Talented Parenteau proves his versatility
CHICAGO - P.A. Parenteau has a more diverse game than Enver Lisin, and with the Rangers getting healthier, he appears to have edged out the speedy Russian winger for ice time.
Parenteau, 26, who has scored in bunches with the Hartford Wolf Pack for the last two seasons, "can be more of a utility guy," John Tortorella said. Parenteau (1-3-4 in 12 games) is 2-for-2 in shootouts and plays on the second power-play unit. "I can use P.A. in a lot of different situations right now," the coach said.
Lisin (3-5-8 in 26 games), who didn't play in two games against Pittsburgh and totaled just over eight minutes against Buffalo and Detroit, was scratched again last night. "It's not anything Lisin did wrong . . . I was fair with him when he was on top of things and it tailed off," Tortorella said. "Sometimes players have to wait their turn and make sure they stick. That's how you mature."
Redden returns
Wade Redden (shoulder), who missed five games, was paired with Matt Gilroy. Rookie defenseman Ilkka Heikkinen, who subbed for Redden against Buffalo and Detroit, was scratched and "if we stay healthy he'll probably go down to Hartford," Tortorella said. Heikkinen, signed last summer, needs work on positioning. "I like his jam, and it's something that we need," the coach said. "He did fine. [But] I don't think there's anyone head and shoulders above down there that needs to be up here all the time in case of these injuries." Getting a taste of the NHL's faster pace, which he said was similar to the Finland National Team, will help him in the AHL, Heikkinen said.
Brashear ready to go
Donald Brashear, whose game has lacked a physical edge and has seemed reluctant to mix it up, dressed for last night's game. He missed 10 games with hand and rib injuries. "I'm always good to go," Brashear said.
