I discussed how the play of Mats Zuccarello-Aasen would force the Rangers to find him a spot because he proved he belonged at this level and due to the team needing to add more talent to the lineup.  I went through a few different permeations of what that might look like in the short term and it seems as if the Rangers at least somewhat agree as they have recalled Zuccarello for the game against the Islanders Monday night.

On Saturday I took a look at the Rangers play with and without Marian Gaborik and asked if the team was better off without their most skilled offensive weapon in the lineup.   Yes, I know it sounds kind of counterintuitive to ask if a team that lacks talent as the Rangers do, but in watching the Rangers mentality with and without Gaborik out there you notice a distinct difference in how they play that makes the question not so far-fetched.  The mentality difference in the club is not directly Gaborik’s fault, but combine that with him being below that is expected of him in terms of impact on a consistent basis and it raises some red flags.  The Rangers have been successful from playing to a certain identity this season and they seem to decrease the urgency of playing that way with Marian out there.

Along with the recall of Zuccarello there was news on Marian Gaborik getting better and Michael Del Zotto still being out of the lineup for the game.  I went through what was said about Gaborik in that he is improving and hopeful to play along with the discrepancies between his course of events and that which John Tortorella laid out concerning the timing of his injury.  In addition I looked at the lines from today’s practice how they might look tomorrow upon Zuccarello’s return and whether how they are likely to look is how they should actually be.  Finally in discussing Del Zotto there was an update on his health, which is improving and the reason he will still be out tomorrow.

Also on Sunday I took a look at Roman Horak and Jesper Fasth the Rangers forgotten prospects in the World Junior Championship.   These two seem to have gotten lost in the focus on Team USA and Rangers prospects Chris Kreider and Ryan Bourque being on the team.  I did not want Horak and Fasth to get ignored so I did a write-up on what was originally expected of these guys; scouting reports on their games; what they can become down the line. Fasth would record 1A today in Sweden’s 7-1 blowout of Norway, while Horak will not begin his tournament until tomorrow

Finally there is a video highlight package from the Team USA vs Team Finland game which includes Joni Ortio robbing Rangers prospect Chris Kreider of a sure goal.  Ortio was the best player on the ice in the game, with Nick Bjugstad being the best USA player.  Kreider and Bourque both played their games well.  Bourque played an energetic game and combined with Bjugstad and Jeremy Morin to be the best line for the USA squad.   Kreider showcased his speed numerous times and had an assist on the first goal for Team USA.

Video: Joni Ortio Robs Chris Kreider in USA Finland WJC Game

Joni Ortio robs Chris Kreider

Team USA pulled out the 3-2 OT win against Team Finland tonight in each team's opening game of the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships, but the best player on the ice was Finland goalie Joni Ortio as he kept Finland in the game long enough for them to tie it.  Ortio made a number of phenomenal saves, but none were better than when he robbed New York Rangers prospect Chris Kreider five minutes into the third period to keep the game at 2-1 USA.  The video of the play starts at 4:08 of the highlight clip with discussion of the play coming again at 5:28.

Zuccarello-Aasen Back vs Isles; Gaborik Practices, Hopes To Play; Del Zotto Healthy Scratch

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

The Rangers have announced this afternoon that Mats Zuccarello-Aasen will be recalled for tomorrow’s game against the Islanders.  The move is well deserved following the debut Zuccarello had against the Lightning, but was still considered to be somewhat uncertain and partially dependent upon the health of Marian Gaborik.  The announcement that Zuke will be back is said to be independent of Gaborik’s healthy as Gabby took part in practice today and is hopeful to play tomorrow.  The question that remains now will be what the Rangers lines will look like come game time, but here are what today’s lines looked like:

Dubinsky – Stepan – Gaborik

Frolov – Anisimov – Drury

Fedotenko – Boyle – Prust

Avery – Christensen – White

Even though I would slot Gaborik back into the lineup on that second line in place of Drury and put Zuccarello back with Dubinsky and Stepan since the trio worked so well against the Lightning I expect it will be Zuccarello that is moved instead and Gaborik comes in with Dubi and Step.  In conjunction with that expect Todd White to be scratched and Drury to take his spot on the fourth line.

To go with my assumption on the lines for tomorrow comes this according to @thenyrangers twitter feed:

Torts on Gaborik: "It's important that we get Gaby back in and feeling good about himself...we want him to be confident"

I want Gaborik to be confident and feeling good about himself as does every Rangers fan, but it is feeling more and more like coddling to me.  Interesting to see that Torts clearly intimated that Gaborik’s groin issue was new the other day before he sat out and then today Gaborik said it was bothering him for a few games before he finally sat so one is obviously lying and neither would rally be a good thing.

On defense it was announced that Michael Del Zotto, who is feeling better, will be a healthy scratch tomorrow and Matt Gilroy will stay in the lineup.  It was called part of the learning process for Del Zotto which it certainly is, but if this becomes any sort of longer term thing it will risk a Gilroy like erosion of confidence from a year ago. 

A Look At Rangers Forgotten WJC Prospects Roman Horak and Jesper Fasth

Jesper Fasth (Bruce Bennett/Getty)

Roman Horak

There has been a lot of attention in Rangers fan circles on Chris Kreider and Ryan Bourque heading into the WJC, which is understandable considering they are the more recognizable names and will play for Team USA, but there are two other prospects to watch in Czech Roman Horak and Swede Jesper Fasth.

Horak, 2009 5^th round pick, is currently playing for the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL.  Horak after having a very effective rookie season last year has taken the next step this season becoming a first line player and producing consistently with a line of 15-23-38 in just 30 games.  He has been so good that he made the TSN players to watch list from Scott Cullen (Bourque and Kreider also listed) who said:

A fifth-round selection of the Rangers in 2009, Horak has become an impact player in his second WHL season and should be counted on to provide offence.

With that improved play the views on Horak as potential fourth line center and phenomenal penalty kill have been changed for many and he is now seen as a legitimate third line threat in the NHL and possibly a top six forward down the line if the level of improvement continues.  

Fasth, 2010 6^th round pick, is currently playing in the Swedish Elite League.  Before the draft the scouting report fromeliteprospects.com;

Fasth is a very good skater with nice acceleration and top speed. He works very hard, forechecks with impressive intensity and also create a lot of offense thanks to his agility and speed. Has decent hockey sense, technical skills and scoring ability, but it perhaps still more likely to develop into a role player.

After starting this season for the HV-71 junior team he would be promoted to the men’s team following a 3G 7A performance in the opening 6 games.  With the senior club he has put up 4G 6A in 26 games thus far.  Fasth with each thing I hear sounds more and more like Carl Hagelin 2.0 which if that turns out will be a great thing for Rangers fans and the organization.  He is yet another potential European steal that has speed and high hockey IQ which is something the Rangers have done an excellent job of finding the last few years.  He is unlikely to be here anytime soon, but leaving him alone over in Europe for a few seasons and it will be like adding a top pick down the line.  Of the four Rangers prospects I am looking forward to seeing him the most because of my lack of seeing him in live game action. 

Both Fasth and Horak will open their respective tournaments against Norway with Fasth playing them today at 4 and Horak getting his shot tomorrow at 7.  While the attention is on both Kreider and Bourque with Team USA (starting tonight at 8 on NHL Network-US) a favorite in the tournament Rangers fans should keep their eye on Horak and Fasth as they are just two more reasons the Rangers fans should be hopeful for the future. 

Video: Boston Bruins Atlanta Thrashers Brawl 12/23

It is Christmas night and hopefully all had a safe and healthy holiday this year no matter what holiday you celebrate, but in one not in the joy mode comes a crazy brawl late in the third period of the Boston Bruins vs Atlanta Thrashers game. The took place Thursday night following a clear head hunting hit by Freddy Meyer which Andrew Ference took exception to and lead to the fisticuffs. There were multiple scraps of note, but the one that puzzles me the most is Marc Savard with his concussion issues squaring off to fight anyone. I can appreciate the toughness, but frankly it is a stupid move on Savard's part and has absolutely no positive outcome for his team.

Are The Rangers A Better Team Without Marian Gaborik?

Abelimages/Getty Images 

One of the biggest reasons for the New York Rangers success this season has been the formation of a team identity not only in the style of play but in the mental toughness of the club.  The team has overcome injuries to various key personnel and taken on the approach of “next man up” in terms of every one has to pick things up when someone is out.  It is the kind of mentality that say no matter the names on the back of the jersey everyone with Rangers on the front will do whatever it takes on that given night to try and get the win.  It is the definition of what has made this year’s club different from some of the recent past and why win or lose they have been enjoyable to watch most nights.

Few teams would be able to post a 20-14-2 record when they lost their leading scorer from last season for 14 games; their second leading scoring the whole season; their captain for 29 games and the heart and soul of their club for the four and another six weeks in all likelihood.  The Rangers have and they are to be commended for it.  Watching the club with each guy out you see different scenarios where that particular player could have made a difference, but what I have also seen is that there a few players in particular, but the team as a whole seems to play harder and with more of an edge when Gaborik is missing.  Obviously you cannot truly blame Gaborik for that fact because he is not telling them to play with less intensity, less aggression, but his presence seems to change the mentality of others in the lineup.  It leads me to ask, Are the Rangers a better team without Marian Gaborik?

