...And descends into the Rangers' version of limbo. He cleared waivers at noon today (I'll admit a tad bit of surprise no team bit on him) but has not been assigned to Hartford (AHL). Nor did he make the trip to Pittsburgh. Nor have the Rangers recalled a seventh defenseman today. Nor are they likely, too. Fritsche's salary counts against the Rangers salary cap until he's re-assigned.
More later from the Igloo as Sidney Crosby will play tonight.
"I feel good," Crosby told reporters after the morning skate, his third straight practice as he recovers from an injured left knee. "I haven't gone backwards in the last three days so that's a good sign."
Crosby, of course, managed to get back into the lineup after missing a game when the Rangers lost here, 3-0 on Jan. 18. The Penguins also get C Maxime Talbot back from an undisclosed injury but won't have LW Matt Cooke, who will begin serving a two-game suspension.
Marc-Andre Fleury in nets for the Penguins, Henrik Lundqvist makes his first start since the All-Star Game for the Rangers.
As for me, yes, I made it to Pittsburgh, surprisingly without incident. The turboprop flight was rather bumpy but it took off and landed on time. The only "glitch" came midway through the flight, when I started hearing a pounding noise against the plane, not that I'm a nervous flier since I do it enough, it was just a noise I'd not heard before. Long story short, it was hail pounding against the plane. All in the glorious life of being a sports writer.
More soon...
Good-I am glad Sindy is playing tonight. My most hated opponent Pittsburgh. Hope the Blueshirts blow them out, although I admit it's not likely with their lack of scoring and all
Posted by: Keith | January 28, 2009 at 05:52 PM