GLENDALE, Ariz. — After scoring a career-high 24 goals last season, Brandon Dubinsky had high expectations for himself this season.
So did the Rangers, who signed the 25-year-old to a four-year, $16.8 million deal over the summer.
But the year hasn’t gone as planned. Dubinsky has scored only one goal.
He’s hoping that’s about to change and his long shift at the end of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Phoenix could be a sign that he’s onto something.
“I was dead tired, but I was just really trying to buy time for the other guys,” Dubinsky said, as his play with a man advantage helped set up Brad Richards’ game-winner with :00.1 left. “I looked up at the clock and there was enough time to get another opportunity.”
And Dubinsky was relieved when Richards made the extra effort count.
“It was nice to finally have something good happen,” Dubinsky said.
“That’s what we need from [Dubinsky],” coach John Tortorella said. “To keep pucks alive.”
Dubinsky would like to be able to do more than that.
“It’s been a bit of a struggle for me, obviously,” he said. “I’ve been pretty conscientious about how I’ve been playing and trying to learn from the mistakes I make and build on the good things I do … but things in life aren’t always perfect.”
He has found that out the hard way this year, but is confident he has enough time to ensure that he doesn’t take a step back.
“As soon as you get going, you look back six weeks, seven weeks, it’s a small blip on the screen,” Dubinsky said. “And that’s the way I’ve got to approach it mentally.”
He managed three shots on goal Saturday, but is encouraged by how active he has been.
“I feel like I’ve had more energy and it feels like I’ve really been skating the past couple of games,” he said. “That’s what I’ve gotta do to be successful and help this team and get back to the player that I know I can be.
“I’m at my best when my legs are moving and I’m carrying the puck and hanging onto the puck. Those are the things I’m really focused on.”
* Defenseman Stu Bickel was recalled on an emergency basis from AHL Connecticut yesterday to replace Steve Eminger, who injured his right shoulder Saturday. Tortorella said after the game Eminger would be out for “awhile.”
Bickel, 25, has a goal and three assists — along with 80 penalty minutes — in 27 games with Connecticut this season.