MONTREAL — When John Tortorella wanted a reliable checker to fill in for Mats Zuccarello to help protect a 1-0 lead over the Canucks down the stretch of Thursday’s match at the Garden, the Rangers coach called on Chris Drury, who responded with a gritty final three shifts.
“That’s exactly the role Dru is going to play for us, out there in certain key situations that can determine the outcome,” Tortorella said of the captain, who has become a fourth-liner since rejoining the team on Dec. 15 after missing two months with a twice-broken finger. “That’s the role he’s going to have to embrace.”
Easier said than done for the 34-year-old, but Drury is trying.
“It’s difficult, yes, because it’s new to me,” Drury told the Post before the Rangers’ 3-2 loss to the Canadiens last night. “But as it’s been throughout my entire career, whatever the coach asks of me, wherever he has me, whatever he thinks gives us the best chance to win, I’ll do whatever I can to make it work.
“Going from taking a regular shift to the role I have now where I’m killing penalties, taking the occasional even-strength shift, being called on to take faceoffs in certain situations and then maybe in a checking role at times, it’s kind of like moving from the field to a full-time DH role where you have to find the way to stay ready.”
Drury entered last night looking for his first goal of the year. He had four points in 14 games while recording a plus-four in varied assignments. He said he hasn’t spoken specifically with Tortorella about his role, but he also doesn’t believe it’s necessary.
“We had conversations last year on the same subject, so he doesn’t have to explain anything to me,” Drury said. “You walk into the room and see the lineup on the board and you know generally what the minutes and job are going to be.
“It’s an adjustment being ready at all times, but I think I’m getting better at it. I try and make sure on the bench that I’m in every play mentally, and I really try to stay engaged with my teammates about situations to maintain a connection and do whatever I can to help.
“We’re in this as a team, not as individuals. I just want to make sure I’m always ready for whatever is thrown at me.”
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Tortorella kept the drumbeat going when he called out both Montreal defenseman PK Subban for his unpenalized slew foot on Brandon Dubinsky in the Canadiens’ 2-1 victory at the Garden on Tuesday and Vancouver winger Alex Burrows for his unpenalized spear of Marc Staal on Thursday.
“It’s a slew foot, a dirty play,” Tortorella said after the skate. “And the Burrows’ spear on Staalsie in the [private parts], those are two dirty plays that shouldn’t be in our game.”
Subban also broke Brian Boyle’s nose with a butt-end on Tuesday, for which he was cited for roughing.
“I don’t cheap-shot guys,” Subban said following the Canadiens’ skate, before Tortorella spoke. “I play the game hard, I play tough, I play honestly, I’m a young guy who doesn’t back down.
“Someone said I’m the next Sean Avery. No I’m not; I don’t play that way. His job is to go out there and stir things up. My job is to play hard and tough.”