Oilwa gets the boot...

[P.J Stock]

He has not played for the Rangers since starting that brawl in columbus, and appearently he will never play another game for the Rangers! I think they could have dressed him for tonights game in Philli, then dumped him


December 5, 2002 -- PHILADELPHIA -

Krzysztof Oliwa's brief and unfulfilling Rangers career has come to an end. The Blueshirts yesterday placed the pugilistic winger on non-roster waivers, The Post has learned.
The 29-year-old Oliwa, acquired in June from Pittsburgh, played in just nine games, the last in Columbus on Nov. 9 when he instigated a brawl with 2.8 seconds to go after being sent on the ice for a faceoff by Bryan Trottier, who used Oliwa - as well as Sandy McCarthy and Matt Barnaby - as an inappropriate display of muscle flexing.

Trottier was suspended for two games for his role in the melee that followed, Oliwa for five in the first suspension of his career. The Rangers, who were in San Jose when informed of Oliwa's suspension, immediately sent the winger home though six days remained of the road trip. Both Oliwa's agent, Jeff Solomon, and GM Glen Sather denied Oliwa had been made into an organizational scapegoat.

"It was the coaches' responsibility; I don't blame Olie," Sather said two days after the incident. "We just thought with the team struggling the way we are, it would be good for him to get away. Plus, with our traveling and game-days, he'll be able to get more work done back home."

Scapegoat or not, Oliwa was a scratch in each of the six games following the suspension. With Bobby Holik returning from IR, it was unlikely Oliwa would carve a spot in the lineup. But if the Columbus incident proved the denouement of his short stay, Oliwa's inability to win a fight was truly his undoing. He was a willing combatant, but never won a bout, more often than not by decisive margins. Oliwa picked up 51 minutes in penalties and fought five times.

Oliwa is not expected to be claimed on waivers.

[Darth Xed]

Honestly, I was pretty happy when they traded him out of Pittsburgh....

I know players like that have their place, but he just didnt fit the mold properly... didnt get into it with the right people, or for bad reasons, etc....

[P.J Stock]

Yea, the Rangers have enough guys that can drop the gloves...Oliwa was just not needed. McCarthy, Barnaby, and Purinton can also play the game as well as fight, Oliwa could not.

[Darth Xed]

Originally posted by P.J Stock
Yea, the Rangers have enough guys that can drop the gloves...Oliwa was just not needed. McCarthy, Barnaby, and Purinton can also play the game as well as fight, Oliwa could not.

I totally agree with you...

I still miss Barnaby! If nothing else, he certainly could be entertaining!!