Michael Del Zotto Invited to Worlds (UPDATED)

Michael Del Zotto’s debut pro season isn’t over. Team Canada GM and Rangers legend Mark Messier has selected the 19 year old to represent Canada at the upcoming World Championships. MDZ seems to be a direct beneficiary of  LA Kings defenceman Drew Doughty’s injury.

With Steve Stamkos, John Tavares, Tyler Myers and even Jordan Eberle called up, Messier is very much looking to Canada’s future.

Hopefully the added experience on the bigger ice will allow MDZ to work on his defence and positional game. The playoffs may have been missed but MDZ gets some much needed extra game time. This can only be a good thing for the Rangers long term.

(UPDATE) Huge honor for a college kid. Rangers blue chipper Chris Kreider is also capping off a dream season. Kreider, as a rookie college player no less, has been called up to represent Team USA at the World Championship. NO lie.

Following a brilliant second half for Boston College,  a great World Juniors and a season full of promise and development Kreider will get an early chance to test himself against NHL players and extend his own season. This is great news for the Rangers.  A notorious concern for college kids is that their seasons are too short, well Kreider can have no concerns here.  This call up is also a huge compliment to the Rangers scouting as well as an acknowledgment of Kreiders massive potential. Is Kreider on the fast track to the NHL?!

Someone answer me this; Has ANYONE EVER won the Frozen Four, the WJC and the WC all in one year?!

Poll: Should MDZ Have Stayed in Juniors?

This topic came up during last night’s Blueshirt Banter Radio Show, and I want to get Ranger Nation’s opinion on the matter. It is worth breaking down Del Zotto’s season into three segments: the first month, the second month through the Olympic break, and post Olympic break. You will notice three distinct trends with his game.

• First Month (14 games): 4-8-12, +3, .857 P/GM, +.21/GM
• Second Month-Olympic Break (47 games): 2-12-14, -20, .298 P/GM, -.447/GM
• Post Olympics (19 games): 3-8-11, -3, .579 P/GM, -.158/GM
• Season Totals (80 games): 9-28-37, -20, .463 P/GM, -.25/GM

Without using any advanced metrics like GVT, GAON/60, or QUALCOMP, you can clearly see that the middle stretch took it’s toll on MDZ. Prior to this season, he had never played more than 64 games in a season. While 80 and 64 may not seem like a big difference, this was an Olympics season, and the games were much more condensed, with many back-to-backs and three-in-four nights. It appears that MDZ simply tired from the condensed schedule very early on, and did not recover until after the Olympic break, when he had two weeks off.

His offensive numbers aside, it was very clear that MDZ had great difficulty adjusting to the defensive responsibilities at the NHL level. He was consistently out of position, was caught pinching often, and after the first month, stopped shooting the puck. These are things you expect from a 19 year old, but the question remains, do you think he should have stayed in the OHL to make adjustments on the defensive side of the puck?

Rookies Rated

TSN recently looked at the top 100 rookies in the NHL this season that included both Michael Del Zotto and Artem Anisimov. Using a measuring system they explain here this is what TSN had to say about our kids. Make sure you read the methodology/scoring first….

 16. Michael Del Zotto, D, N.Y. Rangers
Age: 19
Stats: 9-28-37, minus-20, 32 PIM in 80 GP
TSN.ca Rating: 69.16
Comment: Has to tighten up defensively, but there aren’t many teen defensemen who have put up more than 35 points as a rookie. Aside from Myers, the last one to do so was Bryan Berard with 48 in 1996-1997.

MDZ came in at 16th in their ‘scoring’ but their analysis reveals something that speaks volumes for MDZ.  He had the 2nd best (teenage) scoring season for defenceman since 1996-97. That’s an impressive performance though TSN are right in saying that his defence will need to be improved upon. Hopefully that comes with age and experience. A very good first year, personally, for the Rangers’ future star PP QB.

 Next was AA:

 35. Artem Anisimov, C, N.Y. Rangers
Age: 21
Stats: 12-16-28, minus-2, 32 PIM in 82 GP
TSN.ca Rating: 65.38
Comment: Not a huge offensive year, but solid enough for lanky pivot who can still get faster and stronger.

The further down the list the less analysis TSN do so not much to read here. However looking deeper ourselves consider this: on a non playoff team, a low scoring team and anchoring the 4th line at 12mins/game, 28 points may not sound a lot but factoring all that in, it was an excellent year for AA. Defensively sound and with room to grow this was also a great start to an NHL career.

