The New York Rangers have never been known for instilling fear in the competition, but there was a time when they actually stuck up for one another.
One of the biggest problems with the current 2009-10 Rangers is their lack of physical toughness.
That was all supposed to change with the signing of ex-Washington Capitals' enforcer Donald Brashear this past offseason.
"They know that he's going to be the man," General Manager Glen Sather said on the day of the Brashear signing. "That's a tough job to do, and he's a tough guy and he's very capable of doing it."
However, Brashear has been a non-factor in the first 18 games of the season. The Rangers' enforcer has had trouble staying healthy, including a lingering bruised right wrist, which has kept him out of seven of the last nine games. When he is on the ice, Brashear has barely been noticeably and has yet to convincingly win a fight for New York.
With players like Brashear, Brian Boyle, Dane Byers, Aaron Voros, and even the agitator Sean Avery on the roster, why does this team lack toughness? Where is the protection for the stars on the team?
When Calgary Flames' Curtis Glencro ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Rob Cristino
The New York Rangers Lack Toughness
November 11th, 2009 by Rob Cristino Leave a reply »
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