Gaborik is the new Jagr
Michael Ganci | Oct 08, 2009 | Comments 1
Through three games, the Rangers are currently sitting at 2-1, and Marian Gaborik is largely to thank for that. Gaborik has two goals and two assists, and he is on a ridiculous pace. I said it to my father and I will say it again. I really believe this guy is the most skilled player the Rangers have had since Jaromir Jagr was in town.
How’s that for a compliment?
It’s interesting to bring this up on a night where the Rangers will be trying to stop the best pure player in the NHL in Alexander Ovechkin. People say that the next best skater might be playing right here on Broadway. Marian Gaborik would hold that honor, except sometimes people look past him because of his knack to get injured.
Skill is there. No doubt. We have already seen how he can divert attention. He may have four points already, but he has created chances for his teammates. Guys like Vinnie Prospal, Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Del Zotto have seen more chances because of Gaborik, and it doesn’t look like he will stop any time soon.
One thing that concerns me is that nobody has taken a run at him yet. Although I would love to go 82 games without him being hit, I am realistic. I want to see that he isn’t fragile like everyone accuses him. I want to see him defy the odds. Already once this year, there has been one attempt at a hit, but Gaborik stood tall while the enforcer crumbled to the ground.
This guy could be great, and if he is and stays healthy, the Rangers and their fans could be destined for some great things.
Filed Under: New York Rangers
I don’t know if I’d anoint him the next Jagr after only two games, but Gaborik is definitely a highly-skilled, highly-entertaining player who brings a lot to the table when he is healthy. To be fair, as well, I think he is the fastest skater in the game right now, and in a system like Tortorella’s, that is highly beneficial. It will be interesting to see how he continues to perform, and it will be even more interesting to see the numbers he posts for the Rangers this year. The one thing that made Jagr so great besides his other-worldly vision and skills was the fact that he was able to constantly remain healthy after taking beating after beating each and every night. In his three full seasons with the Rangers, he did not miss a single regular-season game.