Gaborik hopes to play Monday

Marian Gaborik, participating in his first scrimmage and skating for the fourth straight day, is still not 100 percent with the tightness in his groin but said he was "on the right track."

That means he's still taking it "day by day" but is hoping to play in the Rangers' next home preseason game, which would be Monday against the Red Wings. The Rangers play at Detroit Friday and are in Boston Saturday.

"It's for confidence more than timing," Gaborik said of the preseason. "Once you get into a game situation, you get chemistry with the players who you are going to play with."
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Gaborik scored a goal in this morning's scrimmage and seemed to have some of that chemistry he wants to build with center Vinny Prospal, who has smoothly fit in well with several linemates in scrimmages and preseason games, including Sean Avery and Enver Lisin.

"He's looking for players all the time," Gaborik said of Prospal, who now must  be considered a possibility along with Chris Drury as the top-line center, particularly considering Brandon Dubinsky's continued absence. "We had a couple of shifts out there. He's got vision and he works hard. It's right on your tape when he sees you."

Overall, Gaborik was pleased with the day.

"For the first scrimmage, it felt pretty good and it was a good skate afterwards and workout," Gaborik said. "I didn't push myself all the way but it's on the right track."

And as far as Dubinsky is concerned, there have been daily talks between the Rangers and Dubinsky's agent but little progress has been made on a deal.

Comments

[JoeO]

Good news that Gaborik will play atleast 1 preseason game. Anyone have any guesses at opening night lines?

[oleosmirf]

Dubinsky needs to suck it up and play already.

The Rangers dont have to do anything. Sure Dubi is better than plenty of guys making more than him but too bad.

If Dubi wanted a big pay day he should have scored more than 13 goals...

[LI Joe]

i would think they'd keep a 3rd goalie at least through mondays game

[jerry]

i agree with joey o the guy is acting like hes a top ten player in the league and if he was so loyal hed be in camp proving himself that hes worth more.say goodbye because hell be traded.

[Mike]

Well, thats tricky, b/c if u dont have a deal, then u prob dont have insurance. If Dubi were to commit himself, and get injured, he would be screwed. But, either way - he is screwing himself.

Anyway, enough of Dubi and his bad decisions... what did people think of Chad Johnson last night? I thought he looked pretty good. Pretty Calm...

[Keith]

You know I always thought some dudes on here were a bit high on Dubi and that was a bit annoying but I did like him. Now I am starting to get sick of him and I assume some fans are too-I mean, you freaking scored 13 goals last year man!! What do you honestly think you're worth-give me a break!! DUmp him Sather-trade him for something decent and I could care less if he becomes a 25 goal scorer-which he won't. I'm done with him-

[jerry]

keith. my point excactly and for mike he has a qualifing offer so he covered you play for than and you dont worry about being injured.trade the idiot and i liked him too. we dont need babies with problems on this team.i would take whatever they offered and played on the line with gaborik and showed what i had.and if you think your worth more put up the numbers and prove it.