Michael Del Zotto Interview Pt. 3

If you weren’t able to see the first or second interviews with Del Zotto, they give a good premise regarding where this interview stems from.

Del Zotto has had a marvelous start to his NHL career.  After being named the youngest player since Don Moloney to start the season with the Rangers, he has done nothing but produce.  Stepping into a lineup that features such high paid defenceman as Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival is never an easy thing.  But Del Zotto has relished the opportunity, leading the defencemen in goals (5), assists (15), and powerplay points (3).

Watching him play makes you understand why he has been compared to Brian Leetch.  His quick feet, crisp passes, sharp vision, and great shot allows him to overcome the inexperience and weaknesses he has in certain facets of his defensive game.  With the struggles his counterparts have had on defence, Del Zotto has been relied upon even more than expected by coach John Tortorella.  There have been no problems with this move, as Del Zotto has become one of the best defencemen the Rangers have.

Catching up with Del Zotto after the Rangers/Hurricanes game last week in Carolina, we discussed certain aspects that have allowed him to stay in the league, plus other outside issues of interest.

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You’re almost halfway through your first NHL season, do you feel you’re a little more comfortable out there?

I think with every game that goes by I feel like I’m enjoying it more and more.  I’m getting comfortable with the guys, and getting to know them, as well as getting to know the game a little bit better.  Every day that I come to the rink it’s a new experience and I’m learning something new.  I’m just really enjoying it right now.

What’s allowed you to stay up at the NHL level with the Rangers and avoid being sent down?

I think my strength fits in with the system really well.  Torts (John Tortorella) has a very aggressive style as his system, and likes the defencemen jumping in the play which fits me perfectly as it’s the major strength of my game, so those two fit well together.

What’s your relationship like with John Tortorella?

*Laughs hesitantly*  It’s a good relationship.  Him[sic] and the whole coaching staff have taken a lot of time along the way helping me out.  Obviously I’m new to this, and every day is a new experience.  They’ve done a good job of helping me out and easing me into my new role with the team

Who’s been your biggest mentor on the team?  Anyone you’ve really chummed around with?

It’s tough to say one guy.  A lot of guys have been really good, taking me under their wing.  A lot of guys have helped me out not to just name one guy, the whole team and the coaching staff have done a good job of helping me along the way.

Playing against guys you’ve idolized your whole life, what’s that transition been like for you?

It’s hard not to hit them.  I grew up watching Ovechkin, Crosby, and other guys like that.  It’s a pleasure to play against them but it’s always a battle.  Everyday I’m learning something new and playing against new guys so it’s just a new battle.

Some differences between the NHL and the CHL?

It’s a lot different actually.  The CHL is for the most part is a weekend league, whereas here we’re in a stretch of 7 games in 12 games so it obviously takes a toll on your  body.  I’m just enjoying the change right now and having a blast.

With the World Juniors coming up, is there any resentment towards Hockey Canada for last year’s snuff?

No resentment at all.  It is what it is.  My goal was to make the New York Rangers.  I’ve done that and I haven’t looked back on it at all.

Will you watch the tournament?

I know a lot of guys on the team, but with our schedule I don’t know if I’ll be able to watch it.  I have a few good friends there so hopefully they do well.

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Compared to the other two interviews, Del Zotto seemed like he was a little more adapted to the NHL way of doing interviews; short and to the point.

Either way, he has made a solid transition to the NHL, and is establishing himself as one of the best young players in the league today.

Although it’s too early in his career to name him to the Olympic roster, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he is among the group chosen in 2014 in Russia – if the players are allowed to play.

Topics: 2014 Olympics, Brian Leetch, Canadian Hockey League, Carolina Hurricanes, CHL, Del Zotto, Don Moloney, Hockey Canada, John Tortorella, Michael Del Zotto, Michal Rozsival, National Hockey League, New York Rangers, NHL, NY Rangers defenceman Michael Del Zotto, Wade Redden, World Junior Tournament

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