P.A. ON THE MOVE… GABORIK HURT OR INSURANCE? 

The New York Rangers have recalled P.A. Parenteau to New York. Parenteau is off to a blazing start with eight goals and six assists in fourteen games for the 4-5-0 Hartford Wolf Pack. What this means is one of two things… Either 1) Marion Gaborik is hurt more than the Rangers are letting on about and will miss Wednesday night’s game against the Islanders or 2) Having Parenteau there is insurance in case Gaborik cannot go.

We’re not really gamblers, unless of course you consider being married a gamble at which point we’ve been about as successful at that as Bernie Lootz (there’s a reference for you). In any event, if we were picking, we would guess that Gaborik will miss Wednesday’s game. We make that call based upon the comments that Parenteau stated that he was told by Head Coach John Tortorella when he sent him back to Hartford. Reportedly Tortorella told Parenteau to, “stay ready,” and that he, “is a top six forward but we don’t have any spots open.” If that’s the case Parenteau has certainly been keeping up his end of the bargain. He currently leads the AHL in goals scored and is tied for fifth in total points. He’s had three multiple point games in a row and has played in all situations.

According to Steve Zipay in Blue Notes, both players will skate in the morning skate and a decision will be made at that time.

Here's the official release:

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that forward P.A. Parenteau has been recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Parenteau, 26, has recorded eight goals and six assists for 14 points, along with 12 penalty minutes in nine games with Hartford (AHL) this season. He currently leads the AHL in goals and is tied for the league lead in points. He is also tied for first in the league in power play goals (five) and fourth in power play assists (four). Parenteau has registered five multi-point efforts this season, including three straight (four goals and seven points) entering today. He notched his first hat trick as a Wolf Pack player, including his first penalty-shot goal with Hartford, on October 10 against Springfield. Last season, Parenteau finished ninth in the AHL in points with 29 goals and 78 points, and was named a First-Team AHL All-Star.

The Hull, Quebec native was acquired by the Rangers from the Chicago Blackhawks on October 11, 2007, in exchange for a conditional draft pick. He was originally Anaheim’s ninth round selection, 264th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

The Blueshirts return to action tomorrow when they will face off against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum (7:00 p.m.), in an Atlantic Division matchup. The Rangers posted a record of 5-1-0 in six meetings with the Islanders last season, including a 3-0-0 mark at Long Island. The Blueshirts enter the contest having tallied a power play goal in nine of their last 10 games, clicking at a 35.0% (14-40) success rate over the span. The game will be televised live on MSG 2.

(Photo courtesy of newshopper.sulekha.com)