Phoenix pick-up (for Lauri Korpikoski) Enver Lisin is an intriguing player. He's perhaps as fast as any player in the NHL yet he went through an inconsistent season with the Coyotes, with 13 goals and 8 assists in 41 games. If he ever harnassed his talent, he could be a good fit for John Tortorella's go-go-go system.
Against the Devils, Lisin had three shots in 20:08, not to mention a potential first-period goal or assist wiped off by Sean Avery's goalie interference on Yann Danis ("It is what it is, the ref said it was no goal," Lisin said.)
But perhaps the best sign to come out of Wednesday for Lisin was the chemistry he seems to have with Vinny Prospal. Lisin created space for himself in the Devils' end but a lot of the kudos should go to Prospal, his center, for finding him.
"I think it was because I was playing with good partners, with Vinny Prospal," said Lisin, whose line was completed by Avery. "He's a great passer, he's a great player, he was great that he found me space."
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Lisin has now played in both games and he's one of the "bubble players" John Tortorella constantly references, the nine to 11 players fighting for one of the last roster spots.
"I have more experience in the second game, I played with more confidence," Lisin said. "It's just the start of the season."
So far, Prospal has been a welcome addition to the Rangers. The affable Czech has merged easily into the room and seems to have a strong bond with fellow veteran and Ranger newcomer Ales Kotalik. But it's also the seemless way he's moved to center after initially being thought of as a left wing for the lineup that's made him most valuable. In fact, Prospal's play could be Brandon Dubinsky's biggest problem since Prospal is doing the job that Dubinsky was supposed to be doing.
In addition to Lisin, Prospal has looked sharp paired with Avery in scrimmages, Prospal fed Avery for two goals on Monday.
"I thought Prospal played really well tonight," Tortorella said. "His playmaking ability shows. A lot of people criticize his skating but he's a deceptive skater because he's a competitor. I've coached him so long (with the Lightning), I can play him at all three positions."
Tortorella said, contrary to the common knock on Prospal's conditioning, he's always been one of the more fit players on Tortorella's teams.
Andrew,
Gilroy had the SO goal, not Lisin...but I really love Lisin's play so far.
Posted by: nyr351 | September 16, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Exactly right about harnessing his talent. Imagine Prospal and Lisin in 4-on-4 play...they might get on the rush, but have the wheels to backcheck.
Has Avery worked at all in training camp at center? Just curious as I wish there was a way Lisin could play on the top three lines and possibly moving Anisimov to the 4th line.
Posted by: CP (Chris) | September 16, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Huh? Lisin was stopped, it was Gilroy who scored.
Lisin was very good. And Prospal is the type of player that can have chemistry with almost anyone, and so is Avery.
Both Avery and Prospal are very good playmakers.
Prospal's play is not Dubinsky's biggest problem, that would be Sather. And besides Drury is a brutal center and should be a winger or even better bought out. Even Tortorella can't make this guy throw a good hit on regular basis.
Posted by: bob | September 16, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Yeah, yeah, I know it was Gilroy and I wrote it was Lisin. End of a long night. Actually pulled off to the side of the road to correct in the blog. But thanks for looking out for me.
AG
Posted by: Andrew Gross | September 17, 2009 at 12:31 AM
this team needs dubi.. they are not going to exactly be a scoring juggernaut.. get dubi in camp already, enough.
what is his advisor doing???
Posted by: stuart A | September 17, 2009 at 01:56 AM
They don't need Dubi, he is overrated anyway and does not deserve the money he is asking for. If Dubi comes back then Grachev does not make the team, which would be a shame because Grachev is a better player. Trade Dubi for picks or prospects while his stock is still high. He doesn't have much hockey sense at all so he won't develope into a much better player than he is now. Let's not wait unitl he loses all of his trade value like with did with Prucha.
Posted by: Patrick | September 17, 2009 at 02:10 AM
Grachev does not make the team either way because he needs a little seasoning in AHL.
Kotalik-Prospal-Gaborik
Avery-Drury-Callahan
Higgins-Anisimov-Lisin
Byers-Boyle-Brashear
Voros
Ambuhl or Owens or Rissmiller
when there will be an injury or several, Grachev will get called up.
Posted by: bob | September 17, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Im starting to think they dont need Dubi either...
Posted by: Mike | September 17, 2009 at 08:50 AM
I thik Grachev should have a reasonable shot here. I think he looks great. But, the one who obviously looks the best is Gilroy. Hopefully his talent will ignite Staal's and that could be a lethal pairing. By the way - the A's on some players sweaters last night... Rosival... really? Thats just pre- season, right?
Posted by: Mike | September 17, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Well you have to remember that Gilroy is all offense and very little defense or hitting.
They need Dubi, they don't need Drury, Kotalik and Rozsival.
The team would be better if they were bought out and replaced by Grachev, Dubinsky, and Potter/Sauer
Posted by: bob | September 17, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Grachev has a very reasonable shot. If he can make an immediate impact on this team, Anisimov and the 4th line better worry about their spot on the opening day roster, with the exception of Brashear.
Bob, Kotalik will probably play second line as he is a natural RW. I agree with Mike, though, I like these lines with Dubi, even though, I really like Dubi, outside of his antics.
Posted by: CP (Chris) | September 17, 2009 at 09:57 AM
You said Lisin was inconsistent last year with 13 goals? If he would have played a whole season he was on pace to score 26 goals, which would've put him as one of the Rangers top goal scorers last season. This kid is gonna be good.
Posted by: Brett | September 17, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Yea, he definitely has the offensive ability, thats pretty clear. But, I wouldnt quite say there is no defensive ability. He seems to be able to chip the puck away, and skate up the ice with it. He's bigger then Del Zotto... Last night there was a play where he chipped it off the boards and away from a NJ forward, and took it right up the ice, all alone. That was a very promising transitional sign. This (I wont say kid since he is 25) guy is good!
I would also say - they do need Kotalik. I think he will work out well with us this yr. Definitely a 20goal scorer, if not more. Again, I love Dubi, but right now he is all alone on his island, and cant even get his own equipment. He and his agent are screwing themselves. Sorry Bob... But there are plenty of other centers we can use. Even if there werent, we can move wingers (Prospal) to the center, to bring up other wingers. Plenty of lfexibilty and depth in this organization for this team to be crippled by the lack of 'Bubi'. Sorry...
Posted by: Mike | September 17, 2009 at 10:08 AM
They didn't trade Lauri K. for Lisin to just put Lisin on a 4th line or in the AHL. Lisin has to play on the top 3 lines and in an offensive capacity.
Posted by: Charles | September 17, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I agree Dubinsky needs to lower his demands and sign ASAP. I disagree that we really need Drury or Katalik even if they score 25 goals. Others can do that too.
I never said this organization would be crippled by Dubinsky, but that doesn't mean you should insult a good player with a pathetic offer. Although I am not sure what Sather is offering, but it is probably pathetic.
Posted by: bob | September 17, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Chris is right; Avery can play center -- I'm surprised Torts hasn't played with that.
Posted by: Rogan | September 17, 2009 at 10:57 AM