Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Staal, Redden Hurting; Avery on Crutches; Dubinsky to Wing?

Andrew Gross at Ranger Rants reports that Marc Staal (groin) and Wade Redden (back) did not participate in the Rangers' regular practice this morning, though Redden was on the ice for the earlier power-play practice.

Staal on the injury...

"It was sore today but one more day and it should be good to go," said Staal, who first felt the soreness in the warmups prior to Saturday's 5-2 win at Boston, where he did not play the third period. "Better now than at the start of the season."

...thankfully, it doesn't sound that serious. Unfortunately, Redden's injury doesn't sound that serious either.

Also on the injury front, Gross says Sean Avery (sprained right knee) was on crutches in the Rangers dressing room and that there was no update on his status.

Finally, Gross notes that Brandon Dubinsky was back at center today during line rushes but that Tortorella still seems to be leaning toward leaving Vinny Prospal at center meaning Dubinsky could be moved to wing.

On playing wing...

"I think I'm better naturally as a centerman," Dubinsky said. "I've felt like that's where they want to slot me. But I played wing last year and wherever I fit in with that concoction of players, I'll be ready to go."

...this is the second time this preseason that a Rangers player is talking about not playing at their natural position (Gaborik was the first). Can we please keep our players in the positions they're most comfortable with?

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