NFT: New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins, Game 4, 7pm

.

and the speed difference between the Rangers and everybody else is amazing. The Islander/Caps game was like watching two teams skating in sand. Caps reminded me of the mid 70s Flyers skating around smashing everything in sight.

Those teams were sooooo slow. I remember that Buffalo series in 2007 when the Rangers were the ones who looked like they were skating in mud.

series and give themselves a chance to close it out early. Another vintage Ranger road game is all they need to put the Yinz on the ropes and let the cold, dark reality of doubt creep into the minds of the little, beaked bitches!

LGR!!!

#roadwarriorz

Put the Pens in a deep hole and make Cindy cry even more!

Clap Clap ClapClapClap!!!

And we will have a chance go close it out come Friday. The final score doesn't indicate how thoroughly we dominated the yinzers on Monday

They've had some serious scoring chances that they haven't converted for a variety of reasons, and it's kept their games close. If they can open up a 3 goal lead on these guys, it'll be lights out.

and worry about game 5 later. You have some highly motivated players on the Pens with great skill sets.

I think the keys will be:

1. Dictating play and Adjustments. Can we go back to our first pass and go speed game and can we adjust to a dump beat their D deep and circle approach if they throw everything at stopping our preferred style.

2. The King has to play at least as well (or better) than the Flower.

Then close them out at home.

That would be nice.

RangazIn5

Klein may be a GTD from what I've heard.

no fucking let downs!

According to Bob McKenzie, the Rangers are one of Matt O'Connor's four finalists, along with the Oilers, Canucks and Senators.

to unlock the PP, get some bodies in front, move the puck between the point, down low, and let fly...don't wait for the perfect shot...Zuc's gotta think less.

lgr

Are allowing the clutching and grabbing and are slowing down the games. Wonder why they pick this season to do that. They are also letting the goalie interference go.

It is plain and simply the worst run league in the major sports. They do things one way in the regular season, then they change it completely for the playoffs. Unreal, and mind boggling. Not good news for our Rangers.

in the waning moments I was appalled at what I saw. I saw deliberate cross-checking on one of our players in the crease and I swore I saw Kunitz flash a skate into Lunquist's chest to push him out of the way.

That's f'ed up.

I believe in letting them play, but call the penalties if they are that apparent.

Would have sucked if the Pens tied it up in the waning seconds by all that illegal garbage.

Hopefully we cam win by two or more tonight.

Let's Go Rangers!!!!!

In comment 12244153 PaulN said:

Quote:

Are allowing the clutching and grabbing and are slowing down the games. Wonder why they pick this season to do that. They are also letting the goalie interference go. It is plain and simply the worst run league in the major sports. They do things one way in the regular season, then they change it completely for the playoffs. Unreal, and mind boggling. Not good news for our Rangers.

Huh?

Want to sit for 4 years behind the King? I don't think so. Never come here!

That is my thought as well. This kid will have his pick of teams and there is no way he will want to be a back up behind Henrik for the next several years.

He is better then Talbot. (Which we will lose cause someone will offer him $ which we don't have).

The draw for him is learning from Allaire. And it does make sense for the Rangers because it allows them to trade Talbot while his value is at its peak.

MSL and Miller apparently switching lines. So Hayes will have a great game tonight.

Yandle didn't practice, still sick apparently.

Lines the same.

Quote:

Steve Zipay @stevezipay · 29m 29 minutes ago AV: Yandle not 100 percent but will play. Lines the same...

Quote:

Steve Zipay @stevezipay · 1h 1 hour ago At NYR skate, AV may be flopping Miller and St. Louis tonight

about Brassard.
Derick Brassard is paying off for Rangers - ( New Window )

He's made a couple of defensive plays, but he's supposed to be a scorer. He's made a lot of bad passes into traffic like he thinking I'll just throw the puck here and see what happens. I believe if he's not done, he's getting there quickly.

Miller has been a force. He was really good in game 1. He could be the reason they let St. Louis walk in the off-season.

I think he's our best center.

If O'Connor doesn't sign here, I'm guessing that Skapski will have the chance to be the backup, as well as Halverson (they'll also probably bring in a veteran goalie). One will be the backup and the other will be the starter in Hartford. Halverson, BTW, was 8-0 in the playoffs for his team. We also have Shestyorkin, who is a very good one as well.


But I would think the main attraction for O'Connor is to learn under Henrik and Benoit Allaire, as well as a possible guarantee to be the primary backup and start quite a few games next season ala Cam when Henrik was healthy.

and it's only been 3 games so it's hard to get on the guy for not scoring. No one is scoring much.

OT and Rangers have a two on one break, I want St Louis in on that play. He's a money player. That said, the Rangers probably do have to let him walk unless his $$ demands aren't too high. Hags needs a new deal soon too.

I am a big fan of Brassard's game but Stepan is our best C.

Buchnevich will likely be the catalyst for letting MSL walk, if that's the route they choose.

He's not worth much more

it's nice to have the Rangers on TV every game, can be real tough to watch on the west coast.

I think he's worth quite a bit more than the vet min. Just not to the Rangers.

help. Convince him that it's January not April somehow.

All kidding aside, they played well on Tuesday, but I think as a team they just need to shoot more and stop looking for that perfect tic-tac-toe pass play every time.

In comment 12244322 djm said:

Quote:

I think he's our best center.

He's is the best center. He's a better skater in open ice, has better COD in close quarters and a better play maker than any center on the team.

In comment 12244323 Anakim said:

Quote:

If O'Connor doesn't sign here,

lol, we are really getting use to this college FA market aren't we? Not sure if that kid wants to sit behind Hank.

As far as Talbot, I have no idea who resides in net for Edmonton but do you or anybody think the Oilers would part ways with one of their dozen talented, underachieving kids for a Talbot?

In comment 12244319 Gman11 said:

Quote:

He's made a couple of defensive plays, but he's supposed to be a scorer. He's made a lot of bad passes into traffic like he thinking I'll just throw the puck here and see what happens. I believe if he's not done, he's getting there quickly. Miller has been a force. He was really good in game 1. He could be the reason they let St. Louis walk in the off-season.