Rangers Must Find Spot For Zuccarello-Aasen As He Proves To Be NHL Ready

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images

In his debut for the New York Rangers, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen did everything and more than the club and the fans could have expected.  Unlike with many rookies, including Derek Stepan, there was no getting of the feet wet in the NHL before being asked to move up into more important roles, rather Zuccarello was tossed in feet first on the Rangers top line with Brandon Dubinsky and Stepan.  Overall he would play 17:52 in his debut which he admitted after the game was more than he expected to play, but by the time the game was over there was no doubt that he had earned every second of ice he got on this night.  In his play he displayed all the attributes in his game from the skill in terms of his skating, passing, vision, and shot to his grit and willingness to play in tough areas to the attitude and belief he has in his ability and it will certainly leave every Rangers fan wanting more, though as of now we are unsure when exactly the encore will be.

In a move not dissimilar to that they made on Dale Weise following the Philadelphia game the Rangers sent Mats Zuccarello back to the AHL and the Connecticut Whale.  The main reason, at least the one given, is because the Whale plays their next game this Sunday, while the Rangers are off until Monday, December 27^th.  No indication was given as to whether Zuccarello would be called up for the game on Monday at this time, but he certainly showed he is capable at this level on this night and whether he is here Monday or not he will be back in short order.  The main issues surrounding the decision come Monday will be the health of Marian Gaborik and if Gaborik is available whether there is another top 6 role for Zuccarello to fill because they do not want to bring him up for a non-top 6 role at this time.

Daily Recap: Rangers Fall in SO; Zuccarello-Aasen Brings Creativity; Video: Stepan, MZA goals; Ovie Hit

Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty

The final outcome of tonight’s game might leave a sour taste in the mouth of New York Rangers fans, but they should not be disappointed in the effort they saw from the team and they should be extremely hopeful for the future based on how their young players performed.  The Rangers were the better team on this night against the Lightning, but did not come up with the result and fans should know already it has happened on the flip side more than a couple times this season.  Once again missing key components of the club the other players on the team stepped in and battled and there is great pride to be taken from that.  So yes, the Rangers lost a heartbreaker in an 11 round shootout, but Stepan and Zuccarello showed the future is here and it is bright.  The full game story has details as always of the scoring plays and thoughts on who did and did not play well.

This morning I discussed how Mats Zuccarello-Aasen could add a level of creativity could add another dimension to the Rangers grinding type of game.  With the struggles of the Rangers two most creative offensive player Marian Gaborik and Michael Del Zotto the Rangers have found their identity in the grind it out type of style which has worked against most teams in the league.  The problem has been when it is not working they really have not had a Plan B, but someone like Zuccarello can help to provide that because he adds natural talent and some flare to the lineup.

A couple hours before the game started it was announced that MZA would be starting on the team’s top line for the evening.  The Norwegian Hobbit did not take long in the game to prove me right from the morning article giving a blind backhand pass from behind the net to Brandon Dubinsky in the slot for a scoring chance early in the first period.  He would keep up the solid play throughout the game and show a great combination of his creativity and skill on his sensational shootout goal.  The Rangers did send him down after the game, but I will have more to say on that Friday.

Other video from tonight’s game includes the magnificent tying goal that Derek Stepan scored when he showed the poise and patience of a ten year veteran not the nerves of 20 year old rookie as some might expect; a must watch.

The only other Rangers related piece was asking about the development of Michael Del Zotto and if the different things being asked of him by the coaching staff were negatively impacting that development and if the staff to limit certain problems is restraining Del Zotto from playing his natural game.

In events from around the NHL there was the video of Alexander Ovechkin laying the wood on Evgeni Malkin at the start of the hyped Capital Penguins game.  There was also a tremendous fight between Jarome Iginla and Jamie Benn that could well be a fight of the year candidate and took place in the Calgary-Dallas game.

Video: Jarome Iginla vs Jamie Benn In Knuckle Buster; Fight of Year Candidate?

LM Otero

Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn and Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla squared off at 7:19 of the first period in a tremendous fight that lasted over a minute.  Benn would clearly get the better shots early, but being as tough as Jarome Iginla is means you do not quit on anything and he would fight back to land some big shots of his own in this battle and probably won overall.  The damage side definitely goes to Benn, but he was out of gas early waiting for the linesman to step in a stop it while Iggy just kept pounding him.  Also if the guys are going to take gear off before the fight as Iginla did, then Benn should definitely have removed his helmet.