"The depth of talent pushing up is more expansive at this Rangers camp than it has been for well over a decade. But though that's an important milestone in the organization's development, the 2010-11 Blueshirts are still going to live and die primarily by what they get from their top-end talent. Up front, the top-end talent is Marian Gaborik, the silent assassin at right wing who somehow was denied a postseason all-star berth despite 42 goals in his first year on Broadway. Gaborik might have a bookend on his line with former Kings forward Alex Frolov moving in at left wing, but the hole in the middle of the first unit comes in the shape of a huge question mark as the Rangers prepare to open their six-game exhibition schedule with a match tonight at the Garden against the Devils. Freshman pro Derek Stepan struggled in that spot during yesterday's Blue-White scrimmage. Erik Christensen, the quasi-incumbent, has had an underwhelming camp and is fighting for a roster spot every bit as much as he is for that first-line designation. If all else fails, coach John Tortorella could easily shift Vinny Prospal from left wing on the second or third line back into the slot at first-line center that he filled for much of last season. The Rangers are going to have to count on the first unit for production, even at the cost of balance, and since when has that ever been an issue for Tortorella?" http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/gift_of_gab_jarRZE1hZE6sVZUxTLJUJP
