It has been a WILD 24 hours for the New York Rangers and the league as well. The league of course did nothing to handle the Tom Wilson situation other than a $5,000 slap on the wrist. Former players, most notably former NHL enforcers have shared their thoughts on the situation, all agreeing that what Tom Wilson did and continuously does is unacceptable and a disgrace to the game. The New York Rangers Organization released a statement, sharing their dissapointment with the league and their decision or lack there off on Tom Wilson. However more notably, the Rangers called out Georges Parros (head of played safety) saying they feel he is unfit to continue in this position.
When one of the most prestigious, most valuable NHL franchises, an original six one at that is calling out the league for having people "unfit" for their job in charge of major positions such as the Head of Player Safety, that is a BIG problem and a tough look for the league. A buddy of mine from college hit the nail on the head saying "It's pretty simple. Shanahan did the job right. Was a complete player who played the game right during his career, and enforced the rules. Parros is simply Wilson without the offensive production. He's a fool. Good on the NYR for speaking out." @eric_belyea21 (Eric Belyea)
I couldn't agree more, Brendan Shanahan was one of the classiest guys to play the game and was great when he held the role. Georges Parros was a goon, not an enforcer and he's staying true to that by doing nothing to protect the players. Tom Wilson should have been suspended long term and until he is, he will continue to be a danger to the league and it's players. It's interesting, lots of people brought up Matt Cooke and Raffi Torres, some former players with rap sheets as long as Wilson's. When a guy like Matt Cooke is saying that Tom Wilson is disrespecting the game and is a danger to players, that's when you should know it's time to do something.
So what's next? Well, the Rangers are back at it against the Caps tonight, Tom Wilson hasn't been suspended and Artemiy Panarin will miss this game as well as the remainder of the season along with Trouba, Lindgren and Howden. Before I even get into what the Rangers need to do to earn some self respect back, let's talk about the vacancies in their line up. David Quinn said they have talked about a call up but didn't mention any names. The obvious one that comes to mind is Mason Geertsen.
Mason Geertsen is a veteran AHL tough guy who should absolutely without a doubt be called up this afternoon. All revenge tactics aside, the Rangers need bodies to fill the holes in their line up and we have enough of our young guys already here, we don't need to see anymore. Call up Geertsen and any big bodied, veteran AHL guys who are willing to bring a physical presence that are willing to drop the gloves. This team has been embarrassed in their last three games, having been shut out twice against their biggest rivals and then the shit show that was Monday night against the Capitals. WHAT DO WE HAVE TO LOSE?! Play with some pride, play with some physicality, let some AHL guys who can play with that kind of energy who won't get a better opportunity then this to make a name for themselves a shot.
Now back to what's next. David Quinn already hinted at the fact that this team as it currently stands is not going to be able to compete with them as far as "brawling" goes. His media availability for this morning also got pushed back, adding more suspicion to what this team is up to. That being said, still no word on any call ups, no word on the line up. Kreider is now the only injured player who hasn't been ruled out for the season. There is a LOT of stuff up in the air for this team right now.
The team made an official worded statement to the league and so far, nothing. As it stands right now, Tom Wilson and the Capitals will continue about their business to go into tonight's game. If Tom Wilson is in fact in the line up, something needs to go down. People have suggested the Rangers should refuse to play, a take a knee type response but honestly. The only way they can really make a statement at this point is by going out there and getting physical. Former Ranger Sean Avery said if it was up to him, he would have someone dump the puck and take out their goalie with a huge hit. Why not right?! Have Brendan Smith do it since all that will happen is a $5,000 fine, he's making four mil a season, he can swing it.
The bottom line is the Rangers have no reason not to call up Mason Geertsen at the very least. Start him right next to Wilson and have a repeat of 2012 where we start the game by dropping the gloves. On top of everything that has gone down in the last 48 hours, we're coming off two very demoralizing losses. With our season being over, we're playing for pride at this point and if we let this go unaddressed, it sends a message around the league that guys can do whatever they want against us with no repercussions.
Nevertheless, tonight will certainly be one of the more interesting NYR games of the season. As we've been eliminated from playoff contention these games are literally meaningless. However because of Tom Wilson, this game has a lot of meaning and it's time for this team to show some heart, passion and emotion. We have nothing to lose so go out there and show the hockey world that we're not going to take it.
Chris Feldman
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