Parenteau recalled, Battle Of New York/Tavares Await

October 27, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

If Marian Gaborik isn’t a go tomorrow night in the first Battle Of New York, Pierre Parenteau will get the call. The 26 year-old forward impressed in camp and was one of the final cuts, being send back to Hartford where he’s ripping it up, leading the ‘A’ with eight goals while sharing the scoring lead with 14 points.

No real surprise since he’s a vet that’s averaged over 30 goals and a shade under 80 points in two seasons with the Wolf Pack. Of what we gathered during preseason, Parenteau has good wheels and isn’t afraid to get dirty. He can certainly play on an energy line and fill in on the PK if needed. The man also can finish and is worth a look on the power play. Though we’re guessing that if Torts sits Gaborik out, he’ll deploy Parenteau in a checking role while bumping up Artem Anisimov, who’s scored in two straight and deserves more ice-time.

As for The Big Ticket, he sat out practice receiving treatment in the morning and afternoon for his banged up knee. Hopefully, it’s not serious. I’d rather the club be cautious and not take any chances. Especially in a condensed Olympic schedule that’s already bitten other teams’ stars like Boston’s Marc Savard, Detroit’s Johan Franzen, Pitt’s Sergei Gonchar, the Habs’ Andrei Markov and Atlanta’s Ilya Kovalchuk the latest casualty. Also of local interest, the Devils lost top defenseman Paul Martin and key penalty killing forward Jay Pandolfo for at least four weeks. Meanwhile, the Islanders will probably be without captain Doug Weight, who’s suffering from the flu.

So, there are plenty of reasons to be careful with Gabby, who’s fulfilled all expectations with 10 goals and 18 points, failing to register a point only versus San Jose in his first dozen as a Ranger. Assuming he doesn’t play, it’s an opportunity for a struggling player like Christopher Higgins or Chris Drury to step up. Ditto Ryan Callahan who always brings it but also can contribute more offensively than the two goals he’s potted. The Blueshirts will need these players to get more involved so they have the offensive balance we believe them capable of.

We’ll see if they’re up to the task against John Tavares, who kinda needs to get it going himself. After a strong start, he’s without a point in four. It’s not like he hasn’t had chances either. You know JT91 will want to turn it on under the spotlight when one of the game’s best rivalries gets renewed at The Coliseum.

It should be intense as always both on and off the ice. See ya tomorrow night!