www.packattack.org/wolf_pack/news_2006_07/courant_2007_ -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 3/16/2007
Last Visited: 3/29/2009
Defenseman Dave Liffiton spent his first two pro seasons battling injuries as much as he did the opposition.
Yet he improved so much this year that he was made an assistant captain of the Pack for an extended time and was called up by the Rangers twice within the past two weeks.
Liffiton didn't get into an NHL game, but he did sit alongside future Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan at a game against the Islanders.
Shanahan hasn't played since sustaining a concussion Feb. 17.
"Sitting with Shanny was a pretty good experience as far as his knowledge and the way he sees the game," Liffiton said.
It was part of what Liffiton called a positive experience after paying his dues to reach the next level.
And tonight in Atlanta, he gets his first legitimate shot at the NHL.
...
It was appropriate that Liffiton spent time with Shanahan, arguably the Rangers' most versatile and valuable player.
Liffiton has always been a hard-nosed, inspirational type who stands up for himself and teammates.
But he has elevated all facets of his game while being used in all situations for the first time, notably on the power play.
The Pack coaches called Liffiton an emotional catalyst who is very hard to play against.
Liffiton, 22, started the season slowly after surgery in early July on an ankle he re-injured in Game 5 of the division finals against Portland.
He was in a cast for six weeks and had about a month to prepare for training camp, but he said his confidence rose as the Pack took off after being 5-11-1 at Thanksgiving.
...
Liffiton gave particular credit to assistant coach J.J. Daigneault.
"J.J. really helped the offensive side of my game," said Liffiton, who has one goal, 10 assists and 154 penalty minutes in 61 games.
...
Daigneault said consistency is a key to getting to the NHL, and Liffiton had a handful of games in which he did not have a good rating.
"It's a progression, but as a defenseman, you don't want to be impatient with yourself," Daigneault said.
"You have to understand that it takes seasoning and you have to be one of the best in the minors before moving up.
But Liffiton was a leader in juniors and now he has taken a leadership role here.
He's vocal on the bench and has been a spark at trying to get his teammates going when things aren't going the way we want them to go.
I think his best is yet to come."
Callahan With Rangers
Wing Ryan Callahan, the Pack's leading scorer (35 goals, 20 assists), joined Liffiton on the trip to Atlanta and Boston, where the Rangers play Saturday.
...
The Pack remain short-handed because leading scorer Ryan Callahan and defenseman Dave Liffiton were called up by the Rangers.
36 online sources [ view sources ]
Profile is not claimed [ claim profile ]
