Coach versus Captain - part 3

Nobody else seems to think this is happening - but I'm still seeing a developing rift between Ranger Coach John Tortorella and Ranger Captain Chris Drury.

The latest news on this front is Tortorella's removal of Drury from the powerplay this year.

Hanging around the net and hammering home rebounds is Chris' game. It what we pay him (and possibly over pay him) for. With the increased firepower from Gaborik, Kotalik, and our offensive defensemen (and we mean that in the good sense) what the power play needs is a guy to make trouble in front of the net - pounce on bouncing pucks - and light that goal lamp. That's what Drury does - if Torts will only let him.

Even with Monday night's pair of PP goals - after three games we are just 2 for 12 (Nugman: actually 2 for 15, Dave Pucks loves editing me, the roles are reversed!) - almost exactly last year's anemic pace. So, why not throw Chris out there and see what happens a few times?

And while we're at it - why not give our highest paid centerman a chance to center for our highest paid player? In the whole preseason - and in three games - Torts hasn't given Drury one shift with Gaborik. Can anyone think of a valid reason why? [Update: One of our readers - Amos - has a valid reason. He points out that Tortorella has said he wants a lefty center to feed the puck to left handed Gaborik. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the assist.]

When you put a player on the PP and on a line with your best scorer - his own production will go up. The Star Player draws defenders - leaving the other guys open (See Adam Graves). So, keeping Drury away from the PP and from Gaby can't be sitting right with the guy who wears the "C". I mean, even when Dubi held out - Gaborik never got to skate with his team's Captain.

And after seemingly forgetting his Captain's name for a few weeks, Tortorella finally mentioned Drury to reporters this week - but only in response to direct questions about him. Otherwise, John has talked about a lot of his guys - but not Chris.

And - as we've mentioned - Drury is not acting like his old self in front of reporters. Instead of being a team spokesman - he's been rushing out of the locker room without comment. Which tells us something is wrong. And of course - Tortorella's Tom Coughlin-like directive "shut up and play" - sure does seem like it is referring to the only Ranger who used to speak regularly - Drury.

We know John T likes to be in charge. But leaning on your Captain - especially a stand-up guy like Drury - is the wrong way to do it. Look - on Monday, Tortorella sent Chris out there on the 5-3 penalty kill - and Drury delivered - big time.

So, come on John. Your opponent is the other team - not your team Captain. Show a little love and let your Captain keep a little pride. It's a good hockey move - and it's the right thing to do.

Hey - take a few seconds and vote. There's a poll on the right side of this blog - let us know where you see the Rangers in the playoffs this year - hoisting the cup -or just watching on TV