He's had it. But his contract is up so they are under no obligation for next year. I hope they win and he rides off as a champion. He's a class act.

Quote:

He's a class act.

Except when he became a distraction in the TB locker room towards the end of his stint, obviously.

Even despite knowing he'll be a backup. If he was only interested in playing right away, he wouldn't even be considering them. Doesn't mean he'll sign with them, but look at what Benoit Allaire has done for Talbot. Talbot was an undistinguished, undrafted college goalie from a weak program (Alabama-Huntsville), and now he's going to get a solid chance at being an NHL starter.

And as far as teams being willing to trade for Talbot, his play in Henrik's absence showed the league a lot. He wasn't getting sheltered backup-goalie starts against weak teams. He was performing at a high level against the best in the NHL. He doesn't have a long track record, but his numbers are tremendous.

40 in 2 months, I think MSL had a pretty good season. Not sure what you guys are expecting for a guy his age.

In comment 12244440 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Quote: He's a class act. Except when he became a distraction in the TB locker room towards the end of his stint, obviously.

Okay, he's been a class act here. I was not following his foibles in Tampa.

Victor, I still like the guy a lot despite thinking his TB exit was douchey.

RinR: Not a 20%+ drop off in production the year following the trade.

He's kind of a specialist at this point because he's really, really bad defensively. His minutes have to be restricted and sheltered....but he still has a shot that has to be respected. Even given his struggles and missing some time with injury this year, he still tied for second on the team in goals.

In comment 12244164 Aloha Alan said:

Quote:

in the waning moments I was appalled at what I saw. I saw deliberate cross-checking on one of our players in the crease and I swore I saw Kunitz flash a skate into Lunquist's chest to push him out of the way.

Not to mention the elbow Crosby popped Lundquist with. He also popped a defenseman, don't remember which one.

I know the Rangers should stay out of short handed situations, but maybe a little retaliation is necessary.

if Klein is a go?

O'Connor: No team is signing him to be a starter next season; I doubt he even gets a 100% roster commitment. He's almost certainly better off developing on a good team with a great goalie coach and a starter who will probably target 20-25 games off per season. That said, ignoring Allaire he's probably better off going somewhere that doesnt have as many young goalies in the pipeline as NY. Thought I really doubt that either of the 2014 draftees is in Hartford next season.

MSL: I'd give him 2-3 million to resign, which would be a bargain for a guy who scores like he does. Buch will be better off seeing first line minutes in KHL/AHL. I think we need to clear out 1-2 dmen. Boyle if possible, and Klein if we can get a late #1. We need to make space for Allen, McIlrath, and Skjei, and we cant pay $3-6 million for every dman. If not Klein then it has to be Yandle (I'd rather convert one of the LHDs to RD though).

Klein + Talbot to EDM for Pittsburgh's #1 would be a decent move for us. I'd want EDM to add something else. Or in my dreams, those two plus Hagelin for Draisaitl.


Centers: I cant even conceive of an argument where Brassard is better than Stepan. They may be of near equal value offensively, but Brass plays sheltered minutes and nowhere near the defense of Stepan.

In comment 12244567 RinR said:

Quote:

if Klein is a go?

Hunwick

Klein won't play tonight I don't think but it does sound like he's getting pretty close. I am sticking to my Game 5 timetable.

........

MSL isn't done, it's just not prudent for the Rangers to pay him more than ~2.5-3 tops next year given the alternatives.

If he feels he is worth more than that (and he probably is worth slightly more), he'll have to decide whether he wants to re-locate again, take less or call it a career.

Need to see the Rangers continue with another strong game. Not worried about MSL or Nash at this point. More interested in seeing Miller and Fast continue to show jump and energy. Their lines have been the best two lines for the Rangers and both of them are the reason why.

LGR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lucky bounce.

by Hayes to Yandle started that whole mess.

Boyle created a screen on Lundqvist

Get back to it

.

for his production and what will be yet another year older. I'd rather pay others like Hagelin.

He's a proud guy so he may take his "leadership" skills over to Brooklyn or up to Boston (if the B's have any cap space). Is what it is - its a business, Marty knows that.

.

tie it up here on the PP.

with a wide open Yandle in prime scoring position and they can't even get a shot off. Puck comes back down the other end ....

and of course his stick explodes

this PP his. Only scoring chance came for Pittsburgh

.

and wasted 2 minutes.

with the power play.

dog shit so far.

Our Richards for these playoffs

WAKE THE FUCK UP!!!

U-G-L-Y

Long ways to go in this one but.. we really need to fucking wake up.

So far

by Stepan. Come on, need to weather this storm

So the penalty is immediately called.

.

no good reason for a penalty like that one. C'mon Step!

point for the Rangers ... need a big kill here

Just destroyed him

Wake the fuck up.

whine for a penalty every time a penguin is touched. They learn from their cunt captain.

But we look like dog shit right now...losing races and battles, no crisp passes


Need to be a lot better against these twats

I know he has a point in each game, but he doesn't look anything like the dominating force he was in the regular season.

Letting the Pens dictate the game. Passing is off so far. But you get the feeling if the weather the storm it will turn around.

.

.

In comment 12244820 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

.

Cmon... Be real!

.

shoot the fucking puck!

.

JESUS TAP DANCING CHRIST

two embarrassing PPs once again.

that we had zero chance to score

.

No one wants to shoot. We try the same cross ice pass right in front of the crease on every single power play and 9 out of every 10 times, it gets deflected and cleared out.

.

well after we were actually in the zone, WTF?

In the playoffs this year?

Every year it's the same fucking thing no matter what we change




WHAT
THE
FUCK
IS
GOING
ON




FUUUUUUUC K

that hasn't already been said about the PP?! It's as bad as its been in I don't know how long. Jesus, it was better during the Torts years ...at least then they would throw the puck on net and crash it.

In comment 12244820 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

.

Nope.