 Almost an afterthought at the end of the season was Matt Gilroy. He made TSN’s list at 39:

 39. Matt Gilroy, D, N.Y. Rangers
Age: 25
Stats: 4-11-15, even, 23 PIM in 69 GP
TSN.ca Rating: 63.72
Comment: Hobey Baker winner saw ice time decrease as season progressed and didn’t play at all in April.

No analysis here that we don’t know already but allow me to add a little: Defensively still developing, I was most disappointed by the offensive numbers. I was hoping for around 20-25 points off Gilroy who at 25 should have come in less phazed by it all (the rookie year). He did, at times, show enough to indicate he could have a bright future but the way his season ended indicates he has an uncertain immediate future and may have lost the coach’s trust. Can he get it back? Long term for the Rangers it would be good if he could.

Rick Carpiniello in particular often talks about how the Rangers lack top end talent compared to most teams but going forward do most teams have Henrik Lundqvist and Marian Gaborik? Do most teams have two future D studs like Staal and MDZ? I know I harp on about it but (Gilroy’s struggles aside) its hard to be too negative when we have such a young core growing together featuring AA, MDZ, Staal, Dubinsky, Callahan, Lundqvist and Gaborik. The Magnificent 7? Could be…

Potter to HFD, Del Zotto Will Play

As the trade deadline has passed, there is some non-trade news. Corey Potter was returned to Hartford, as Michael Del Zotto will play tomorrow against Pittsburgh. Also, Marian Gaborik did not practice today. Unless he partakes in tomorrow’s morning skate, assume he will not be in the lineup against the Penguins.

Del Zotto, Gaborik Not Playing

Some no trade news for you: Michael Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik will not be playing tonight against Ottawa. Corey Potter will replace MDZ. No word on who will replace Gaborik. We’ll keep you posted.

Del Zotto Not Cleared to Play

A bit of old news, but the Rangers returned to practice yesterday, minus a few players. Among those players was Michael Del Zotto, who suffered a skate cut on his right thigh before the Olympics. MDZ was not cleared to skate until the stitches are removed, probably this weekend. It is still unclear whether he will suit up in Ottawa when the season resumes.

Top Draft Picks of The Decade

Yeah, yeah, I know. The decade ended already. We’re in a new one. But, better late than never, right? I’ve seen a lot of these, and wanted to throw in my two cents. Here are the Rangers top 10 draft picks of the decade (Note: I considered time played with the Rangers. Marek Zidlicky was a great pick, but he never suited up. So he’s not on the list.)

10. Lauri Korpikoski

The “Korpedo” was the 19th overall pick in the 2004 draft. In his one full season on Broadway, Korpikoski established himself as a nice defensive forward with some offensive skills. He was later traded for Enver Lisin. He was 6-8-14 last year. I’m kind of disappointed the Rangers gave up on him so early. While Lisin clearly has some great offensive skills, the “Korpedo”could’ve been another Ryan Callahan type.

9. Bobby Sanguinetti

He hasn’t played much in the NHL, but he clearly has a lot of talent. He has offensive skills, and is improving defensively. He’s playing well in Hartford, but still needs time in the AHL. You’ll see a lot of him next year.

8. Fedor Tyutin

Fedor Tyutin was a stalwart on the blueline for the first couple years of the Rangers resurgence. Big, strong, composed, he had a bright future ahead of him. Still does. Only it will be in Columbus. Tyutin was part of the Nik Zherdev deal. Again, I’m disappointed that they gave up on him. We could’ve used him now.

7. Artem Anisimov

Still only a rookie, Anisimov  is showing flashes of offensive brilliance, with an improving defensive sense. So far, he is 7-8-15, and he seems to improve every game. We know he can score; he scored 37 goals in Hartford last year. I think he has star potential. He’s 6-4 and has room to put some weight on his frame.

6. Brandon Dubinsky

Dubinsky is starting to live up his potential, as he’s getting first line duty with Marian Gaborik. Selected in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft, Dubinsky is a talented forward. Score, hit. He can do it all. He has the potential to be a big time player.

5. Petr Prucha

One of the surprises coming out of the lockout, Prucha posted 30 goals in his rookie year. Of course, he fell into the doghouse after that, and saw his goal totals dip, before being shipped off to Phoenix. A fan favorite, Prucha really got the short end of the stick. Once Jagr left, he wasn’t getting the same chances. Making this pick even better was that it was in the 8th round of the 2002 draft. A steal, to say the least.

4. Michael Del Zotto

Taken in the first round of the 2008 draft, MDZ surprised some by making the team this year. He quickly took the lead on the power play, and has been one of the best rookies in the NHL. He has Leetch-like skill. Great vision, unbelievable passing, and a good shot. He’s a keeper, that’s for sure.

