Both teams played a similar style in game one, but the Rangers looked better doing it....now we see if TB decides to try and get more physical to switch it up.
The smacks of a classic NYR Game 2. Game 1 was a bit too easy, score notwithstanding.
I still dont have a handle on Tampa. I thought they looked terrible in game 1 and were bailed out by Bishop and luck. Game 1 should have been a 2-3 goal win.
That streak is going to end tonight. Just stay out of the penalty box and I really do not see this Lightning team beating us more than once or twice at most.
Both teams played a similar style in game one, but the Rangers looked better doing it....now we see if TB decides to try and get more physical to switch it up.
And I think that will play right into the Rangers hand... we have proven that we can play and succeed the physcal game.. I dont know if TB can play that type of game.
RE: And agree with Brett - a 10am thread start for an ECF game??
to have a bit more room to work and to be able to play the style we're most comfortable at. Thought our D did a great job, both shutting down their attack and then starting the rush the other way.
It does feel like a classic Rangers game 2 coming up after we left game 1 feeling a little too good. But let's have some faith that this group has found a good matchup and will come out strong tonight.
If Tampa tries playing us physical, they might as well just hand us the Prince of Wales now. They're dead in the water if they get away from their speed game because they don't have the horses to play heavy.
after the first period that we dominated, the 2nd and 3rd periods were more even. And they lost the game on a deflection off a knee with 2 minutes left.
By the way, the 1st goal we scored was all Kreider. Love the physical game he's playing in front of the net right now - at some point we're going to get called for interference, but its leading to goals. Keep it up #20
there are a ton of pics from the Canucks and Devils series
We can only hope that TB changes their style to a more physical game after 1 loss. They are not suited for that game (especially without Boyle) and it wreaks of desperation.
a competitive game. Agree, Kreider has been a force and is dominating his shifts. As is Kevin Hayes. Now if Nash can just get going they would be tough to stop with 3 bruising, skilled power forwards playing at a high level
Mats Zuccarello skated in full gear at Madison Square Garden this morning.
Probably a body double to keep the team and fans hopeful and morale up. No way a guy who had a stroke is in full gear skating around this soon.
Has it been reported that he had a stroke? Or are you just speculating that he did. All the best to Zucc if that was the case, scary stuff!
It was overheard by a friend of a fan who says he was at the Flying Puck and heard parents of Ranger players talking about it.. I totally believe that over the rumor that he's skating in full gear.
Probably just the NFL using the Rangers to test out some new injury protocol.
needs a job and could use a shave at the Flying puck too.
Although the NYTimes and every source is still guessing it was a concussion b/c you don't rule somebody out of back to back series immediately for a concussion which could clear up.
Rangers confirm that Ziccarello skated lightly today.
I dont know if "lightly" has an accepted meaning, but it implies that he's probably not back for Wednesday. My gut tells me that he wont fly so Sunday at the earliest. Based on my zero medical training.
about zucc are insane. He had a bad concussion and he's making his way back slowly. I can confirm he's actually alive and talking and cheering his team on at the games. My brother has been standing with him in the "Eyebrow" since his first "appearance" at the Garden. He may have had a bad concussion and may have had something worse than that but he's not dead or dying.
My brother is the dude in the suit who isn't zucc and slickly enters the picture Zucc Alive - ( New Window )
But, if anything, I think the media / beat reporters actually deserve some credit for being responsible on this situation. No info was shared by the Rangers, and for the most part they didn't force the issue, speculate wildly, or play a role in mongering any of the hideous rumors that were out there.
RE: I dont see Tampa coming out with major changes
after the first period that we dominated, the 2nd and 3rd periods were more even. And they lost the game on a deflection off a knee with 2 minutes left.
By the way, the 1st goal we scored was all Kreider. Love the physical game he's playing in front of the net right now - at some point we're going to get called for interference, but its leading to goals. Keep it up #20
could very well be...but in watching that game, despite the fact it was only a one goal difference, I thought the Rangers looked like the better team at that style, and if TB did try to add some muscle, they wouldn't be the first team to try it...
RE: Game 5 sounds like a reasonable timeframe for Zuccs
Boyle being back in TB's lineup will make for their team. We all know BB's game and he can be a difference maker out there, especially in the face-off circle.
