Per Katie Strang, Chris Kreider has been sent down to the Connecticut Whale. She claims that the organization doesn’t want him sitting in the press box. Looks like J.T. Miller will stay with the big club and see a year burned off his ELC.
In a bit of a surprising move, the Rangers have returned forward Brandon Mashinter to the Whale, per Dan Rosen. It’s surprising because Mashinter was just recalled yesterday. Guess that means the “Stu Bickel as a forward” experiment is still ongoing for tonight’s game at least. Unless of course Chris Kreider is good to go.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Today we are going to take a deeper look at the Rangers recent moves. Though the team played better in Tampa the other night, the bottom six hasn’t been very consistent and clearly Torts and Sather thought a change was needed. Below we’ve put together a qualitative analysis, or as Dave likes to call it – the eye test. If there’s an interest in the quantitative/advanced stats-type stuff. Let us know. Dave can whip that together.
Rangers trade C/LW Mike Rupp for C/LW Darroll Powe & RW Nick Palmieri
What the Rangers lose – Size, fights, veteran leadership
I was one of the few advocates of having a guy like Mike Rupp in the lineup. Most people who didn’t play organized hockey growing up have a hard time evaluating 4th line guys, so I get the disconnect some fans had with his presence in the lineup. For me, Rupp was exactly what you need from a 4th line role player.
Rupper was a leader in the locker room, as evidenced by Torts constantly seeking Rupp’s input at key times (shown in 24/7). He stood up for his teammates (remember Tomas Kopecky sucker punching MDZ last year? Rupp was the first guy in). He also played well in a limited role during the playoffs, bringing a good forecheck and puck management.
In the second big move of the day, the Rangers have called up forwards J.T. Miller and Brandon Mashinter from the CT Whale, and returned Benn Ferriero to the AHL. Despite impressing in his debut, Ferriero saw reduced time on the ice, and with the acquisition of Darroll Powe, the writing may have been on the wall for the forward. This won’t be his last trip to the NHL.
In eight games with the Whale, Mashinter has a line of 3-4-7 and has been one of the best forwards on the ice. Miller, the Rangers prized prospect, has a line of 8-12-20 in 37 games, and has really picked up his game since his slow start to the season.
The Rangers have recalled forward Benn Ferriero from the CT Whale for tonight’s game against Toronto. Ferriero, who was acquired this week from Pittsburgh in exchange for Chad Kolarik, has 92 games of NHL experience –all with San Jose– putting together a line of 14-8-22 with 25 PIMs. Since it is expected that Chris Kreider is going to return to the lineup tonight, this move may be to replace Arron Asham, who is still being bothered by his groin injury.
Per Pat Leonard, Chris Kreider has a bone bruise/chip in his ankle. This would be why Ferriero was called up. Kreider is the only Ranger not on the ice, which means Stu Bickel is back to defense.
Kris Newbury was returned to Connecticut after last night’s 2-1 loss to the Flyers. In his one game cameo, Newbury played seven shifts for just five minutes of ice time. He also fought Tye McGinn and was charged an extra two minutes for roughing. This likely means that Chris Kreider will dress against the Leafs on Saturday.
Per Steve Zipay, Chris Kreider is skating after the optional morning skate, meaning he will likely be a scratch tonight against the Flyers. Kreider was skating with Arron Asham and Matt Gilroy, meaning these are the three likely scratches.
Also, after last night’s game Kris Newbury was recalled from the Whale, presumably to take Kreider’s spot for tonight’s game.
After last night’s loss to Boston, Brandon Segal was returned to the Connecticut Whale of the AHL. Segal, who was obviously just filling in for the suspended Arron Asham, played just over five minutes last night, finished with a blocked shot and two PIMs (a hooking call).
Thanks to Joe Fortunato of Blueshirt Banter for this one.
The Rangers have recalled forward Brandon Segal, per the AHL transaction page. Earlier today, we discussed who might replace Arron Asham in the lineup while he serves the last game of his suspension. Stu Bickel appeared to be the front-runner, but with the Rangers recalling Segal, it appears he may get the nod against the Bruins.
The Connecticut Whale have recalled forward Jason Wilson (2010 – 5th) from the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL. Wilson was assigned to the ECHL on November 29 after missing the first 17 games of the AHL season with an injury. Wilson put together a scoring line of 1-4-5 with 53 PIMs in 20 games with Greenville.
Wilson played the entire 2011-2012 season with Greenville, putting together a line of 4-10-14 with 102 PIMs in 56 games.