Drive to the net

just asked me what the fuck is wrong with the Rangers? They need a little "Shoot the puck, Barry, shoot the fucking puck!"

How can this team not get up for a playoff game?

.

call there. Refs should lose a paycheck falling for that garbage from LaPierre

HOLY SHIT ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????

What a fucking POS dickbag move



I HATE this fucking team...what a loser

.

a guy for that garbage and it stops.

Including Crosby. Absolute fucking bush league garbage.

Fucking diving pussy bullshit

Ugh.

In the playoffs for YEARS now

shouldn't we expect the officials to call the non-existent shit to even things out.

Against that garbage..Its also on the refs, they obviously didn't see the play and just made a call based on his reaction.

.

down 1-0, regroup and we'll be fine. They dominated that period but we weathered the storm.

Hopefully the ref looks at that call in intermission

Bettman is in the building tonight...

worse. Rangers need to get their shit together and take back the play.

They've made theirs and it's helped.. now we need to counter. 1 goal deficit and 40 minutes to play. We just have to pick it up.

if this keeps up.

that shit period is over! I hope to hell they can come out in the 2nd and at least appear interested.

We have seen from this team in a long while. 2 SOG in 20 fucking minutes??? Thats just embarrassing.

the garbage from that bitch lapierre better piss them off.

Looking like the Canadiens diving and falling all over the ice.

Let's fuckin go

.

Too much bellyaching over one player. It's a team sport and we'll win if we play better. Nash isn't even playing terribly.

And give a game misconduct to get rid of that shit in our game.

Classic

through the neutral zone have been atrocious, can we put one on the fucking tape please

didn't know how to play winning so many faceoffs

.

Come on

just got home. Had DVR'd the game and was going to watch on an hour delay, but when I turned on the TV its was the live game. Not gonna watch the first now. Fuck.

PP. Rut roh.

Drive to the net

My gosh

From now on? It's just embarrassing to watch.

Its pass, pass, pass, turnover, other team gets a shot, pass, pass, pass, shoot wide....

.

is in charge of the power play should be fired, they make zero adjustments. Same shit every time

I don't care what you tell me Pitt is doing on the PK you have a man advantage, you have to find a way to get a shot through, period!

And now we take a penalty.

He had the initial pass deep and passed it back out with defenders not in position.

we've put out there in months. No one has any urgency

keep taking penalties. We score more when we're full strength.

Had to bury that

.

.

had more time and space there. Have to get that one on net at minimum, if he attacks the net it's basically 2 on 0

Finally

Summarizes tonight in a nutshell so far--inexplicably bad

... outplay a team but only have a 1 goal lead ... time to make the Penns pay for allowing Rangers to remain in this game

Zero puck luck.

Have to put one past.

They're skating

Its unreal. Boyle had a clean look and sent it 10 ft wide.

their game a bit here. Let's go boys!

.

going to score soon

In comment 12244953 MookGiants said:

Quote:

going to score soon

Ok, i got Zucs

spacing on that 3-2 allowed one defensemen to cover 2 guys

.

Hit thr net

Kreider puts it wide as well.

.

.

1-1

The Yinz killer!

Brassard stuffs it in!!

FINALLY!!!!!!!!

Crash the UGLY Net

and suddenly they score and turn the game around

LGR!!!!!!!!!!

Nice boys.

PLEASE no penalties ... Rangers don't need any damn PP

.

And pass from MSL. Couldnt finish though.

.

Looking better and better. Passing is crisper..

Awful

Rangers will need more of those types of efforts near the net when rebounds come free

For the first 30 minutes of that game. In a playoff game no less. Wow, awful.

But at least the found their legs and tied it up. Damn this is a huge opportunity they've got here. Gotta come out flying in the 3rd

In comment 12244988 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

Awful

Terrible game to watch. The amount of hooking is ridiculous on both sides.

All that matters is that we score one more goal than they do in the next 20 minutes (hopefully no longer than that)

.

In comment 12245000 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

Own goal?

In comment 12245007 Deej said:

Quote:

In comment 12245000 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: . Own goal?

Don't you dare!

.

He will bury one very soon, I feel it.

got hit right in the mouth, should have sold it like LaPierre did when he didn't even get hit

Too close

they are getting going, they ice it.

And I have a feeling the game winner won't be any different

Please

pos who doesn't give a crap if he gives the puck away

Zuc or St Louis are even getting ice time?

Jesus, that was it.

2 prime scoring chances ...

.

in that scrum ...

In comment 12245059 nygmen84 said:

Quote:

Jesus, that was it.

Puck looked like it jumped over his stick.

Pucks jumping over sticks regularly for us.

all series. Ugh!

they better not call anything else in this game.

I'd be thrilled

Zuc stinks and I'm getting sick of his soft play and waste of 4+million. I hope he proves me wrong!!!

But with that being said, he hasn't been very good.

Zuc

Wow..

there in the last minute

shot did not miss by much.

Henrik with a very risky play there, would prefer he stays in his net, if the pens get to that puck they are going to have a poor angle

Great play.

Win this one and forget it even happened

Throw a dagger in their chest!

Pens taking away a lot of the things we like to do offensively.

Send this crowd home silent.

In comment 12245102 nygmen84 said:

Quote:

Great play.

Close. Very close. OT win!

LETS GO RANGERS

In 4 games playing against 4 minor league defensemen and 2 'top pair' guys that would struggle to make a 2nd pair on 20 teams. I could understand a game or two lull but this is disconcerting.

Somebody step up and play hero. Enough of this shit. My money is on Brass-Balls. Almost by default - Nobody else has 'em. But as long as someone decides to stop fucking around with this shit opponent I'm happy.

Let's fuckin' go.

Dan Girard. Baller

He's going to be back out there

WE DID IT!

Chicken, please!!!!!

.

.

I knew he would get one!!!! Fuck yeah!!

HAYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

.

What a play by Hagelin to create the pressure and we're up 3-1 in the series

FUCK YOU SINDY! AND FUCK YOU, MAXIPAD!


FUCK YES!


WE'RE COMING HOME!

!!!

HAYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha.

