GABORIK GETS RANGERS BACK ON TRACK

Marian Gaborik scored a hat trick and the overtime winner, a breakaway goal, leading the New York Rangers (1-2-0) to a 4-3 OT win over the Boston Bruins (2-1-0) on Wednesday night. Gaborik was sensational in the win, getting the Rangers back on track.
Gaborik last season had 41 goals and 76 points and he’s a player Rangers coach John Tortorella is very tough on but feels he’s getting Gaborik to be the player he can be. “I think he has grown so much mentally in how he conducts himself,” Tortorella said on Wednesday, via ESPNNewyork. “He’s a very talented player that’s willing to be there; and when I first met him, I didn’t think he was willing to be there.”
One personnel move from Tortorella that paid dividends was Tortorella loading up the top line, putting Gaborik, Brad Richards and Rick Nash together. The three combined for three goals and two assists in the victory.
One storyline to watch moving forward with the Rangers is 22 year old Chris Kreider who was an impact player for the Rangers in the post-season and has star potential. Kreider, though, is a player whose confidence is really shot right now. He’s been demoted to the 4th line and Tortorella told the media yesterday that Kreider could be sent back down to the AHL as they don’t want to ruin him.

SULLIVAN NETS HAT TRICK FOR YOTES

38 year old Steve Sullivan is still getting it done. Sullivan who the Coyotes brought in on a 1 year, $1.85 million contract to replace Ray Whitney, scored a hat trick, powering the Coyotes to a 5-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sullivan scored a beautiful power play goal putting home a feed from Mikkel Boedker.
The Penguins opted not to make Sullivan a contract offer because of his age and inconsistencies at even strength. Sullivan’s ability to still give you some good offensive nights will bring that decision into question as the Penguins still have a hole in their top-6.

THURSDAY’S GAME TO WATCH

New York Rangers (1-2-0, 2 pts) @ Philadelphia Flyers (0-3-0, 0 pts)
The Flyers in a 0-3 hole and already without Daniel Briere, will also be without Brayden Schenn and Scott Hartnell tonight.