Today’s NY Puck Poll is inspired by an interesting Twitter debate. The Wild have waived forward Zenon Konopka. The 33-year old vet is a solid faceoff guy who can drop the gloves.

Outside of middleweight Derek Dorsett, the Rangers lack toughness. However, is it worth putting in a claim for another older player who basically does the same thing as Brian Boyle? Boyle can’t fight but is a good big body who wins draws and kills penalties. Complicating matters, they also have Dominic Moore. How many checking forwards do they need?

While Konopka could fill a role as an enforcer, that’s not the biggest issue with this team. It’s their inability to score consistently along with down seasons from Henrik Lundqvist and Dan Girardi that have them on the outside of the playoffs halfway through. With Girardi redeeming himself and Lundqvist stopping all three shooters in the club’s 2-1 shootout win over the Panthers on New Year’s Eve, both are capable of turning it around. Most encouraging, Hank’s won two straight starts entering tomorrow’s big test against the Pens. He’s the biggest key to the second half.

As for the offense, the coaching staff has to be encouraged by the improvement of Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot. Since Vigneault changed his lines, it’s sparked both. Carl Hagelin is also playing better. When the Rangers are right, all four lines are contributing. They’ve also gotten good energy out of the fourth line which includes both Boyle and Moore along with Dorsett. Where does Konopka fit?

Besides, with Ryan Callahan close to returning, the Rangers should get a boost. The biggest question is who comes out. J.T. Miller has looked good since his recall. He’s one of the few players on the roster who goes to the dirty areas and bangs. You can make an argument they’re a more effective team with Miller. Hopefully, he won’t get penalized.