Rangers win!

Paul Martin had a great view to watch that play. His teammates probably would have preferred that he man up on Hayes.

Let's close this bitch out on Friday night!

HAHAHA!!!

playing a playoff game on the road against a team in a must win situation and that team scores first ... Rangers go on to shut Pittsburgh out the rest of the way ... get their legs back under them ... emotionally gut it out ... and then put it fucking away in OT

Call it what you want ... I call it great grit and determination ... a great game and a great win!

Doesn't have to be pretty to count!!!


Close these fucks out on Friday !!!!

a goal tonight. Great prediction.

Boys dug deep and came out after a bad 1st period.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He played well tonight.

Suck it, Yinz

Another notch.

Ultimate goal in mind.

In comment 12245177 RDJR said:

Quote:

He played well tonight.

Agreed. Much better effort than in the other three.

after escaping the 1st down 1 and not playing their best hockey it would come down to this.

Back to MSG to stick the final dagger into their heart!

another phenomenal outing

and beyond.

He has been great this post season.

when your team is in the game is by far the most nerve racking thing in sports as a fan, not even a close second. I love it but hate it at the same time.

Now the Blackhawks game last night that was awesome in every way, no nerves just enjoying the hell out of a great game.

My 9:50 was the inspiration.

Tampa still clear front runners

(You are welcome brett and deej)!

Let's see that third puzzle piece!!

Tough shot for the winner!

has been the best player on the ice. Unbelievable performance so far.

In comment 12245030 nygmen84 said:

Quote:

He will bury one very soon, I feel it.

ill just leave this here.

With an "Excuse me while I touch the sky."

Al!

Just wasn't a lot of room to make pretty plays. Just glad we got it and finally were able to take command of a series

The guy just goes down in a crumpled heap and regenerates like it's nothing.

We should do the Igloo's staff a favor and give them the day off. Finish things Friday night and start the weekend right.

In comment 12245204 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

The guy just goes down in a crumpled heap and regenerates like it's nothing.

Dude is a beast.

I assumed he was hurt. Top 5 players dont just disappear like he has this series. But now I read that he isnt hurt? IS that right? If so, I could see this being the beginning of the end for him in Pittsburgh. He has been a JAG this series.

In comment 12245192 nygmen84 said:

Quote:

He has been great this post season.

Better ice the heck out of that calf.

In comment 12245204 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

The guy just goes down in a crumpled heap and regenerates like it's nothing.

He's an anvil jawed cyborg ...

Now close this fucker out on Friday night

Love that they took 2 in Pitt. Love it!

any ... there weren't many ... and I think the greater 5x5 play made a BIG difference

In comment 12245194 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

My 9:50 was the inspiration. Tampa still clear front runners (You are welcome brett and deej)! Let's see that third puzzle piece!!

Tampa may not get past Detroit...

In comment 12245212 Deej said:

Quote:

I assumed he was hurt. Top 5 players dont just disappear like he has this series. But now I read that he isnt hurt? IS that right? If so, I could see this being the beginning of the end for him in Pittsburgh. He has been a JAG this series.

The intermission guys said he's hurting - think it was Milbury.

They are going to lose last year as a rallying cry if they win and think they can return the favor. Can't give them any hope. We are the better team - everyone knows it. Bury them.

Unlike last year they have nothing to hold onto.
-their gm is getting fired
-no one's mom is dying
-their coach may get replaced too
-they have 2 nhl defensemen, maybe 3 if I'm generous
-malkin isn't close to 100%

Their only rallying cry is that gretzky called mcdavid the best prospect in 30 years - eg better than crosby and malkin

Fuck them. Bury them.

In comment 12245212 Deej said:

Quote:

I assumed he was hurt. Top 5 players dont just disappear like he has this series. But now I read that he isnt hurt? IS that right? If so, I could see this being the beginning of the end for him in Pittsburgh. He has been a JAG this series.

He's hurt. He has to be. He has no burst, can't stay on the puck and is just a complete non factor. World class, elite forwards like him don't just disappear like this in the playoffs when they're healthy.

In comment 12245193 MookGiants said:

Quote:

when your team is in the game is by far the most nerve racking thing in sports as a fan, not even a close second. I love it but hate it at the same time. Now the Blackhawks game last night that was awesome in every way, no nerves just enjoying the hell out of a great game.

So true. I don't care if football is your favorite sport, and it is for me, nothing compares to NHL postseason hockey and sudden death playoff hockey is just ridiculously stressful and exciting. I was literally chewing on my shirt collar for most of the 3rd and all of OT.

hope Ottawa steals a game at Bell Centre, Detroit puts Tampa in a deeper hole and the Isles and Caps destroy each other

In comment 12245230 djm said:

Quote:

In comment 12245193 MookGiants said: Quote: when your team is in the game is by far the most nerve racking thing in sports as a fan, not even a close second. I love it but hate it at the same time. Now the Blackhawks game last night that was awesome in every way, no nerves just enjoying the hell out of a great game. So true. I don't care if football is your favorite sport, and it is for me, nothing compares to NHL postseason hockey and sudden death playoff hockey is just ridiculously stressful and exciting. I was literally chewing on my shirt collar for most of the 3rd and all of OT.

This is true; nerve racking experience. Last year was a killer.

Great win in OT!

Quote:

World class, elite forwards like him don't just disappear like this in the playoffs when they're healthy.

Goddamnit!


Yes!

- hudson

Malkin is a much better player than Nash.

for friday announced yet? Going to see Garth Brooks and hope ill be able to at least catch some of the game depending on time.

.

You'd think that a team that dives and cries and fakes and whines it's way to winning games would at least score a goal.

Maybe they can persuade Bettman to acquire LaPierre to remind them how to flop all over the ice, instigate fights without actually fighting and play like an asshole. Seems right up the Habs alley.

I still believe nash is waiting for just the right moment. Kings wasn't it.

Islanders series? He's pulling a messier moment. There's no way he's not.

One more win boys... My analytical mind says caps is slightly easier opponent - and I mean slightlier - as a fan and as a season ticket holder who could get 1500 a pair - islanders baby x a few games...