3. Ryan Callahan

Taken in the 4th round of the 2004 draft, Callahan’s rise has been breathtaking. He’s an energy winger, who works hard, but it pays off as he scored 22 goals last year. A great penalty killer, and he loves to hit. He is the alternate captain of the Rangers, and was named to the US Olympic team. He’s a future captain.

2. Marc Staal

Another first round pick, Marc Staal is quickly becoming a shut down defenseman. His offensive skills are still a work of progress, but he is always paired against opposing teams best players. He is one of the best young players in the league, and will anchor the Rangers blueline for a long time.

1. Henrik Lundqvist

Some may say this was the best pick of the decade for the entire NHL. He was taken in the 7th round of the 2000 draft. He wasn’t even the first goalie the Rangers took. They took Brandon Snee in the 5th  round. Who is Brandon Snee? Exactly. Lundqvist is one of the best goalies in the league. He led Sweden to a gold medal. He has been nominated for the Vezina trophy multiple times. He is the key to the Rangers success. What a draft pick.

There are others who didn’t make this list. I didn’t include promising youngsters such as Chris Krieder, Derek Stepan, Ryan Borque, or Evegeny Grachev. They haven’t played a game yet in the NHL. Alexei Cherepanov would be on this list somewhere, if not for his tragic death. But, in the last part of the decade ,the Rangers have done a great job of drafting. Some really promising players in the system. I can’t wait.

Del Zotto’s Leetch-Like Goal

It all started with an innocent clearing of the zone by Columbus. The puck was barely out of the zone by the Columbus bench, and Michael Del Zotto, just 19 years old, picked up the loose puck. Columbus then made a mistake, half the team went for a line change as Del Zotto back skated with the puck, and Del Zotto countered and made them pay.

He carried the puck in the zone, deked out one defender, and used the other as a screen, ripping a shot from the high slot passed the outstretched blocker of goaltender Steve Mason, and the Rangers had a 3-2 lead. Brian Leetch was in the house, and it seems like Del Zotto put on that show just for him.

Ranger fans haven’t seen a defenseman do something like that since, well, Leetch. Del Zotto, in his first 23 games, has shown a poise that most veterans don’t show. As Stas (where art thou?) has seen, I have been raving about this kid since he was drafted (pre-BSB). But even I and my completely biased hyping up of prospects couldn’t have imagined him being this good this early. And how about that ridiculous pass to Ryan Callahan in the first? It was so good that even Cally was stunned.

The Del Zotto effect is seen on the powerplay as well. While Ales Kotalik and his booming shot is getting most of the credit, it’s Del Zotto’s poise with the puck and crisp passing that is making everything click. The last effective powerplay quarterback the Rangers had was, of course, Leetch.

Perhaps the most underrated portion of his game is his defensive abilities. This was something he was doubted on during his days in the OHL. But Del Zotto, while making rookie mistakes, has been a steady defender in his own zone. This was highlighed by those two beautiful plays in the third period to keep the 7-3 (at the time) lead.

We are watching a very special hockey player, who hopefully will become a top-five defenseman in the league as he matures. While it is premature to call him the next Leetch, the comparisons are going to be made for years to come.

It All Started With A Timeout

The Rangers came out flat tonight. Two goals in the first ten minutes by Columbus. So what does John Tortorella do? He calls a timeout. How do the Rangers respond? 7 straight goals.

It’s not often that a timeout will work this well. It will probably never work this well. But for this game, in this very important game, it worked. Rangers savior Marian Gaborik had two goals. Michael Del Zotto looked like Brian Leetch. Sean Avery had two. This team was grinding. Higgins played his best game as a Ranger. They were physical. They stood up for teammates. This was the Rangers team we saw early in the year. This was the team that got us all excited. Will they keep it up? I don’t know. If they do, we’ll know it all started with a timeout.

And kudos to all the folks commenting today, we had a BSB record with 108 comments! Great job guys. Keep it up.

Del Zotto Rookie of the Month

Rangers rookie defenseman Michael Del Zotto has been awarded the NHL’s rookie of the month for October. Del Zotto, 19, finished October as the Rangers third leading scorer, putting up a line of 4-8-12 and a +3 in the first 14 games this season, leading all rookies through October (James vanRiemsdyk passed him recently).

Del Zotto has been nothing short of awesome for the Rangers. He adds a new dynamic to the powerplay, and is currently playing as a top 2-3 defenseman on the Rangers. He has been a pleasant surprise. Kudos to him, and very well deserved.