NYRangerscast Interviews Michael Sauer

So, I’m sure everyone is still reeling from the loss on the Island.  But, hopefully this will take your attention for a few minutes.  As promised, the NYRangerscast got a chance to interview Hartford defenseman Michael Sauer.  The interview is through e-mail, so here are the questions and answers.  Also, make sure to tune into our next podcast when we announce the next guest on the NYRangerscast.

Interview with Michael Sauer:

Talk about the experience of going through a training camp with John Tortorella.  What were the demands physically and mentally that you had to deal with?

Michael Sauer: I knew going in the testing was going to be difficult.  We had both on ice and running tests.  Going into camp you just had to have the mindset you were going to do really well and not hold anything back.  It’s something you do once a year so you just have to buckle down and give it your all.  The ice sessions weren’t anything too long, but they definitely were intense and pushed you mentally to make sure you stayed sharp when you were physically drained.

Even though you didn’t make the club, what type things did you take away from camp that you can apply towards your play this season?

To make sure I’m always working my hardest on every drill and going full speed always.

When you were assigned to Hartford, what did the Rangers tell you about your development and what they expect to see from you this season?

They said just to keep working hard and to have a great start to the season. to not get down and to just continue to improve.

With the log-jam of defenseman on the Rangers, do you at all prefer playing in Hartford where you’re guaranteed time rather than getting limited minutes in New York?

Wherever they want me is fine with me.  Obviously right now they prefer me to be in Hartford getting the minutes, so I am making the most of it and getting it a lot of minutes while developing in game situations rather than just in practice.

Is it at all frustrating that there are so many young, talented defenseman in this organization that it’s tough to get a lot of opportunities to prove yourself at the next level?

No, not really.  There are great young defenseman all over the league, and here in Hartford I get to play with some of the best.  And the coaching staff here has helped me tremendously, so being in this organization has been a huge blessing, and I just need to be ready for when my opportunity comes and make the most of it.

Both you and Bobby Sanguinetti are back with Hartford, what is your relationship with Bobby and how do you assess his ability as a hockey player?

Bobby and I get along great.  He is a talented defenseman and is very composed with the puck.  He sees the ice well and has a wrist shot that always finds its way to the net.

What are your goals for this season?  Do you set a goal for yourself as to when you expect to rejoin the big club, even if it’s not going to be this year?

I hope to get on the power play more this year.  I played a little at the end of last year and I felt I was successful, so it would be nice to add that to my game. I would like to get 30 points and be a plus player each night.  When it comes to the big club, I just take it day to day and don’t get caught up in thinking about it.  If and when they need me I’ll be ready.

We thank Michael for taking the time to answer these questions.  Again, we are going to continue to bring you as many interviews as we can this season, check our next podcast to see who will be the next guest on the NYRangerscast.