NHL

Rangers’ Dorsett does his job

These are the kind of things John Tortorella was excited about when his Rangers acquired Derek Dorsett from the Blue Jackets at the trade deadline.

In yesterday’s 1-0 win over the Capitals in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series, forcing a decisive Game 7 tonight in Washington, Dorsett was a pest of the best kind.

He drew two penalties, the last of which was a crosscheck from Capitals defenseman Mike Green 13:46 into the third period that ignited some ire from the Washington dressing room. The check came seconds after Dorsett and Green went hard into the boards together in pursuit of a loose puck.

“It looked like a slew foot to me and obviously that’s why Mike reacted,” Capitals coach Adam Oates said. “Very dangerous play. Greenie’s one of those guys that they want to target, but to me, that’s a very dangerous play.”

Goalie Braden Holtby agreed.

“I think that’s a play that should be reviewed,” Holtby said. “It’s only because Greenie’s world-class, one of the best skaters in the world, that he didn’t fall on his back there. It’s a dirty slew foot and we’re short-handed from it.”

Tortorella, on the other hand, was happy with the way Dorsett played.

“He is what he is, he gives us energy,” the coach said. “I think that’s important when you get to this time in the series.”

RANGERS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

And Dorsett is not confused about his role at all.

“You just have to make sure you don’t retaliate and just play hard and try and get under their skin,” Dorsett said. “When I get moving my feet and playing hard, sometimes it can get under their skin, a lot of the guys. Any time I can do that, I want to help try and get the team on the power play.”

The Rangers’ power play obviously didn’t convert, going 0-for-5 on the day with 9:16 of man-advantage time, 44 seconds of which was 5-on-3. They are now 2-for-26 in the series.

* With forward Ryane Clowe still dealing with what is presumed to be his second concussion in the past two weeks, rookie Chris Kreider rejoined the Rangers lineup. Kreider played in Game 1 in the series, but was scratched for Games 2 through 5 once Brian Boyle returned from a right knee injury.

Kreider, 21, played mostly on a line with Brad Richards and Arron Asham, and got a total of 4:05 of ice time. He got two shifts in the first period, three in second, and none in the third.

It also didn’t help Richards, with the struggling star center playing just a total of 9:34, only 5:35 of it at even-strength.

“I wanted to use Richie’s line a little bit more,” Tortorella said, “but with penalties it kind of got a little out of whack.”

There was no update from the team on Clowe’s status, but it’s doubtful he’ll be available tonight.