HOCKEY is back, and NYP TV Sports’ Justin Terranova talked this week with MSG Ranger analyst Joe
Micheletti for a preview of the NHL season.
Q: With the additions of Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, do the Rangers become Stanley Cup contenders?
A: I think so. When you can add a couple of players of that caliber to a team that was already good and getting better, that puts you in a position where you can contend. With all due respect to Michael Nylander, who was a very good player, I think the Rangers are stronger at the center-ice position than they were a year ago. Gomez is a player that loves to carry the puck, but if he sees Jaromir Jagr he will give it to him and let him do his thing. Chris Drury will just do anything to win. I wouldn’t say he is a dynamic playmaker, but he does a lot of little things.
Q: The Devils lost Gomez and Brian Rafalski this offseason. Have they reached a point where they have become too dependent on Martin Brodeur?
A: It always starts with Marty. Through the years, They have lost Scott Stevens, Ken Daneyko and Scott Niedermayer, and his [Brodeur’s] play has never slipped. Two of those guys are Hall of Fame players. Travis Zajac and Zach Parise are a year older and will probably score some more goals, but losing Gomez and Rafalski definitely weakens their team.
Q: The Islanders lost their two best offensive players, Ryan Smyth and Jason Blake. Is there any chance they can make the playoffs?
A: I see a chance to make the playoffs because of Rick DiPietro. He alone gives them the chance. He is as fiery a goaltender as there is in the league, and he keeps improving. But there are many question marks surrounding this team. The players they brought in – Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie – are nice players, but are they going to give them enough offense to stay competitive? We will have to wait and see on that.
Q: It was uncertain if the Devils’ new arena would be ready for the start of the season, so they will have to play their first nine games on the road. How much can that affect the team?
A: If they have a good start it could be huge for that team, but I don’t think it’s ideal by any means. I don’t think there is any coach that would desire this situation. It had to be unavoidable.
Q: Who do you see as the Cup favorites?
A: I can’t look at just one team. Ottawa made it to the Finals last year, and I would put them in the mix again. I
know Philadelphia finished last in the league, but I like what they did there, and think they have a chance. In the West, Anaheim is still very good. Should they get Teemu Selanne and Niedermayer back, I would make them the favorites.