Tortorella making changes to spark offense
Photo credit: Getty Images | Marian Gaborik of the New York Rangers celebrates his second period goal during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens. (October 24, 2009)
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Two years ago, the Rangers flew to western Canada on a three-game winning streak and left with only one point out of a possible six.
Only eight players are left from that roster, but the danger remains. The Canucks, Oilers and Flames are above .500 and with only four goals in the last three games, the Rangers (3-3-1 on the road) need to reignite their offense, which had been averaging four goals a game.
"You can complain about production all you want, but we've got to try and help guys," coach John Tortorella said after practice where one struggling forward, Chris Higgins, was bumped to the No. 1 line to the left of Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik. "If Higgy continues to do some other things, he'll get more ice time."
The change came not only because Higgins, mired in a 15-game goal drought, has been playing with more purpose in the last few games, but because Enver Lisin was struck in the left foot blocking a shot late in the first period against Boston on Sunday, had an X-ray, which was negative, but couldn't continue.
Lisin, who has three goals and five assists, didn't skate. His instep was swollen and he couldn't lace up a skate. "It feels worse today. I'm not sure how it's going to feel tomorrow," he said before limping to the bus.
Although Tortorella begins setting his lines with Gaborik and Prospal, the team's top scoring tandem, he is trying to balance the other three lines. In practice, he kept Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Sean Avery together and Chris Drury between Ales Kotalik and rookie Dane Byers.
Whatever the trios, until there is secondary scoring, this team will rise and fall on the play of Gaborik and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who is expected to start Tuesday night.
"We're a pretty young team," Tortorella said. "Gabby doesn't make you as tight when you're in those one-goal games. We're going to make mistakes. Henrik helps keep those mistakes from ending up in the net."
Notes & quotes: C Brian Boyle had some family issues and was arriving later Tuesday . . . Canucks G Roberto Luongo (fractured rib) will be replaced by Andrew Raycroft.
