barry beck's spotlight on jason strudwick...

love the new spotlight feature. the rangers deserve so much more love than they get in the press here in new york and there's no one better than barry to spread the gospel. at first it was tough to find pics of jason strudwick, but the good folks at jasonstrudwick.ca really hooked me up.



Although Marek Malik get's much of the press for Saturday's dramatic 15th round shootout win over the Washington Capitals, () it was Jason Strudwick's 14th round goal that may have been more unlikely and suprising. Coach Renney called upon the Defenseman in the 14th round to answer the Caps goal in that round which ultimately allowed Malik's goal to be the game winner. Strudwick admits he was nervous and it wasn't pretty.

"I was really nervous," Strudwick said. "I'm not going to lie to you. I was super-nervous. I wish I could tell you I made a great move, but I just shot it and it went under his arm, I think."

Earlier in the day Renney designated Strudwick as an alternate captain for the game, a gesture that was no doubt a nod in appreciation of his patience, hard work, leadership and being the ideal teammate that Strudwick has been thus far into the '05-'06 season. Strudwick has
been a healthy scratch in 14 of the Rangers first 26 games. Further, has appeared in the line up as both a defenseman and forward where he uses his 6'-3" and 230 lb frame to create havoc in front of the net and provide physical play and control the puck deep in the offensive
zone. In fact, during Saturday's game "Srtud", as teammates call him, played the first 2 periods up front and moved back to D when Tom Poti went down with a groin injury. Mostly he has been used as a solid stay at home defensman and has been an enforcer on the ice. He has 10
PIMs this year - 2, 5 min fighinting majors. He threw down with Grant Marshall in a Rangers win against the Devils in early November and again with Jesse Boulerice from Carolina at MSG (This writer was in the ol' barn for both fights).

The Edmonton, Alberta native and former Islander, Strudwick grew up idolizing the likes of The Great One and The Captain during the Oliers dynasty years in the mid 80s and early 90s in Edmonton. He followed Messier's carrer and was happy to be picked up as a free agent this past July for a salary of $475,000 with the Blueshirts.

While new to the organization there is no doubt that Strud has gained the respect of the Garden faithful but maybe most importantly his temmates and coach. Role players like Strud are critical to the success of an NHL team built like the Rangers. Expect to see Strudwick as a candidate for the Steven McDonald Extra Effort award voted on by the fans in April.

Keep up the good work Strud, I'd go to war with you anyday!

OIther News:

The Rangers picked up Colton Orr off waivers from the Boston Bruins today. Orr is of no relation to Bobby. Orr is a certified tough guy. He led the Providence Bruins of the AHL last year with 279 PIMs. Thankfully Sather realized that a little grit and toughness is needed
on this team to protect the skilled players. Now Strud is not alone as the only enforcer Renney has to go to. There is lots of talk about the Rangers picking up Petr Sykora from Anaheim. This would add some much needed scoring depth to the second and third lines.