Drury practices for first time since injury
Chris Drury, right, congratulates Henrik Lundqvist after a 5-0 win over the Islanders at Madison Square Garden. (Mar. 24, 2010) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - Chris Drury practiced with his teammates for the first time since suffering a fractured finger during the Oct. 15 home opener against Toronto. Drury skated and passed but did not shoot the puck during Saturday afternoon's practice.
"He can pass the puck, can't shoot the puck. He just wanted to get involved in some of the passing drills," coach John Tortorella said. "That's for his sanity, but it's still the same thing; he's a couple of weeks away.
"It's progressing. He's in great shape. We've just got to wait until he's fully capable to do things so it's not nagging. As aggravated as he is and how bad he wants to play, we've got to do it the right way."
The Rangers' captain, who was unavailable for comment, has been sidelined for seven weeks as of Friday and has missed the last 27 games. Drury previously skated on his own or with Vinny Prospal, who is recovering from a knee injury.
Tortorella said he thinks Drury will return to the lineup before Prospal but that both players still need time to recover.
"I feel better after talking to the trainer two days ago how positive he was as far as how these guys are coming about," Tortorella said. "It's all good news. There still has to be a little patience involved."
Ottawa up next
After sweeping the home-and-home series with the Islanders with Friday's 2-0 win, the Rangers host the Ottawa Senators Sunday in their third game in five days. The Rangers (16-11-1) and Senators will meet again Thursday in Ottawa.
The Senators (11-14-2) will play six games in nine days between Dec. 2 and Dec. 10.
The Rangers' power-play unit may be able to find success against the Senators, who have allowed the most power-play goals in the Eastern Conference (22), trailing only Edmonton (30) in the NHL. Ottawa's penalty-killing unit is ranked 26th in the NHL at 79 percent.
No practice for Prust
Brandon Prust did not take part in yesterday's practice. Tortorella said the left winger needed a maintenance day but will not miss any game time.
"He's just banged up," Tortorella said. "The way he plays, the fighting and the tugging and all that, he's just sore. Sore shoulder."
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