In comment 12245269 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

.

Bah, was hoping for 8

as a Giants win or a playoff NHL win especially in OT. Like a massive weight is lifted off your shoulders.

End this next game. 5-1.

In comment 12245301 SethFromAstoria said:

Quote:

End this next game. 5-1.

+1 yet maybe the whole Rangers team can take a Pens flop/dive at once prior to the horn sounding.

in the third, the puck bouncing, rolling toward the empty net, Henrik out of position, it was slow motion torture, like seeing your life pass in front of you in out-of-body clarity, before G-man swooped in and whisked it away....it looked gruesome before the saviour. Then Hayes. Pretty cool.

And next year's pairings will be:

McDonagh---Girardi
Yandle---Klein
Skjei/Hunwick (I hope they re-sign him)/FA signing---Boyle


But we'll get to that in a few months!

That Girardi swipe

In comment 12245358 Anakim said:

Quote:

And next year's pairings will be: McDonagh---Girardi Yandle---Klein Skjei/Hunwick (I hope they re-sign him)/FA signing---Boyle But we'll get to that in a few months!

dude...what??

Staal is fantastic. Hunwick is a very nice 7th defenseman. They aren't dealing Staal. You want to make a real financial bet on that?

Say what??? They just fucking signed him to a long term contract. Why on earth would they want to deal him. Did a puck come though the TV and hit you in the head? This team is built on strong defense that can move the puck and get involved in the offense. You don't trade that away.

I don't get MSG on my cable but I do have the center ice package for the regular season so I see all the games. And center ice does not contractually give you the home town feed. So I watched it on NBCSN with Doc Emerick and Pierre McGuire.

It was nauseating. McGuire it seemed was so rooting for the Penguins. I know he was an assistant there a few years back when the won a couple of cups but man oh man it was all Penguins all night.

The Rangers will contend the next 3-4 years because in large part of McDonagh, Girardi & Staal. You want to trade Staal????

In comment 12245390 blueblood'11 said:

Quote:

I don't get MSG on my cable but I do have the center ice package for the regular season so I see all the games. And center ice does not contractually give you the home town feed. So I watched it on NBCSN with Doc Emerick and Pierre McGuire. It was nauseating. McGuire it seemed was so rooting for the Penguins. I know he was an assistant there a few years back when the won a couple of cups but man oh man it was all Penguins all night.

I agree. He was shitting on the Rangers all night. It was awful to listen to.

Boyle is (assuming he waives the nmc)

Other teams will be interested in the two time Cup champion.

How about when Pierre said the Rangers were lucky the Lundqvist was on his game. I had to laugh. The other night when Fluery was standing on his head it was because he was square to the net. Better then the year before. Tracking the puck. Yada yada yada. How lucky were the Pens. If not for that night the series would be over.

In comment 12245265 arcarsenal said:

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Malkin is a much better player than Nash.

I know what you were getting at, it was just too easy.

I do consider Nash elite - just not top five like Malkin. I think you're right about his injury.

How about talking about how the Rangers have neutralized the great Crosby. And stop it already with the Penguins injuries to their defense. What was their excuse last year. They guys they are putting on the ice aren't exactly chopped liver.

And my God enough with how poor the Rangers power play is. Take a fucking look around the playoffs. No one is exactly lightening the lamp with any regularity. Hey Pierre, the Penguins power play isn't anything to write home about either.

In comment 12245271 MetsAreBack said:

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I still believe nash is waiting for just the right moment. Kings wasn't it. Islanders series? He's pulling a messier moment. There's no way he's not. One more win boys... My analytical mind says caps is slightly easier opponent - and I mean slightlier - as a fan and as a season ticket holder who could get 1500 a pair - islanders baby x a few games...

I think the Islanders are a terrible match-up for the Rangers when they're playing well. The Capitals are just a pain in the ass, but I think the Rangers would win that one with a bit of breathing room.

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They guys they are putting on the ice aren't exactly chopped liver.

Yes, they are.

Chopped liver is fucking delicious.

.

against this "chopped liver" defense. Is what it is. Happy to be up 3-1 when the team isnt playing all that well. Hopefully saving our best hockey for the later rounds.

The officiating (and to be fair, a good system by the Penguins) has been stifling what the Rangers do best. They generated more scoring chances last night, but the puck still needs to go in the net.

It's really unfortunate - the Rangers and Penguins both play an exciting brand of hockey and the clutching and grabbing allowed (again, on both sides) made last night (outside of OT) one of the more boring hockey games this post-season.

...and a crappy power play are staples of every Rangers playoff game/series these days.

Both frustrating, but.. in the end, more often than not this team just finds a way. They've been doing it all year and did it last year as well for the most part (fuck LA)

Above all, I want WSH/NYI to go 7 but I'd prefer to play the Caps. They play heavy and hit hard but I think the Rangers are much faster and more skilled and should be able to get past them. You never know with the Islanders Not really a fan of the matchup but that team does seem to have a knack for being unable to seal the deal and teams who can't finish games aren't long for the playoffs.

They also showed that Nash is killing them with his Claude Rains act.

Anakim, are you nuts? They are not trading Staal.

Isles are not going to be an easy out if they get by the Caps.

In comment 12245395 MetsAreBack said:

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Boyle is (assuming he waives the nmc) Other teams will be interested in the two time Cup champion.

Very clever.

It would be smart to trade either Staal or Girardi in the next season or two, but it's not likely. They should have signed one or the other to a big multiyear extension, but not both.

In comment 12245390 blueblood'11 said:

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I don't get MSG on my cable but I do have the center ice package for the regular season so I see all the games. And center ice does not contractually give you the home town feed. So I watched it on NBCSN with Doc Emerick and Pierre McGuire. It was nauseating. McGuire it seemed was so rooting for the Penguins. I know he was an assistant there a few years back when the won a couple of cups but man oh man it was all Penguins all night.

