The NYR Facts Of Life: #31 Matt Zaba

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. Yesterday was Alex Auld's turn so we move on to the other #31, Matt Zaba.

#31's #s: One game (no starts, 34 min), 0-0-0, 3.56 g.a.a., .880 save %.

Take the good: While Zaba allowed two goals in his lone appearance, he did play quite well in what was a 6-0 Ranger loss in Montreal; he came in after Hank allowed three goals in four minutes of the second period. It was hard to blame him for either goal, and it came in quite a hostile environment.

Take the bad: Called up six times by my count, his play in practice and his lone appearance was not enough to earn the trust of the Blueshirt brass. And, personally, I thought he looked quite jumpy even in warmups so I can't blame the braintrust.

Take them both and then we have: Seeing as the franchise has it's starter for the foreseeable future in Hank, has a seemingly-capable Chad Johnson, drafted a solid prospect in Scott Stajcer last year and signed Cameron Talbot at the end of March, we could very well have another Jamie Ram. For Zaba's sake, you hope not but Traverse City and training camp should decide this kid's future.

Z Returns To The Rangers

No, not that one.

New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with goaltender Matt Zaba.

Zaba, 25, appeared in 41 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), posting a record of 25-10-0, along with a 2.33 goals against average, a .920 save percentage and two shutouts. The AHL rookie ranked among the league leaders in several categories, including seventh in goals against average, tied for eighth in save percentage and tied for 12th in wins.

Since there isn't a whole lot of depth at goaltender in the organization, it will be nice to have him back, even if Jess at Prospect Park has concerns with his mindset. We need all the goaltenders we can get, especially due to the fact that 2007 second round pick Antoine Lafleur turned out to be a bust and is re-entering the draft. What happens if Hank gets hurt? Considering that Sather seems intent on creating a puck moving defense that is physically soft, Hank will continue to be a big target in net. He was run dozens of times last season thanks to no protection, so just how long will our luck hold out?