Rangers inked Anton Stralman after Devils tryout
Anton Stralman #32 of the New York Rangers pounds the glass following his powerplay goal at 10:11 of the first period. (April 14, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
Rangers defenseman Anton Stralman doesn't feel any remorse or have any extra incentive when playing the Devils, even though he performed well in a tryout at New Jersey's training camp.
"No, not at all," Stralman, 25, said Wednesday before the two teams faced off for Game 2. "They were trying to work something out and I had gone back to Sweden to be with the family [The Stralmans have three children]. I was almost ready to play in Europe when the Rangers called."
Stralman, who was leading all NHL defensemen in goals with three before last night's game, agreed to a one-year, $900,000 contract on Nov. 5. That led to playing in 53 games and his first playoff appearance on April 12 against the Senators. He will be a restricted free agent this summer.
"In the end, I think it might've worked out pretty well -- either way," he said.
Sticking with seven 'D'
Only seven defensemen, the regular three pairs and Steve Eminger, practiced. D Jeff Woywitka, along with swingman John Scott, who have been healthy scratches throughout the playoffs, skated with some AHL callups at the training center in Westchester. "Just to have players ready to play in case we run into injuries," said coach John Tortorella. Brandon Dubinsky and Mats Zuccarello were also scratched.
Kreider's been to Fenway
The spotlight in Fenway Park? For Chris Kreider, a Boxford, Mass. native, it's been there, done that. While he was scoring a key goal at the Garden on Monday, his former team, the NCAA champions Boston College Eagles, threw out the first pitch at the Fenway. "Love those guys, but there is no place in the world I would rather be than right here. I'd done that once already [in 2010 when the Eagles won the title]. I also got to play [NCAA outdoor] games there twice."
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