Brooks: Rangers Lack Depth
Larry Brooks writes in the New York Post today about how the Rangers are lacking depth everywhere but on the wings and in net.
Indeed, other than in nets, where Henrik Lundqvist reigns supreme, the Rangers are stronger on the wing than at any other position. This of course is the classic good news-bad news scenario. It’s good news they’re reasonably deep on the flanks, terrible news the Blueshirts are so thin on defense and down the middle.
Brooks notes how Gilroy continues to impress, Del Zotto’s play and that Corey Potter is still around, but writes this:
Again, good news-bad news: While the three kids acquitted themselves well, Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival were bad. The Blueshirts cannot survive bad seasons from their two most senior defensemen.
….Its pre-season for everyone Larry. Yes, Rozsival made two mistakes last night that led to goals, but isn’t it good to get those out of the way in games that don’t affect the standings. Its wishful thinking, but I would assume the two of them won’t play this bad the entire season.
As for the center position, with Brandon Dubinsky still un-signed, the Ranger shifted Vinny Prospal over to the middle. As for the players behind him on the depth chart:
Artem Anisimov, whose projected upside is as a defensively aware third-liner with the ability to chip in on offense, had a rather middling game against the Bruins on Tuesday. The 21-year-old second-year pro, who did not play last night, doesn’t appear ready to grab a spot, though he will continue to get the opportunity.
….That is the harshest critique of Anisimov’s potential. Anisimov came over to America with the reputation of a good defensive center, but Brooks seems to discredit the 81 points he put up in Hartford last year as a 20 year old. For right now, Anisimov should be the Rangers third line center, but that certainly isn’t his potential. It’s all snap judgements, after only one game and a few days of workouts.
Brian Boyle, for whom the Rangers inexplicably surrendered a 2010 third-round pick to Los Angeles to acquire this summer — honestly, a team needs new scouts if the best it can do is get a fourth-line center with its third-rounder — seemed to struggle both Tuesday and last night.
….While I agree with the fact that trading a third rounder for Boyle may have been a little to much, I didn’t think Boyle played that bad. Again, its very early, and I may be giving these guys to much leeway, but I saw positives from Boyle and he probably will be the Rangers fourth line center.
Brooks also notes that the Rangers could be interested in center Dominic Moore to play in the bottom six.
