October 26, 2012
Rangers in Europe: Hagelin heating up for Sodertalje
by Michael Rappaport/Correspondent
Rangers forward Carl Hagelin has been red-hot in his native Sweden. (Getty Images)
Another week of European hockey meant another week of dominant play for the New York Rangers that are playing overseas.
Although John Tortorella is concerned about the effect that the lockout could have on the Blueshirts when NHL play resumes, he acknowledges that the players in action now will have a leg up on their teammates. The Rangers bench boss told the New York Post that, “I believe the guys who are playing games and competing will be sharper and better off when camp begins.”
Based on the performances of the three Rangers in Europe, Tortorella won’t have to worry too much when camp opens.
Rick Nash | HC Davos
After the club struggled to start the season, HC Davos won all three of their games over the last seven days thanks in large part to the 28-year-old Nash. In their 4-1 win over the Kloten Flyers, Nash picked up the primary assist on Petr Sykora’s game-winning goal.
In HC Davos’ 3-2 win against the Rapperswill-Jona Lakers, Nash had an assist in the first period and scored the game-winner in the second. The Rangers’ forward capped off his great week in the club’s 4-2 win over the SC Langnau Tigers by adding two assists.
In nine games this year, Nash has totaled 7-5-12, and the club’s resurgence puts them tied for eighth place in the Swiss National League standings.
Carl Hagelin | Sodertalje SK
Since Hagelin’s arrival in Sweden, his old club has been on a tear, winning five games in a row and two over the last week.
The Swedish speedster had his best game last week on Tuesday against Mora IK. The 24-year-old scored two goals in Sodertalje’s 3-1 victory, increasing his stat line to four goals and five assists in only five games.
Overall, Sodertalje SK has a 7-6-1 record and is in seventh place in Allsvenskan.
Ryan McDonagh | HC Barys Astana
In his second week with the KHL team Barys Astana, McDonagh was held off the score sheet. However, just like with the Rangers, the 23-year-old was superb in his own zone.
Barys lost both of their games in shootouts (3-2 against Vityaz Chekov and Severstal Cherepovets). Overall, in five games with the club, McDonagh has recorded three assists.
Barys has a 9-7-4 record and is in third place in the Chernyshyov Division.
Henrik Lundqvist
Although Lundqvist hasn’t committed to playing with his old Swedish club team, the Frolunda Indians in the Swedish Elite League, the 30-year-old goalie made a cameo appearance during Frolunda’s 3-1 win over Timra IK on Saturday.
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner certainly enjoyed being back in his hometown. Henrik was presented with a gift on the ice, and posed for a picture with his twin brother Joel, who is the captain of Frolunda’s squad.
After the game, he tweeted that it “was awesome! Big W for VF (Vastra Frolunda) and personally I experienced another unforgettable night at Scandinavium.”
