Del Zotto gets another chance to impress
The Rangers' Michael Del Zotto celebrates with teammates after scoring during a preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings. (Sept. 29, 2010) Credit: AP
Defenseman Michael Del Zotto hasn't been consistent since returning from the AHL, but he dressed again while Steve Eminger sat for the second straight game.
"I think [Del Zotto's] nervous in the situation he's in, with all the things that have gone on around him," coach John Tortorella said before the game. "He's a young kid and being sent down, it's a lot, but he makes a couple great plays on the quick two-on-ones, he gets a shot through on the power play and although it wasn't a bomb, we score on it [against the Penguins]. Slowly he'll settle himself down."
Eminger, who had played 21 straight before Monday's Penguins game, is "healthy enough to play," Tortorella said. "I told him, it's not forever. He gave us some great minutes. His game has chipped down a little and Michael can make a play or two on the power play for us."
Rookies Ryan McDonagh and Mike Sauer, Tortorella said, formed "our best" defense pair against Pittsburgh. "Marc and Danny struggled. I've liked [McDonagh's] outlet passes. He's pretty patient with the puck."
Drury at center again
Chris Drury was back at center after playing wing with Kris Newbury, who was sent back to the AHL Thursday. Drury skated with Sean Avery and Wojtek Wolski, but Tortorella said he did not want to "coin it a 'fourth' line'' because of the trio's versatility.
Newbury, a journeyman who had one assist and 35 minutes in penalties (mostly from fights) in eight games, was the odd man out with players getting healthy.
"He's willing to fight. He's abrasive. He had some good nights on faceoffs; he struggled some games on faceoffs," Tortorella said. "He ends up with five or six scoring chances and he can make a play. Whether it stays at that level, you don't know. The staff likes him because he adds some jam."
