|
Paul Mara |
Games
|
Goals
|
Assists
|
Points
|
+/-
|
|
Regular Season
|
19
|
2
|
3
|
5
|
+6
|
|
Playoffs
|
10
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
-4
|
Paul Mara technically falls under the threshold for a review, but since it is more or less a given that he will be on the opening day roster next season he warrants a quick look see. The general consensus I get when reading about other fans thoughts on Paul Mara is that they either LOVE him, or HATE him. Nothing in between. Unfortunately, thats really where I fall. I am completely ambivalent towards #27, which is a shame since #27 has always been my favorite jersey number. Paul Maras game is completely unremarkable. He is what I would call an average defender, who can be great at times. An average offensive defenseman, who can be great at times. And this theme continues when talking about the rest of his game…Average, but great at times. Clearly the Rangers will keep him in the opening day lineup, but I would examine a trade if there are any takers who would give back anything of consequence. The reason being is his salary is a bit on the high end. His 3+ million could partially go towards a guy like Sheldon Souray should he be convinced to join the Ranger blueline.
In all likelyhood Paul Mara will play out this season with the Rangers as a #5 or #6 defenseman, and then will go on his merry way. Of course I would love to be wrong here and to see Mara bust out with a 2003-2004 or a 2005-2006 performance where he put up 42 and 47 points respectively, but i just am not sure he can do that within the Rangers system, particularly when he looks scared to shoot at times. He really has a decent shot that he gets on net frequently, but he doesnt use it enough.
Really thats all there is to say about this guy. He hasn’t been a Ranger for very long, and brings a decent yet unremarkable game to the table.
-Inferno