The Rangers apparently have decided not to promote a forward from the AHL Whale for tonight’s match at the Garden against the Penguins even though Marian Gaborik remains under the weather and is doubtful for the game.
Gaborik, who missed Saturday night’s 2-1 shootout triumph in Nashville with the flu, participated in this morning’s skate but looked wan following the half-hour workout. And with Derek Boogaard sidelined with a shoulder injury he sustained at Tampa Bay on Thanksgiving Eve, the Rangers would be forced to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen for the second straight match if Gaborik can’t go.
“I feel like crap,” the winger said in a raspy voice. “I’ve got no energy.
“I’ll see how I feel before the game. I’m taking medication and hopefully I’ll feel a little bit better.”
Tortorella, who hemmed and hawed when asked why a forward would not be recalled, said Gaborik would be a game-time decision. The coach used seventh defenseman Matt Gilroy up front for one first-period shift Saturday on which his line was scored upon, then went with 11 forwards the rest of the way.
Mats Zuccarello, who has 16 points (9-7) in 24 games, and Dale Weise, back from a broken hand that required surgery and who has six points (3-3) in nine games, would be the leading candidates for recall … if GM Glen Sather were seeking candidates for recall.
The Rangers have roster and salary-cap space to accommodate a recall, so the failure to do so remains a mystery.
Even if Gaborik can play, his effectiveness would certainly seem in doubt.
“Obviously I could go out there, but I want to be able to help the team,” said Gaborik, who spent the past two days in bed. “If I won’t be able to perform in terms of helping the team, then I don’t think it’s worth it to play.”
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Tortorella said he has “a little bit of concern” about officiating when playing the Penguins and that he spoke with both Exec VP Colin Campbell and VP of Officiating Mike Murphy following the Nov. 15 match in Pittsburgh in which the home team had six power plays to the Rangers’ none.
“I had major concerns after [that] game,” Tortorella said. “I had conversations with Murph and Colie about non-calls and calls against us and non-calls against them.
“That was the first time [I called the league] and I hope it’s the last time. I don’t like to do it. I don’t want to whine. But you have to protect your hockey club at times.”
Henrik Lundqvist will make his fourth straight start in nets. … Gaborik skated with Erik Christensen and Ruslan Fedotenko; Derek Stepan centered Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan; Brian Boyle skated between Alex Frolov and Brandon Prust; and Artem Anisimov worked between Sean Avery and Todd White during the morning line rushes.