A Call for Darius Kasparaitis

 

Patrick Hoffman (HV)

 

With the New York Rangers recent struggles holding onto leads along with the inability to take the body effectively, one must wonder if the Rangers would consider calling up veteran defenseman Darius Kasparaitis.

 

During the off-season, Kasparaitis had shoulder surgery and had trouble getting it back into playing shape. However, in his first game back with the team on October 16 against the New Jersey Devils, he was physical, made smart outlet passes and was not afraid to go down and block shots.

 

For one reason or another, this style of play left Darius, as he started to have trouble picking up his man in front, he started to miss his hits and as a result, the team felt that it would be in their best interest to send him down to their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

 

Kasparaitis was not happy being sent down but he went into it with the right attitude and was willing to go down there, get his game back and help out youngsters in the process. From Kasparaitis, the Wolf Pack started to find its winning ways and even brought the Rangers stick salute to the Hartford Civic Center, the home of the Wolf Pack.

 

In early December, Kasparaitis was recalled by the Blueshirts and was instrumental during the teams’ five-game winning streak to start the month. He was back throwing the body around, making key defensive plays at the right time and being a leader both on and off the ice. However, by early January, his strong play had worn off as he was placed on waivers. The day after being placed on waivers, Kasparaitis found himself back in Hartford.

 

In 12 games with the Wolf Pack, Darius has three assists and is a + 1, certainly not detrimental to his hockey club. He has played a part in bringing the Wolf Pack back to its winning ways and as a result, the team finds themselves second in their division and in the midst of a crucial three-game winning streak.

 

With 20 games to play in the season, the Rangers are five points out of the eight and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and are having trouble holding onto leads as the team in their last two games has blown two two-goal leads. The Rangers defense, particular the pairing of Aaron Ward and Karel Rachunek have struggled, missing their checks, not picking up their man and making poor decisions with the puck.

 

A call to defenseman Darius Kasparaitis may be what the Rangers need right now: a guy that will take the body, block shots and provide leadership to a struggling defensive corps. However, this is a decision that will be left up to general manager Glen Sather and head coach Tom Renney.

 

 

Photo: Darius Kasparaitis © Guy Argenzio (HV)