Rozsival skates

I guess I should start by saying none of the following has anything to do with April Fool's Day.

Defenseman Michal Rozsival practiced with the team for the first time since injuring his left knee against Ottawa on March 22 but it's uncertain whether he'll play tomorrow at Carolina - he just gave a smile when asked whether he'd play as in, "I can't tell you." Rozsival said he'd have to wait until tomorrow to see how his knee feels and John Tortorella said he'd wait until after tomorrow's morning skate to make a call.

Rozsival skated on his own for about a half hour Tuesday. Today, he said everything was fine in a straight line, though he still felt some pinching when he'd turn tight circles.

By the way, one thing I really value is honesty and Tortorella gave one of the most honest answers I've ever heard from a coach. We were chatting about the cliche of playing a simpler game on the road - something Tortorella does not believe in - and when I asked about players saying that frequently, Tortorella responded it was probably that they just didn't want to answer the question. Good to know.

Seen, not heard at today's practice: MSG Chairman Jim Dolan, who was in GM Glen Sather's office. Also, ex-Knick Allan Houston watched for a bit.

The lines remained intact from Monday's 3-0 win over the Devils:
Sean Avery-Scott Gomez-Ryan Callahan
Nikolai Zherdev-Chris Drury-Nik Antropov
Fredrik Sjostrom-Brandon Dubinsky-Markus Naslund
Lauri Korpikoski-Blair Betts-Colton Orr

Defense pairings also stayed the same, with Rozsival working in with Paul Mara and also skating at times with extra forward Aaron Voros. Other two are Marc Staal-Dan Girardi and Wade Redden-Derek Morris.

Interesting question bandied around the media section while watching practice: If the Rangers can only afford one of the two next season, who do you take, Zherdev or Antropov? Without Tortorella ever addressing the topic, just on observation it appears to me he prefers Antropov's game.

Comments

[robix]

I'd keep Antropov over Zherdev.

[NYR351]

Andrew, was Potter at practice?

[Blueshirts]

It is obvious that Torts prefers Antropov's game but it would be extremely interesting to see Anisimov-Antropov-Zherdev playing on 1 line next year. This summer will be particularly interesting because the Rangers have talented forwards (Anisimov-Grachev) and defensemen (Sanguinetti-Potter). Will the Rangers go outside the organization for help or bring up a young guy?

[graves9]

Antropov without a doubt. Zherdev takes way too many shifts and games off.

[LI Joe]

http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2009/04/01/rangers-practice-no-foolin/#comments

potter was there. if you listen to the rozy audio clip seems like he doesn't think he should play tomorrow. but it also seems to me torts thinks he should be in from things he said last couple of days.

[Arkadiy]

Antropov or Zherdev?

Why, are we only allowed one person on the team who can actually play hockey?

[Chris]

I wonder if Zherdev will even want to come back with Torts at the helm. His personality is dead compared to under Renney; he was the most excited person on the ice after goal, and now not. Just from observation, I think Torts might have privately told Zherdev to slow his wheels down on offensive rushes so he doesn't get pinched deep if there is a turnover (i.e. better backchecking). I'm not sure if Zherdev likes that style of play; granted, Zherdev and Antropov's ice-time is virtually the same with the exception of the Boston game and the SO in Atlanta.

Personally, I would rather have Zherdev especially if the Rangers are committed to Anisimov, who is very similar to Antropov.

[Stuart]

both at the right price...talent wins with a good coach

[Keith]

How about dumping Rozy and keeping both? I am pretty sure Dolan isn't worried about money and he seems to love Slats so why not? I think it's a tough call because Z has scored some big ones but if I had to pick I think I would take Antropov. Two weeks ago I said Z. Antropov is slower but his size is something the team needs, and I don't think he is as slow as Anisimov is. I think the Blueline in the offseason will be more interesting. Morris will be gone so there is at least one open slot. Mara is only on a one year deal so there is another so bring up Sanguinetti or Potter or both. I like Potter-I really do. As far as Grachev-I haven't heard a thing about him so I don't know why you mentioned him BLUESHIRTS. Is there something I missed on him? Only thing I know about him is that he is talented-is he even close to NHL ready yet?

[TK]

Grachev: 40G 40A +48 in 60 games with Brampton. 4 G 4 A, so far, in 4 games in the playoffs. He's 19. Players have debuted at that age, but i would think he needs some time in the AHL before the NHL.

[Keith]

Holy crap-that's some stats! I don't know Brampton but hell yeah-give him a shot in the AHL and see if he's ready. This isn't baseball

[stuart]

Montoya SO for the coyotes tongiht in his first game...