Prior to the game, Ryan Callahan was awarded with the Steven Mcdonald extra effort award which is given to the player who goes above and beyond the call of duty on the ice.
His performance in this game showed why he deserved the award.
Drury got first star honors but he doesn't score either of his goals with out the work of Callahan. I've tried to temper my expectations on Callahan. When he was signed to a pro contract I wasnt too thrilled since he was an OHL overager who never really put up serious points until his overage year. He put up 30+ goals as a rookie in Hartford and got the call up to the NHL late in the year but I thought he was one of those guys who score because he was too fast for the AHL.
What I learned about Callahan over the last few years is that he is one of the few players you don't have to worry about showing up - he is going to bring it every single time hes out there. I never thought it'd happen but...
His point production is starting to match his effort.
Its no secret that Tortorella had a favorite player in Tampa who he took under his wing and well, turned into a fucking awesome player - that guy was Brad Richards and it seems like Callahan has been adopted into that role. Now Ryan Callahan does not have Brad Richards upside, but what he does have, In Tortorella's mind, is 30-35 goal upside.
Forget the number 35 for a second and just think about 30 - on the surface that sounds like it'd be on the pretty optimistic side for Callahan right?
Now think of the way hes scored this year.
Does he Drive to the front of the net? Yes
Has he sniped from between the Circles ? Yes
can he score off the rush? Yes
Has he produced with everyone hes played with? Yes
These things have all been visible under Tortorella.
Even though its a pretty small sample size, Ryan Callahan has been producing at a 38 goal, almost-point-a-game pace under Tortorella.
It'd be unrealistic to expect that to hold up for a whole season, atleast the points part. Callahan isn't a visionary wizard on the ice. The way he gets his assist is by doing hard work and grinding (as evidienced by both his assists tonight.) its really tough to rack up 45+ assists that way in this league.
But whats stopping him from becoming a 30-30 guy? Tortorella sees it in him, and if its there, You can bet Callahan will work his ass off to make it happen.
As for the game itself: one thing that was obvious to me is how much the Habs suck. How the fuck is this a playoff team? They're soft in goal, they're soft up front... they're a fucking paper Tygress...
thats right, they're a bunch of pussies.
Other Notes: Rangers need 1 win or a Panther regulation loss to clinch playoff spot. Montreal closes their season with games at Boston and at home against Pittsburgh so the 7th spot is not out of the question. Evgeny Grachev had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 loss to Missisagua in the OHL playoffs. The series is tied at 2 and will conclude on Sunday at the latest. An exit for Brampton and we'll see Grachev in Hartford next week.
Next Game - Thursday Vs Flyers. The Garden will be rocking and I'll be shocked if the Rangers do not win this game. The Flyers have something to play for (Home Ice) but there is just too much at stake in this game and the team will feed off this energy. Hell. I'll be shocked if this game is close.
Though if we lose and Florida wins against Atlanta, I'm still down with operation draft as high as we can.
If/when we clinch a playoff spot, I'll do a playoff preview/draft preview shortly afterwards.
