ST. PAUL, Minn.(AP) -- Marian Gaborik returned to Minnesota, but
only as a spectator.
In his first season with the New York Rangers, Gaborik has 10
goals and eight assists in 12 games. The former franchise player
for the Wild is fourth in the NHL with 18 points.
Gaborik was scratched and did not dress for the Rangers' only
regular-season game against Minnesota because of injury. He hurt
his leg Monday night in a collision with a Phoenix player and
missed a game Wednesday night against the New York Islanders.
Gaborik participated in the Rangers' morning skate in Minnesota,
but wasn't able to play.
Many Minnesota fans booed when Gaborik's status was announced at
Xcel Energy Center.
"It would be nice to play, but I don't want to put myself into
position of it getting worse," Gaborik told reporters after the
Rangers arrived Thursday night.
He said he is enjoying the experience of a new style and a new
team.
"It's very exciting. So far things are good. I like the team,
the guys, the organization," said Gaborik, who signed a
five-year, $37.5 million contract with the Rangers this summer.
"Everything's been super so far."
He was asked if the Rangers are a better fit for his skills.
"I really like our system. We're a fast team. We're skating a
lot," Gaborik said. "I think the Eastern Conference is a little
different. It's not as much tight hockey, especially throughout
the neutral zone."
Wild fans grew frustrated with Gaborik's inability to stay
healthy, and he was occasionally booed at Xcel Energy Center in
his last season.
The Rangers recalled forward Dane Byers from Hartford of the AHL
on Friday. Byers was in the lineup against Minnesota.
News
