First of all, let's just get this out of the way..

Yes I'm an asshole for not updating regularly the past two weeks or so. I just started classes and moved into a new house at school. I've been doing what a normal 21 year old should be doing, getting shit faced and waking up in strange places. Sadly there hasn't been much time for blogging but I assure you we're open. I'll be updating regularly as usual from here on out.

As for the game itself, Marian Gaborik was once again impressive every single time he was on the ice. Between his speed, his uncanny quick release, his incredibly soft hands, and his knack for being in shooting lanes he is a severe force to be reckoned with. Gaborik shined against the Caps 'A' squad last night but as will always be the case with him, there is always the lingering thought of 'what if he get's injured'. In this new, exciting up tempo system Torts has installed, it is not without reason to think Gaborik can bang in 50 if he can stay in the lineup regularly.

The Redden and Rozsival signings look worse than ever now that Matty Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto are shining. Gilroy in particular has outplayed the two expensive veterans and if this were a true Darwin system, it's doubtful that either Redden or Rozsival would survive the last cuts. I could write a whole article raving about Gilroy, he has stepped in and has played with a veteran's confidence. Last night he made a play deep in the Caps zone and busted his ass back to break up Ovechkin's attempt one on one with some nice stick work. It's amazing how Gilroy who is fresh out of college hockey has more confidence and is markedly more decisive on the power play than either Redden or Rozsival. The same can be said for Michael Del Zotto as he looks most comfortable with open ice and the puck on his stick. Del Zotto nearly sprung Gaborik with a pass from the defensive zone for a breakaway, unfortunately the pass was too strong for Gabs to handle but it was a good example of the vision the 19 year old has.

~The Rangers have a difficult decision to make with Del Zotto, he is ineligible to play in Hartford because of his age and if he plays 10 games in the NHL he would be ineligible to be returned to London. My guess is that the Rangers will play him nine games in the regular season to further evaluate him. At the very least Del Zotto has earned that right with his play in camp.

~Donald Brashear said he's going to win over the hearts of Rangers fans.. well last night was admirable Don but until it's going to take a helluva lot more than two scraps with Sugar Sugden to make you a Ranger. After the initial piss and vinegar that ran through my veins when Brashear was signed, I'm more open minded to Brashear wearing blue. But he is going to have to go above and beyond the regular call of duty to earn any measure of respect in my eyes.

~It was good to see Dubinsky back in his usual digs. Dubi looked like he was in mid-season form last night. As much as I like the idea of him centering Gaborik with Prospal on the wing, a line of Dubi, Callahan, and Higgins would be an interesting combo.It's going to be interesting to see what the Rangers do when Sean Avery returns. The Rangers have a log jam in the top six (a nice problem to have). Their best bet will probably be to put Dubi in between Gabs and Prospal to open a third line center spot for Anisimov. At that point Drury is on the second line with Callahan, Drury and Kotalik (possibly Higgins). The third line would then consist of Grachev, Anisimov, and Avery with Enver Lisin playing the role of Petr Prucha.

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