Darius Kasparaitis has more lives than a cat. In fact he has more lives than Glen Sather wishes he had. Rumors abound that Kaspy is getting himself in the best shape that he been in years. Jaromir Jagr has said that the Rangers need a defenseman. Strange, isn't it? The Rangers have eight defensemen on the roster and Jagr says we need one. Apparently Rozsival, Malik, Tyutin, Girardi, Mara, Pock, Strudwick and Hutchinson don't quite fill the right bill and Jags may be right. Maybe Marc Staal is the answer. Maybe. The Rangers don't have a rock em, sock em, stay at home defenseman who can keep the opposing forwards honest. Enter Kasparaitis.
The knock by Renney on Kaspy was that he wasn't in shape. However if Kaspy comes in in great shape what will be the next excuse? Too old? Kasparaitis will be 35 in October. Jagr is already 35, Shanahan is 38 and Straka will be 35 in September. He makes too many mistakes? Malik is 32, and who makes more mistakes than Malik? So who would you rather have? A mistake prone 32 year old mush or a mistake prone 35 year old basher?
I like the idea of a 35 year old guy working himself in the best physical shape he can be in, especially one who is not afraid to sacrifice his body and dole out punishing hits. The Rangers do not have that on their back line. We have many stick and poke checkers but too few body hitters. Is it any wonder there is always a crowd of opposing forwards in front of Lundqvist? I guess the other knock of Kaspy is that he draws over $3 mil/year. Malik draws over $2.5 mil. I would rather have Kaspy for the extra mil or so, wouldn't you? Stay tuned.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Kan't Kill Kasparaitis
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i've been banging the drum for a big tough stay at home defenseman all summer. The Kaspar of old would fill that bill nicely. I'd love to see him back and in shape with something to prove.
janine-Lets both bang the drums for Kaspy.
Mike, I must hand it to you!!! You've made my day and I, too, will be banging the drums. Thank you for the great coverage!
kaspar fan-Maybe we can get Gene Krupa to help us with those drums and it will bring Kaspy back.
I will take Kasper over the "Skating 2x4 Malik" any game in the season. That Kasp backward skating check-in-the-boards was always a favorite of The Dark Ranger!
Match him with the finesse of Girardi and we have DEFENSE! We might all be surprised after training camp, kids.
tdr
the dark ranger-Could you imagine the roar if Kaspy was in the lineup on opening night?
THAT would be a wild ride! Certainly that roar would tidal-wave any level of Malik support.
Despite it being the best for the team, that would be a hoot to see Kasp skate out, stick above his head and salute MSG. A hero's welcome.
And perhaps a little too nostalgic!
TDR
the dark ranger-Do you think Sather will be cheering or booing?
*paging Gene Krupa*
Dark Ranger, Kaspar and Girardi would have an amazing line! I'm envisioning it right now.
Mike, Sather will seethe! I'd pay to be a fly on that wall.
kaspar fan-"Drumboogie". Stealth Sather would die.
The Dark Ranger will hover above Kasp, near the boards and look after our Boy! Slats will bite his tongue.
tdr
the dark ranger-Hover Dark Ranger, hover. Maybe Slats bites his tongue off.
Kaspers a Small tough man, funny as heck and... boy do I miss his Hip checks... Like a gravy train!!! LOL
anonymous-He certainly has the fans pulling for him. Maybe we should all visit the training camp.