Just be thankful that Letang is out otherwise you'd hear the ridiculous repeated reference to "Kristopher" Letang with a great defensive read or "Kristopher" Letang with a beautiful rush up ice and "Kristopher" Letang with an incredible stretch pass. It's "Kristopher" Letang this, "Kristopher Letang that all fucking game long when everyone else refers to him as Kris. Pierre's so insufferably impressed with himself it's a distraction every time he's part of a broadcast.

obsession with calling him Kristopher

wouldn't be complete without an Anak Special. Well done little guy!

If these guys close this out tomorrow night we could be in for something special this year. It's always been done the hard way. They usually lose that game last night en route to the inevitable Game 7. Close it out, rest up and let the Stix and Scum from DC murder each other for a few more games.

And i don't mind Doc and Eddie so much. But Pierre - with his smarmy look, bitch glasses, weird pedo-stare and little Penguins ring he wears because he used to clean out the jock straps - is a fucking clownshow. You can tell even the players think he's a bag o dicks.

In comment 12245516 B in ALB said:

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You can tell even the players think he's a bag o dicks.

His own players certainly did in his brief, disasterous tenure as a head coach:

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n a blistering post-mortem, captain Pat Verbeek called McGuire's firing the best thing that could have happened to the Whalers. He said other teams mocked their coach. He said his own teammates had no respect for McGuire. He said a number of players wouldn't have wanted to play in Hartford anymore. Is Verbeek telling the truth? It sure looks that way. Every player and every non-skating member of the Whalers does not have the financial luxury or the courage to speak on the record as Verbeek and Sean Burke have. But in the past six weeks, we spoke to no fewer than 20 people --from all areas of the organization. The support for McGuire was almost nonexistent. It turns out that it wasn't only the players. It was almost everybody. And once owner Richard Gordon was convinced of the facts, McGuire was out.

Link - ( New Window )

Staal has a full NMC his first three years. They literally just gave him the deal a little over 3 months ago.

So I've watched every game this series with the national broadcast. Pierre has been slobbing the Pens' knobs the entire series, to the point where I've had to mute the game. You'd think the Pens won the Presidents' Trophy and the Rangers were the 8 seed just happy to be there by his yammering.

I enjoyed reading about him wildly smashing sticks in the lockerroom and his claim that no other NHL coach can "outwit me." The guy is a punchline.

Another excerpt:

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Once when he was an assistant coach, McGuire bragged about his strategy to shut down Mario Lemieux. This was after a 7-3 loss and four goals by Kevin Stevens. On the bench, players said McGuire would taunt the other team, saying he couldn't believe the opposing coach was allowing him certain line matchups. This braggadocio led Pittsburgh's Jaromir Jagr to mock McGuire in December. McGuire got Jagr for an illegal stick, and after Jagr jumped out of the penalty box, he scored on a breakaway. Although he had scored big goals in two Stanley Cup championships, Jagr called this overtime goal the biggest of his life because he humbled ``that know-it-all.''

but I like Pierre.

He was down on both teams last night, definitely wasn't one sided against the Rangers. The game was pretty damn ugly for most of it

In comment 12245529 BrettNYG10 said:

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Staal has a full NMC his first three years. They literally just gave him the deal a little over 3 months ago.

Not sure when we can make trades, but didnt Philly trade Carter and/or Richards after signing them to extensions with NTC/NMCs, but before they deals kicked in?

Im not saying Staal will be traded. Just saying it may be technically possible. What I would do is move McDonagh or Staal (probably the former) to RD and pair that guy with Yandle. I dont see how Yandle can be the #3 LD next season.

In comment 12245601 MookGiants said:

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but I like Pierre. He was down on both teams last night, definitely wasn't one sided against the Rangers. The game was pretty damn ugly for most of it

He can get annoying at times but I don't mind him. The guy obviously knows a ton of hockey info

In comment 12245367 SethFromAstoria said:

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In comment 12245358 Anakim said: Quote: And next year's pairings will be: McDonagh---Girardi Yandle---Klein Skjei/Hunwick (I hope they re-sign him)/FA signing---Boyle But we'll get to that in a few months! dude...what?? Staal is fantastic. Hunwick is a very nice 7th defenseman. They aren't dealing Staal. You want to make a real financial bet on that?

Gentleman's bet. You're on. And I never said Staal wasn't fantastic. Financially, I think he's getting dealt in the offseason.

McGuirre may just be angling for a job.

Staal is not getting dealt. He's a centerpiece of this core.

In comment 12245656 Deej said:

Quote:

In comment 12245529 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Staal has a full NMC his first three years. They literally just gave him the deal a little over 3 months ago. Not sure when we can make trades, but didnt Philly trade Carter and/or Richards after signing them to extensions with NTC/NMCs, but before they deals kicked in? Im not saying Staal will be traded. Just saying it may be technically possible. What I would do is move McDonagh or Staal (probably the former) to RD and pair that guy with Yandle. I dont see how Yandle can be the #3 LD next season.

I'm not sure. I recall writers pointing out Girardi's no-trade kicked in immediately when he re-signed. Don't remember if Staal got the same.

Why does he have to be hurt?

Since the Pens won the Cup in '09, he has 18 goals in 51 playoff games. Projects to 28 goals over a full season; exactly what he had this year.

Not exactly elite player numbers.

Video the Preds made to try and lure Hayes (old video, but I've never seen it before).
Youtube - ( New Window )

Malkin is obviously missing a burst. It's not just about numbers.

In comment 12245843 RinR said:

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Why does he have to be hurt? Since the Pens won the Cup in '09, he has 18 goals in 51 playoff games. Projects to 28 goals over a full season; exactly what he had this year. Not exactly elite player numbers.

He's gone 9 games in a row now without registering a point. Since March 14th, he's registered 2 assists. That's it. He missed 2 weeks due to injury and pretty clearly hasn't been right since he's come back.

This is a career 1.20 PPG, elite player we are talking about and he has a 36 point post-season on his resume.

He's hurt. He's not even getting shots on goal in this series. He has 5 in 4 games. He's playing at like 70% speed. Just watch him on his shifts and it's plain as day.

