New York Rangers Recall Tanner Glass Hopeful For a Tough Factor

The New York Rangers Have Recalled Tanner Glass From the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. New York Might Be looking For a Hopeful Boost in Toughness With the Forward.

So, the Rangers have recalled Tanner Glass from the Hartford Wolf Pack. Yes, Tanner ‘I-don’t-score-but-I-fight’ Glass.

Glass is one of the team’s more plentiful fighters in a while. The Rangers never had the reputation for knocking guys around and being the tough guys on the block, but Glass was always one to drop the gloves when he deemed fit. The same was found in Dylan McIlrath, who has since been escorted from the Rangers organization.

The Rangers could have done this for a few reasons but one thing is for sure: Glass is back. For now.

To Toughen Up or Not to Toughen Up

Glass doesn’t bring much on the offense front. In fact, his stats usually border on none. Though, this season with the Wolf Pack he has six goals and 15 points. Nothing crazy, but this is his highest goal-count he’s had in a long time.

Glass brings toughness to the rink. A lot f hockey fans argue that grit doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things but this is something that a fan either loves or hates about Glass. The forward is the fit to deliver a big hit and the fit to throw his gloves down in defense of a teammate.

The Rangers have gotten beat up a bit lately, which has resulted in some less very unneeded injuries. Recently, Jesper Fast was sidelined after receiving a shoulder injury via a big hit from Alex Ovechkin. With that, Henrik Lundqvist has found his crease invaded and some smaller guys are becoming subject to the beat up.

Don’t get me wrong- Glass won’t be the fix all to all of these issues, but that might be the rationale behind the Rangers’ move. Not to mention, head coach Alain Vigneault has probably been missing Glass all season.

The Grit

The Rangers might be looking for that grit that Glass has to offer. You know, a guy in there to dish some big hits and take the emphasis off our more offense-driven players. Especially where the Rangers likely opponents are getting bigger and tougher.

The Canadiens recently boosted their size factor with the trade deadline. The team is bigger than ever, combined with new coaching, and is ready to wreak havoc on their opponents. The Habs suffocated the Rangers with a big 4-1 win, the third win over them this season.

It is likely the Rangers will come into cross with the team, and teams like it, as they approach the playoffs. Glass won’t make these matchups any different; the team needs to find their groove and confidence again.

Injury Fills

The Rangers have stated that Vigneault isn’t sure whether or not Glass will crack the lineup and that he will decide before the team arrives in Tampa. This means that maybe Glass is rising to the occasion in face of the team’s injuries. With Fast sidelined, as well as Michael Grabner, the team might need the extra guy.

However, it was reported that Grabner might get it together soon for the remainder of the team’s trip and four away games. I also doubt that Vigeanult recalled the forward to travel to Tampa for nothing other than to watch the game and catch upon the plane ride.

Next: Smith Can Be Good Offensive Fit for Rangers

There isn’t any certainty on whether Glass will make the lineup but it wouldn’t be so far off if he were to make it into the game during the trip.

The team also recalled Steven Kampfer on defense who, with Kevin Klein and Dan Girardi sidelined, might see some ice time to give a rest to Adam Clendening or one of the other d-men.

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