What do you mean I have to face Steven Stamkos? At least it’s for charity… (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)
Today would normally be when I would do a European update. One problem…there are no Rangers playing in Europe. In fact other than Henrik Lundqvist, who is spending time with family in Sweden, there are no Rangers players even in Europe. So there will be no European update.
Instead, we can tell you about what the guys are doing on the side of the Atlantic. For instance, Michael Del Zotto and Martin Biron will be playing in a NHLPA charity game tonight in Toronto. The good news? It’s going to be streamed live here. Game starts at 7:00pm EST.
The game will also feature ex-Rangers John Mitchell and Wojtek Wolski along with a bunch of other guys you may have heard of (Steven Stamkos, anyone?). You can see the full roster here. Should be a good game since the boys are already talking smack to each other:
John Mitchell dangling? I would pay to see that! (Just kidding Mitchell! Still love you for that face-off win in Game 5 against the Caps!)
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Speaking of Del Zotto, he was on the Marek vs Wyshynski Podcast on Monday and had a lot to say about the lockout and his time Switzerland. I unfortunately missed the interview but SNYRangers had a great recap here. My favorite part:
In a comical story, Del Zotto said that he went over to play in Switzerland with only one pair of skates. He ordered more skates but while they were being shipped the skates that he had broke. Del Zotto then had to sit out the rest of that game and another game because he didn’t have another pair.
Is that not surprising to anyone else? I don’t know why but nothing about that happening surprises me for some reason.
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As for the rest of the boys, they are home relaxing and enjoying the holidays. At least I assume as much since I haven’t heard a thing about any of them other than Derek Stepan thanking KalPa and basically telling everyone he wasn’t going back. Del Zotto did the same thing and pretty sure Ryan McDonagh isn’t going anywhere either although he hasn’t said it. (Not going to lie, I’m okay with this because then I know they can’t get hurt. Yes, that’s selfish of me but I admit it.)
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Finally, a couple of quick Whale updates:
- J.T. Miller has left the team to take part in the World Junior Championship for Team USA. Rumor is he’s expected to be named captain. Know the last Rangers prospect to be named captain of Team USA at the WJC? Derek Stepan the year they won gold. I’d say the pipeline is looking good.
- Yesterday the Whale called up defenseman Steven Delisle who is best known as the other guy the Rangers got in the Rick Nash trade. Not sure the reason for the call-up, but I guess we’ll find out on Friday. (Could simply be to wake our defense up as saying they have not been good recently would be an understatement.)
- Speaking of defenseman, some awesome news as Dylan McIlrath skated with the team on Monday for his first full practice:
He said he hoped to be back around Christmas or New Years. I would say this means he is right on schedule 
