Torts Clearly Listens to the NYRangerscast

Okay, maybe not. But if you listened to our new podcast from last night then you might be led to believe he does! That, or Eric has inside sources that he isn’t revealing to anyone.

If you’re still wondering what the heck it is I’m getting at then just listen to the new episode. Torts has made Del Zotto a healthy scratch for tonight’s game in Ottawa. Matt Gilroy will take his place in the lineup.

Eric and I talked about how it seems like we haven’t mentioned MDZ once this year and I think he was right about that. How could that be after the rookie season he had? He’s not playing awful hockey, but he’s not standing out like he did last year with his highlight-reel passing ability and occasional goal. Sophomore slump? I wouldn’t go quite that far. The kid, with heavy emphasis on kid, is still only 20 years old and played way over his head his entire rookie year.

I like the move by Torts. This isn’t punishment. Del Zotto isn’t a highly overpaid veteran who would take this the wrong way and let it become an issue (cough, Wade Redden, cough). Excuse me. I would have to imagine MDZ will take this as a positive. It’s a learning experience. He’s got plenty of hockey games left in him in his career. Not playing in one, and instead just watching it from above, could really do him some good. I’ll be interested to see how he responds after tonight’s game, but I think the move supports some of the points Eric and I made in our podcast last night. Take a listen if you haven’t to hear our full opinions and then let us know what you think.

Good move or bad move by Torts?