Olympic Hockey gets underway in about an hour from now, with the United States taking on Team Switzerland. It’s one of three games today, but the only one featuring current Rangers. Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan will both be in the line-up and John Tortorella is one of the assistants behind the bench, while Rangers prospect Andres Ambuhl will be lining up for the Swiss.
Team Slovakia will be in action late tomorrow night, but Marian Gaborik won’t be in the line-up. The news today is that the Rangers star winger will miss the first two games of the Olympics, possibly more. Still it isn’t all bad news for Slovakia, Marian Hossa – who suffered a hit in the penultimate game before the break that left him wobbly and unable to play in the last one before the break – managed to get through a workout and looks like he’ll be ready to go.
Former Ranger Jaromir Jagr is back in North America playing hockey for the first time since parting ways with the Rangers, and was in high spirits during the preparations. Jagr donned teammate Pavel Kubina’s jersey during the team photograph session, and talked with reporters about playing in Russia vs. the NHL.
Other Rangers in the Olympics include Olli Jokinen – Finland, and Henrik Lundqvist – Sweden. Both players will play their first games Wednesday.
On the Rangers front, expect more moves at the deadline according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post. Brooks deduces that the two wins before the break will put GM Glen Sather firmly amongst the buyers, despite possibly being able to get some good return on at least two impending free agents.
For those of you who witnessed, or heard about the failed marriage proposal at MSG on Valentines Day, the NY Daily News confirms it was a hoax. The parties in question were paid actors, who performed at the behest of Garden staff.