Quantcast
Rangers Notebook: Derek Dorsett finding his role on Blueshirts – Metro US

Rangers Notebook: Derek Dorsett finding his role on Blueshirts

Derek Dorsett has found a role on the Rangers similar to that of Brandon Prust, who left the team in free agency last offseason. Credit: Getty Images Derek Dorsett has found a role on the Rangers similar to that of Brandon Prust, who left the team in free agency last offseason.
Credit: Getty Images

Moments after the Rangers concluded their 1-0 win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, a media member suggested Derek Dorsett’s play in the game was “Prustian,” referring to the gritty ex-Ranger Brandon Prust, now a member of the Canadiens.

Dorsett, acquired on trade deadline day along with Derick Brassard and John Moore from Columbus in exchange for an ineffective Marian Gaborik, played his strongest game of the season Sunday afternoon. In 12 minutes of ice time spanning 14 shifts, Dorsett had three hits and a blocked shot.

“Being out nine weeks, I feel better every day. I feel better every day,” Dorsett said. “I just want to make sure I keep going and doing whatever I can to help this team achieve its goal.”

Dorsett drove the Capitals to distraction in Game 6. He drew three penalties, including a cross check from Mike Green that the right wing said bloodied his upper and lower lip. After the game, the Capitals complained bitterly that Dorsett had attempted to slew foot Green, but multiple replays showed the Rangers winger was attempting to ride the defenseman into the boards.

“I think emotions ride high in the postseason. Things are bound to happen. It’s part of the game and you can expect it,” Dorsett said. “When I get moving my feet and playing hard, sometimes it can get under their skin. Anytime I can do that I want to try and help get the team on the power play.”

As is his wont during the Stanley Cup playoffs, head coach John Tortorella declined to discuss the play of specific players. But he praised the work of the Dorsett-Brian Boyle-Taylor Pyatt third line.

The trio had a combined 12 shot attempts, 10 hits and three blocked shots. Their sustained forecheck gave the Rangers time in the offensive zone.

“I thought everybody contributed,” Tortorella said. “I’m not going to pick out one name but I thought that line played well and forechecked well. He is what he is. He brings us energy and it’s important when you get to this time in the series.”

Home sweet home?

The home team has won every game in this series. Yet the Rangers are confident going into Monday night’s Game 7 at the Verizon Center.

“If you can lose two in overtime, you’re close,” Lundqvist said. “It’s just a bounce and you win it, so we know we can do it.

Boogaard family files suit

According to a published report, the family of Derek Boogaard has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NHL.

Boogaard died on May 13, 2011, after overdosing on prescription medication and alcohol. At the time, the then-Rangers winger was recuperating from post-concussion symptoms developed after a fight with Matt Carkner, now of the New York Islanders.

An autopsy revealed Boogaard suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He had 61 fights and 589 penalty minutes in 277 NHL games.

Follow Rangers beat writer Denis Gorman on Twitter @DenisGorman.