Rangers Rundown
Rangers forward Petr Prucha finds himself in a familiar position: the bench. Prucha was a healthy scratch for last night’s contest versus Anaheim, as coach Tom Renney opted for players with more of a physical presence. Prucha didn’t dress in 27 of the team’s first 38 games, before suiting up in 9 straight. That streak ended last night when Renney sat Prucha and Lauri Korpikoski in favor of Aaron Voros and Dan Fritsche. Prucha was ‘disappointed’ about the decision but stopped short of knocking the Rangers or their coach.
Voros has the most value of these fringe players. He’s a penalty minute specialist and also knows how to find the net. The forward has amassed 89 penalty minutes in 41 games; but has also scored 8 goals and added 6 assists.
Isles Files
The Islanders finally announced that their franchise goalie, Rick DiPietro, is officially done for remainder of the season. The decision is no shock to anyone as the goalie has dealt with injury-after-injury since he signed his massive 15 year contract back in September of 2006. Last season it was a hip injury he incurred while competing in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition; this year it was off-season knee surgery that never quite healed correctly.
The Islanders had their chance to acquire goalie Dany Sabourin – formerly of the Penguins – who placed on waivers by his new team, the Edmonton Oilers. The Isles (first waiver position) had until noon today to make the addition but opted to stand pat. Joey MacDonald is reportedly ahead of schedule on his recovery from a groin strain and Yann Danis (.929 SV %) has played well in his last 4 starts. Besides, why add more payroll to a team going no where?
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