No wonder he passed on Nashville.

It's funny seeing Stu Grimson looking so jovial and nonthreatening.

He's clearly not playing at full speed. He looks like he's sleepwalking.

And he's averaged over a PPG in his playoff career, including his previous two (a sample of 100 games).

He hasn't been himself over the last 5 post seasons.

He's averaged more than a point per game over his previous four postseasons cumulatively.

Incredibly stupid comment.

In comment 12245886 RinR said:

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He hasn't been himself over the last 5 post seasons.

Well, aside from this being wrong as it is.. just look at his shot attempts. How many post seasons did the guy average just a tick over ONE shot attempt per game?

The answer is none. He had 40 in 13 games last year, 60 in 15 the year before, 26 in 6, etc.. he had over 100 SOG in the playoffs the year they won the cup.

Even a guy like Nash who struggles with playoff point production still gets it on net. He led the league in shots in the playoffs last year despite scoring just 3 times in 25 games.

In comment 12245850 BrettNYG10 said:

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Video the Preds made to try and lure Hayes (old video, but I've never seen it before). Youtube - ( New Window )

Never seen it before either. Thanks for sharing.

Kinda funny how calm, cool and collected Stu Grimmson appears. Bi-Polar?

In comment 12245781 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 12245656 Deej said: Quote: In comment 12245529 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Staal has a full NMC his first three years. They literally just gave him the deal a little over 3 months ago. Not sure when we can make trades, but didnt Philly trade Carter and/or Richards after signing them to extensions with NTC/NMCs, but before they deals kicked in? Im not saying Staal will be traded. Just saying it may be technically possible. What I would do is move McDonagh or Staal (probably the former) to RD and pair that guy with Yandle. I dont see how Yandle can be the #3 LD next season. I'm not sure. I recall writers pointing out Girardi's no-trade kicked in immediately when he re-signed. Don't remember if Staal got the same.

IDK, but I don't know how they're going to be able to re-sign Stepan and Hagelin, and then Kreider, Miller and Yandle down the line unless they unload some salary.

In comment 12245909 Giants2012 said:

Quote:

In comment 12245850 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Video the Preds made to try and lure Hayes (old video, but I've never seen it before). Youtube - ( New Window ) Never seen it before either. Thanks for sharing. Kinda funny how calm, cool and collected Stu Grimmson appears. Bi-Polar?

Apparently he was always a thoughtful, intelligent guy off the ice.

In comment 12245757 MetsAreBack said:

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McGuirre may just be angling for a job.

I tried calling into WFAN a few days ago because Beningo was going on and on about all this pressure on the Rangers and why he was scared of this playoff tourney. His reasoning for fear was the Rangers have more pressure on them than any other team and no one expects Pitt to win. Fucking horse shit. Every team has pressure on them. IN some way the Rangers may have less pressure than others because even if the Rangers disappoint in this postseason no one is getting fired. No one is getting cut in the off-season. Such a lazy and defeatist attitude from Beningo. He's so used to failure the guy will literally condemn one of his teams for being too good. I wanted to call in and cite that the Pitt organization is under immense pressure right now---but I thought otherwise and went on with wasting all day on BBI.

In comment 12245906 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

In comment 12245886 RinR said: Quote: He hasn't been himself over the last 5 post seasons. Well, aside from this being wrong as it is.. just look at his shot attempts. How many post seasons did the guy average just a tick over ONE shot attempt per game? The answer is none. He had 40 in 13 games last year, 60 in 15 the year before, 26 in 6, etc.. he had over 100 SOG in the playoffs the year they won the cup. Even a guy like Nash who struggles with playoff point production still gets it on net. He led the league in shots in the playoffs last year despite scoring just 3 times in 25 games.

But his shots are increasingly from the perimeter as the play gets tougher.

It sounds like Pierre is his lover. And also the OHL, CHL, WHL, shit.


I expect him to call Sindy "Poo Bear" or some shit like that

In comment 12245919 Anakim said:

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IDK, but I don't know how they're going to be able to re-sign Stepan and Hagelin, and then Kreider, Miller and Yandle down the line unless they unload some salary.

Boyle walking the season Yandle comes free plus probably one other $3-6 million guy coming off the roster does it; A lot will depend on the Loonie. I think Klein is the guy to trade, since I want his roster spot for McIlrath/Skjei/Allen/cheap vet #6/7 dman. But at least one of MSL, Hagelin, Yandle, Boyle (NMC), or Klein has got to come off the roster this offseason. Boyle is the only one of the NMC guys I think you could reasonably expect to waive, since you could convince him that he'd be a 6/7 dman here. Staal, DG, and Zucc took discounts to stay.

In comment 12246059 Deej said:

Quote:

In comment 12245919 Anakim said: Quote: IDK, but I don't know how they're going to be able to re-sign Stepan and Hagelin, and then Kreider, Miller and Yandle down the line unless they unload some salary. Boyle walking the season Yandle comes free plus probably one other $3-6 million guy coming off the roster does it; A lot will depend on the Loonie. I think Klein is the guy to trade, since I want his roster spot for McIlrath/Skjei/Allen/cheap vet #6/7 dman. But at least one of MSL, Hagelin, Yandle, Boyle (NMC), or Klein has got to come off the roster this offseason. Boyle is the only one of the NMC guys I think you could reasonably expect to waive, since you could convince him that he'd be a 6/7 dman here. Staal, DG, and Zucc took discounts to stay.

Klein is making 3 million per. That's extremely reasonable for a second-pairing RHD, which he is. I think it would be a mistake to trade him.

I'm sure they will try to trade Boyle, but I don't know how much a 40-year old D will net. The 4.5 M off the books will help us re-sign Yandle. We also have to sign Hagelin this offseason, and we have to extend Stepan, Kreider and Miller. Those are musts. Plus, knowing Sather, he's gonna want to make some signings. I mean Sather not doing anything during FA period is like Rosie O'Donnell at a buffet and not eating.

