John Tortorella shows confidence in Michael Del Zotto
WASHINGTON -- Michael Del Zotto had good reason to feel he played a strong Game 2, but also a couple of reasons to feel a little down -- those two being the posts he hit with big slap shots, especially one with just under a minute to play in the 3-2 loss to the Caps.
"I was happy with my game, especially offensively, it was a good confidence boost," Del Zotto said Tuesday after a handful of Rangers took part in an optional practice at Madison Square Garden before the team traveled down here for tonight's Game 3. "A couple inches here or there and it's a different game."
There's still reason for John Tortorella and the Rangers to be enthused by what the 21-year-old Del Zotto did on Monday night. He blasted 13 shot attempts and assisted on both Rangers goals, the second set up with a power-play shot that Ryan Callahan deflected in for a brief tie at 6:58 of the third.
Del Zotto, a fixture on the point for the first-unit power play this season, had lost that assignment during an unsure stretch in the Senators series, with Anton Stralman manning the point as the lone defenseman on the first unit. On Monday, with his shots getting through and his speed finding some room, Del Zotto earned his spot back and produced the goal.
"He was very good, offensively and defensively," Tortorella said of Del Zotto.
His 25:08 of ice time, a playoff high for Del Zotto, was more a reflection of the need for a tying goal late than a reward for solid play. But Tortorella had clearly lost a bit of confidence in his youngest defenseman, one who normally plays with as much confidence as any Ranger.
"I had my feet moving, that was the biggest thing," Del Zotto said. "Whatever minutes I'm getting, I have to play my best. We need everyone to contribute."
The power play succeeded with a bit more puck movement than it had in Game 1, when the plays seemed more static. Del Zotto got to his off-wing point for the tying goal, just as he did to hit the post with six attackers on in the final minute.
"They're real aggressive and anytime you hold on to the puck, they have a chance to jump you," Del Zotto said of the Caps' penalty killers, who have allowed three power-play goals in 30 times short (90 percent) through nine postseason games. "If we get pucks and bodies moving, we have enough skill to be successful."
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