Rangers Recall Matt Gilroy

After reassigning rookie defensemen Ilkka Heikkinen and Bobby Sanguinetti to the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) last night following a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, the Rangers have recalled defenseman Matt Gilroy. Gilroy, 25, was sent down to the AHL, orders from coach Tortorella, a few weeks back to improve his battle level and overall work ethic. That consists of better retrieving loose pucks, using the body more often, and playing a better all around game in his own zone.

The Blueshirts, who have had front office members watching Gilroy closely down in Hartford, are apparently pleased with what he has showed in his time there. The Hobey Baker Award Winner played in five games with the Pack, registering four assists in that span. In his time with the Rangers, Gilroy put up four goals and two assists for a total of 6 points in 30 games played. He was second in the league among rookie defensemen in goals scored at the time of his assignment to Hartford.

This was somewhat expected, because Heikkinen and Sanguinetti would not just be sent down for no apparent reason. I liked Gilroy's game to begin the season, but as time went on it faded. He was not rushing the puck anymore, he was not using the body enough, and may have been taking his roster spot for granted. Well, if that was the case, the rookie d-man will no longer have that sort of mentality with Tortorella making it crystal clear that no one is safe on this team. It is his way or the highway, and ever since he has strictly applied that policy, New York has won two straight. That reminds me, Wade Redden will most likely return to the lineup in Carolina, after being benched for two games due to poor play. However, if he does not meet the expectations of the coaching staff, which are rather high at this point, he will find himself back in the press box.
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