4 Lessons Torts should take from Vancouver

Can you believe it, boys and girls? There is a Ranger Hockey game tonight. After two weeks of Olympics – our Blueshirts are finally at it again.

But as Gaborik, Lundqvist, a (clean shaven) Bronze medal-ed Jokinen, and Silver medalists Drury and Callahan become teammates once again – the big question is:

Has John Tortorella learned anything in Vancouver?

Because if he was paying attention – he sure should have. And if he did – it might just make the difference between the Rangers making or missing the playoffs this year:

Lesson # 1: Rest Lundqvist. It's not as simple as this but – in the Olympics when Lundqvist was given a game off he responded – twice – with shut outs. And when he was asked to play back to back games he collapsed – letting in 4 goals on 14 shots. I know Hanks likes to play all the time. But the numbers show he;s better when he doesn't. And now that Sather finally got an experienced backup in Alex Auld – there's really no excuse any longer. Try resting Hank one out of every three games and see what happens.

Lesson #2: change your coaching style with Chris Drury. On the Olympic team Chris Drury looked like a new man – or more accurately – like the old Chris Drury. The Ranger captain looked loose, relaxed, and – yes – happy - on the Olympic team. And he scored twice and notched an assist as well. So hopefully Tortorella got to see whatever it was that got Chris going in Vancouver and - and John should do his best to keep him going the same way in New York - even if it means adjusting his coaching style.

Lesson # 3 : Get Olli Jokinen to keep that Mustache off. Minus that sinister Fu Manchu "stache" Joki suddenly caught fire, scoring 3 goals. My bold prediction: Make sure Olli's facial hair is “Finnished” for the season and he'll keep that scoring touch.

Lesson #4: Figure out what the Slovak's did to get Gaborik going - and copy it. On the Rangers the Gifted One was slumping. In the Olympics – despite two injuries – Gabby scored 4 goals and notched an assist despite fighting off two injuries. John – figure out what Slovakia was doing to free up Gaborik - and plagiarize it.

We know you can do it Torts. I'm sure your Olympic time was something you'll never forget. And - you got to experience a different head coaching style than your own from the inside - a chance you may never get again. So, please John - Try to learn from it. You're a great head coach - but everyone can benefit from an open mind and a little self tweaking.

Okay - my heartfelt plea is completed - And now – we resume our regular post Olympic programming

Who The Hell Are We Playing? Ah -yes – that feels good to say after a two week hiatus. The Ottawa Senators have won 14 of 16 games – but of course that was before everybody sat around for two weeks watching the Olympic games. So it's no longer a “hot streak”.

The Senators are 36-23-4 in 3rd place in the Eastern Division – looking down at the 10th place Rangers.

Primary Skaters: Mike Fisher and Milan Michalek have 20 goals each. Dan Alfredson has 32 assists. Nick Foligno is +13.

In Net: Brian Elliot is the primary goaltender with a 2.59 GAA and a .910 save percentage.
Scoring & Defense:

The Senators have scored 178 goals to our 161. And they've let up 179 goals to our 169.

Special Effects: Ottawa is 16.1% on the PP (we are 18.1) and they are 83.3% on the PK to our 84.6%

Scheduling Conflicts: Olympic break – so everybody rested except the all stars.

Probable Lines: Not sure yet – but I like Olli and Gabby on separate lines.

Prospal-Christensen-Callahan
Drury-Jokinen-Dubinsky
Avery-Anisimov-Lisin
Prust-Boyle-Shelley


On Defense: Corey Potter is up with the big club/ Del Zotto had 50 stitches taken out of his chest and should be ready to go.

Staal-Rozsival
Potter-Girardi
Redden-Gilroy

In Goal: We should see Auld – eventually and hopefully soon – but figure we get Hank tonight.

Dave Puck Predicts: We win 3-1. Hank gets mad and almost shuts the Senators out.