Monday, May 30, 2011

The NYR Facts Of Life: #23 Chris Drury

For each player who suited up in a Blueshirt this season we will take the good, we will take the bad and take them both and see what we have. And this time around we started with the high numbers and are up to #23, the captain Chris Drury.

#23's #s: 24 games, one goal, four assists, +2, 8 PIM (five playoff games, no goals, one assist, even, 2 PIM).

Take the good: The Rangers respect their captain. Drury has lost a step and whatever scoring ability he had back in Buffalo but he - when healthy - continued to do all he could to help the team. He blocked some shots, laid some hits, took some faceoffs - Dru actually had a 65.5% faceoff winning percentage in the playoffs. Oh, and Dru scored a sweet goal in his first game back from his second injury - the last game of the regular season.

Take the bad: One goal in 24 games? And he even averaged 36 seconds of power play time ... what was Tortorella thinking? Drury missed 57 games due to his two injuries, but those weren't his fault and his absence actually helped the team grow. But he likely rushed back from both his bad finger and his bum knee because the team lost Ryan Callahan to injuries of his own. It was a selfless act to return, but Drury wasn't able to even be a shadow of the player he was three seasons ago. And when asked what he craves most, he said hot oil pizza and not another Stanley Cup. The captain should be hungry for victory, not for lunch.

Take them both and then we have: John Tortorella's Tim Taylor - a plugging fourth liner captain who leads by example. Just this time around, he is one that happened to make $8 million last year. In Tampa Taylor was the placeholder, donning the C during the span of time between Dave Andreychuk's retirement and Vincent Lecavalier's maturation. Now, Jagr was no Andreychuk but Ryan Callahan can be the kind of guy Lecavalier has turned into - a smart, strong, two-way player capable of leading his team deep into the playoffs. We won't know until Drury has either relinquished the captaincy, finished out his contract and moved on or was bought out by the brass. Let's hope we find out sooner rather than later.



 The NYR Facts Of Life: Chris Drury - The Heart and Soul of Broadway



Chris Drury, a name synonymous with leadership, tenacity, and clutch performances in the world of hockey, made an indelible mark during his tenure with the New York Rangers. This article delves into the life and career of Chris Drury, examining his journey from a young aspiring athlete to the captain of the Rangers, his defining moments, and his lasting impact on the team and its fans.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Chris Drury - A Legend in Blue

Setting the stage for an in-depth look at Chris Drury's life and career with the New York Rangers.
Early Days: A Budding Athlete

Exploring Chris Drury's upbringing and the development of his passion for hockey.
College Stardom: A Dominant Force

Discussing Drury's outstanding college hockey career at Boston University and his rise to prominence.
NHL Entry: A Dream Come True

Chronicling Chris Drury's entry into the NHL and the early years of his professional career.
The Big Apple Beckons: Drury Joins the Rangers

Examining Drury's arrival in New York and the expectations that came with it.
Captain Clutch: Drury's Heroic Moments

Highlighting some of Chris Drury's most memorable and clutch performances in a Rangers uniform.
The 'C': Leading by Example

Discussing Drury's captaincy and the profound impact he had on his teammates both on and off the ice.
Injury and Adversity: Drury's Resilience

Examining how Drury faced adversity and injury with unwavering determination.
Fan Favorite: Drury's Connection with the Garden Faithful

Reflecting on Chris Drury's special bond with Rangers fans and his enduring legacy.
Legacy Beyond Hockey: Life After Retirement

Looking at Chris Drury's post-retirement endeavors and his continued involvement in the sport.
: Chris Drury - Forever a Ranger

Summing up Chris Drury's remarkable career and his everlasting impact on the New York Rangers and their fans.
1. Introduction: Chris Drury - A Legend in Blue

Introducing Chris Drury's legacy as a Ranger and previewing the article's content.

Chris Drury: A name etched in Rangers' history and the heart of every Blueshirts fan.

2. Early Days: A Budding Athlete

Exploring Chris Drury's upbringing and the development of his passion for hockey.

Chris Drury's love for the game started at a young age.

3. College Stardom: A Dominant Force

Discussing Drury's outstanding college hockey career at Boston University and his rise to prominence.

Drury's college days were marked by exceptional performances.

4. NHL Entry: A Dream Come True

Chronicling Chris Drury's entry into the NHL and the early years of his professional career.

Chris Drury's dream of playing in the NHL became a reality.

5. The Big Apple Beckons: Drury Joins the Rangers

Examining Drury's arrival in New York and the expectations that came with it.

Chris Drury's arrival in New York marked a new chapter in his career.

6. Captain Clutch: Drury's Heroic Moments

Highlighting some of Chris Drury's most memorable and clutch performances in a Rangers uniform.

Drury's ability to shine in crucial moments endeared him to fans.

7. The 'C': Leading by Example

Discussing Drury's captaincy and the profound impact he had on his teammates both on and off the ice.

Chris Drury was a captain who led by example and inspired others.

8. Injury and Adversity: Drury's Resilience

Examining how Drury faced adversity and injury with unwavering determination.

Injuries and setbacks couldn't diminish Drury's spirit.

9. Fan Favorite: Drury's Connection with the Garden Faithful

Reflecting on Chris Drury's special bond with Rangers fans and his enduring legacy.

Chris Drury's connection with the fans made him a beloved figure at Madison Square Garden.

10. Legacy Beyond Hockey: Life After Retirement

Looking at Chris Drury's post-retirement endeavors and his continued involvement in the sport.

Drury's impact extends beyond his playing days.

11. Conclusion: Chris Drury - Forever a Ranger

Summing up Chris Drury's remarkable career and his everlasting impact on the New York Rangers and their fans.

Chris Drury's legacy will forever be intertwined with the Rangers' rich history.




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