Powe gives Rangers flexibility, PK presence

NEWARK, N.J. -- The New York Rangers acquired forward Darroll Powe on Monday because coach John Tortorella was concerned with the inconsistent play from the middle of the lineup.

One thing Powe has displayed in his 294 career NHL games is consistency.

He can score some goals (28 in his career), but he's more of a third-line grinder, shot-blocker and penalty-killer who can play all three forward positions -- traits Tortorella is hoping translate well to the Rangers to give the team more versatility in their bottom six.

"With Powe it's a guy that can kill penalties, has played in the League, does a lot of little things on the boards, certainly adds to our depth in a lot of different situations where I can move people around," Tortorella said Tuesday morning from Prudential Center, where the Rangers will face the New Jersey Devils for the first time this season at 7 p.m. ET. "So, we're happy to get him."

Powe, who was acquired from the Minnesota Wild along with minor-leaguer Nick Palmieri in exchange for Mike Rupp, has never changed teams midseason, so he said he's not 100 percent sure what to expect. However, he does think his style will suit the Rangers well so the adjustment shouldn't be too difficult.

For instance, Powe was second among forwards last season with 91 blocked shots; the Rangers were fourth in the NHL with 1,338.

"I think it's a hard-working system, a tight-defensive, tight-checking system and that's kind of my game," Powe said. "So, hopefully I fit in well."

The Rangers didn't show any lines during their morning skate Tuesday, but it's possible Powe starts as the left wing on the third line with Brian Boyle and Jeff Halpern.

Tortorella won't hesitate to move Powe into the middle if he has to.

"I've played all positions at forward in my career so far so I feel comfortable jumping in wherever I'm needed," Powe said.

Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl