Thursday, March 26, 2009

Callahan Thriving Under Tortorella

Brian Compton at NHL.com looks at Ryan Callahan's success under John Tortorella...

"He should be, considering he's become one of New York's more consistent players. A tenacious forechecker who is fearless in front of the net, Callahan has helped keep the Rangers in the postseason race following a midseason tailspin that cost Tom Renney his job. Callahan, though, has thrived under new coach John Tortorella."

...Callahan, hands down, has been the team MVP this year. He hasn't taken a game off and is the only player who has consistently contributed all season long. And since Tortorella's arrival, he's actually stepped it up a notch.

5 comments:

King Byrne said...

I don't know about him being the "hands down" MVP...While he isn't having his usual great season, Lundqvist has won a lot of games by himself this season, and we wouldn't even been thinking playoffs without him. Marc Staal has also been great.

While Callahan's effort is great, I don't think anyone would say that 33 points in 73 games is worthy of a title such as MVP. You can forecheck and play physical as much as you want, but at the end of the game, the score is all that matters.

Unknown said...

E for effort.

!JustDance said...

I agree with King... Lundy or Staal are the hands-down MVP, but I learned to be a huge Callahan fan this year. Relentless. Lets go Blueshirts!

Kevin DeLury said...

To me MVP is more than just points. And by you mentioning Staal you obviously agree. I just feel he brings so much (ie hustle, energy, scoring, penalty kill, power play) that he is an obvious choice.

Maybe hands down was a bit strong as Lundqvist is obviously just as if not more valuable.

Canyon of Blueshirts said...

Cally isn't the MVP, that distinction goes to Lundqvist. But he has been the Rangers most consistent player all year on a team that lacks consistency.