The most obvious way to free up money is to trade one of Staal or Girardi. Both will have great value around the league.

but in no way shape or form am I trading Staal. I'd just as soon trade Girardi if I had to choose.

I don't even want to think about that for 4-5 months.

What is your plan for the NMCs? Just ignore them?

spent most of the season at the RD3, not RD2. And I recall he kind of struggled at RD2 paired with Staal.

In comment 12246390 Deej said:

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What is your plan for the NMCs? Just ignore them?

Ha ha

i can recall a time this season when Klein was even average. He had a breakout year and was great in nearly every game. He's one of the team's most consistent and impact players this year

He's one of the best contracts on the whole team.

It would need to be a good haul. Not the kind of player I'm trading away just to make some space.

He was a disaster defensively early in the season when Boyle got hurt and he was FORCED to play 2nd pair minutes. I cant hunt for every bad game writeup, but using Blueshirt Banter as my way back machine:

Quote:

I like Kevin Klein as a third pairing defenseman. Last night should be all the proof you need, however, that he is absolutely not a second pairing defenseman. My word did that pairing (Marc Staal on the other side) look bad. I'm not sure how much blame I'm able to assess to Staal, since on at least two of the Blue Jackets goals it was Klein who was out of position and unable to contain the forward.

10/12

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While Kostka was the main problem, the entire defense looks bad. Ryan McDonagh has looked bad the past two games. Dan Girardi has been shaky. Marc Staal -- who I'm giving a minor pass because of his linemates -- hasn't been solid. Kevin Klein has imploded on the second pairing. A lot of this can be fixed with McDonagh and Girardi finding their game -- and Boyle will really help steady the top four and push Klein back to the third pairing where he belongs -- but right now it's bad.

10/15

If I recall correctly, then the goals for him started pouring in, and we kind of forgot about the defensive problems (which persisted on and off until Boyle returned). Once Boyle was back, he and Klein split the 2nd pair role and Klein's defensive game really settled down.

In comment 12245732 Kyle in NY said:

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In comment 12245601 MookGiants said: Quote: but I like Pierre. He was down on both teams last night, definitely wasn't one sided against the Rangers. The game was pretty damn ugly for most of it He can get annoying at times but I don't mind him. The guy obviously knows a ton of hockey info

I used to cut him some slack, but he's a dickhead and he superfluously lauded everything the Pens were doing last night. Even when the Rangers turned it on in the 3rd.

As Pierre (many years apart). What a douche.

he always looked good to me. In both zones.

your boy just got a free ticket to tomorrows game! My co-worker is a model, some guy is taking her and her friend out (ostensibly to try and get in her pants), and the fourth person in the party bailed so she invited me to come.

super stoked on this.

and get real with some stinky pinky after Nasher scores tomorrow night. Then. And only then. Will we be impressed.

In comment 12246476 SethFromAstoria said:

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he always looked good to me. In both zones.

I actually dont think he's been all that good defensively at any point this season. Steady at his best -- but that is when he could get a lot of time as a RD3 with fairly sheltered minutes. When he was forced to play 20 minutes as a RD3 early in the season, it was not good. You may just not be remembering that because he quickly became a folk hero with the wrist shot.

I recall Klein struggling a bit when on the second pair, but I thought he was a top four dman for the Preds before. Could've just been a bad stretch.

And his offense this year is unlikely to be replicated.

Might not take long to hate them.

In comment 12246676 BrettNYG10 said:

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I recall Klein struggling a bit when on the second pair, but I thought he was a top four dman for the Preds before. Could've just been a bad stretch. And his offense this year is unlikely to be replicated.

Agree on his offense. Klein was a RD2 in Nashville two seasons ago, when he was 28. Last year Seth Jones was their RD2, so Klein fell to RD3, though I wouldnt read a ton into that. It was a lost season in Nashville due to the Rinne injury, and maybe Jones would have been the RD3 on a competitive team. Im not looking to run Klein out of town -- just thinking that he is relatively expendable. Sather is good trader. I think Klein + Talbot in a package to EDM makes a lot of sense.

Meanwhile, a few of our Islander friends are really embarrassing themselves on their thread:

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Time The 12th Man : 9:15 pm : link : reply To take 1 or 2 of their guys out

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at this point Mike in NY : 9:18 pm : link : reply Let someone like Manbearpig take a run at Backstrom or Ovechkin

I'd like to think they're just kidding.

I definitely see your point. I like Klein, but his peak year may yield an attractive return. Thanks for the background info from his time in Nashville.

Islander fans are idiots. Dumbest fan base in sports.

'A nice two-hander, the games over anyway'.

Surprised we haven't seen anything.

I've never heard someone whine as much as he does. Everything the Capitals do is some egregious, uncalled penalty that is taking advantage of the rules or bending the rules.. it's just unbearable.

And for what it's worth, Michelletti is annoying in his own right so it's not even some anti-Islander bias. The guy is just fucking terrible and unlistenable. He's such a crybaby.

Goring sounds drunk, which only exacerbates how terrible he is.

Joe is a master of providing zero insight ever.

Not surprising that the islanders would have a D level guy like him on their broadcast

The broadcasters listed were Chris King and 2 college students. That's amazing if true.

You haven't had to endure Craig Laughlin for over two goddamned decades now.

In comment 12246717

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Islander fans are idiots. Dumbest fan base in sports.

Well, not those of us that are part of the Illuminati. Besides, you have seen Eagles, Cowboys, Skins and Saints fans, no?

And I don't believe in willfully inflicting injury. But when there's a battle in the corner, near the crease, or in a situation where you can lay a clean and legal check, you have to set the tone (and the Isles did not tonight).

Greg, I also have long said the same..."Locker" has taken a few too many elbows to the "coconut" and should probably shut 'er down.

How can a man with a voice that sounds like that have a job on television for so long?

(How's that for alliteration?)

Overcomes the concussion-addled singsong tones of Locker.

.

In comment 12246754 Greg from LI said:

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You haven't had to endure Craig Laughlin for over two goddamned decades now.

He's gotten worse the past few seasons. He now never shuts up, and is so so much a whinner.