Callahan brings quiet intensity to the Rangers
Photo credit: AP | New York Rangers' Ryan Callahan (24) moves the puck as Washington Capitals' Tom Poti (3) defends during the third period. (September 27, 2009)
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Oct. 8: Rangers 4, Capitals 3GREENBURGH, N.Y - Ryan Callahan generally provides productivity, versatility, flexibility and durability. That takes in just about all that Rangers coach John Tortorella could ask, other than irascibility.
It just shows that even a demanding person like Tortorella can't have everything. Tortorella is from the creative tension school. He almost encourages conflict. "I've always felt that it's healthy in this type of dynamic, in a team sport and the intensity that comes into the game of hockey," the coach said after practice Friday. "Conflict isn't a bad thing. I think you become closer."
He probably will have to find another way, though, to get closer to Callahan. The winger is the type who keeps his mouth shut, except to say that he is ready to suit up even though his back is barking, as it was Thursday. "I don't think you ever count him out in those situations," Tortorella said.
Callahan was on the ice almost as much as the referees were - power play, penalty killing, late-game situations - and he made a difference. His goal at 1:47 of the second period, on a rush during an energetic cyclone of a shift, was one of those momentum changers that helped the Rangers to a 4-3 win in Washington.
"If you're going to play, you've got to play," Callahan said after practice, adding that his back was fine a day after he had "tweaked" it in the morning skate.
"I take a lot of pride in the way I try to stay consistent. It's a long season, it's real easy to have a lot of ups and downs and I do have my ups and downs, scoring-wise," he said. "But I think you can stay consistent in the way you work every night."
Callahan is especially good at deflections. He deflects credit for the penalty kill to Chris Drury. He deflects credit for the Rangers' new confidence to the game-breaking skills of Marian Gaborik.
But if you suggest that Callahan is one of the most valuable Rangers, you won't get an argument from Tortorella. The coach said, "I just think he has 'gotten it' quicker than some other young players."
Notes & quotes: Sean Avery took part in a full practice for the first time since his knee injury and could play Sunday against the Ducks at the Garden. He is likely to be on the second or third line, but not the first. Tortorella said he won't break up the combination of Vinny Prospal, Brandon Dubinsky and Gaborik.