According to the Lightning beat reporter, Boyle's equipment was
Stralman tells the Post, Honestly, all I wanted was to come back. I dont think the cap was an issue. Definitely not. I think they wanted to move in a different direction. Thats fine with me. The only disappointment that I had was that they shouldve told me, they couldve told me. Link - ( New Window )
The Stralman stuff is so weird, I'm not sure what to believe. I read this a few days ago..
Quote:
During the middle of last season Anton Stralman reportedly turned down a three-year offer from the Rangers that would have totaled $9 million.
The Rangers had reportedly been ready to offer Stralman a 3-4 year deal worth $4 million per season but talks did not go anywhere.
Stralman went to Free Agency and signed a Five-Year deal worth $4.5 million per season which was reportedly less than what he was asking from the Rangers.
Hard to tell what the truth actually is but it's a damn shame he's not still here. I don't know how that was botched. It seemed like such an obvious move to hold on to him.
RE: just in case some of you were getting too happy
Stralman tells the Post, Honestly, all I wanted was to come back. I dont think the cap was an issue. Definitely not. I think they wanted to move in a different direction. Thats fine with me. The only disappointment that I had was that they shouldve told me, they couldve told me. Link - ( New Window )
I read elsewhere that he gave the Rangers an offer and never heard back - he heard they signed Boyle and knew he was gone. His comments sort of hint that something like that occurred.
RE: According to the Lightning beat reporter, Boyle's equipment was
I think this ones on Sather and AV who are just so obsessed about power play QBs. also think maybe they assumed one of the kids in Hartford would be ready in two years when Boyle was up to fill in cheaply as our forwards ate up more cap space
but who knows - sucks he's not still here. he played really well for them Saturday.
once we win ours I'm fine with rangers south getting there's. all 3 of those guys gave everything they had here. but we need to get one first. those are my terms.
I think this ones on Sather and AV who are just so obsessed about power play QBs. also think maybe they assumed one of the kids in Hartford would be ready in two years when Boyle was up to fill in cheaply as our forwards ate up more cap space
but who knows - sucks he's not still here. he played really well for them Saturday.
once we win ours I'm fine with rangers south getting there's. all 3 of those guys gave everything they had here. but we need to get one first. those are my terms.
No. Fuck Ryan Callahan.
I've done some digging and apparently no one has a clue
what happened to Brian Boyle. The Lightning are saying nothing other than that "his status hasn't changed", and there aren't really even any rumors. There's a picture of him talking to Tampa's trainer during the morning skate, so there's some kind of injury, but who the hell knows what it is?
BTW - Jon Cooper says the Lightning need to be more aggresive and "knock some guys around"........oh YES! Please, please try to play like the Caps. That's not going to go well for Tampa.
especially when sather routinely fucks these guys when RFAs so he can afford to pay guys like Gomez and Redden
anyway I hate cally for the next two weeks ... no doubt... but not for his financial demands. he worked his ass off here, just not AVs type of player it seemed
But he seems to get an awful lot of positive press. A bit too much for a guy who doesn't have much of a track record whose team barely snuck past an aging Red Wings squad.
But he seems to get an awful lot of positive press. A bit too much for a guy who doesn't have much of a track record whose team barely snuck past an aging Red Wings squad.
I was wondering whether Yzerman would make a run at Babcock if TB got ousted in the first again. Would've been a ballsy move.
Doubt they'd have landed Babcock but the Islanders made a typically LOLIsles mistake by committing to retaining Fred Flintstone so early on. That team is in desperate need of better coaching.
Boyle being back in TB's lineup will make for their team. We all know BB's game and he can be a difference maker out there, especially in the face-off circle.
really curious to see what the depth half of TB's roster has. I thought their bottom 4 Ds did nothing particularly good, which when mixed with some bad means overall they were pretty bad. And the bottom 6 were completely irrelevant. They did nothing meaningful and I cant even name all the guys despite the fact that we just played them.
We know they have those two very good scoring lines. But the utter lack of physicality and depth play from Tampa's roster in game one was shocking.
It's kind of funny how huge the gap between the Rangers and other teams is in regards to depth when we're rolling Sheppard, Glass, and St. Louis' corpse out there.
I do think Boyle has played pretty well lately (roughly since the WSH game 1 debacle). Figure he's plenty motivated to play his old team too. He looked good in game 1.
I think Tyler Johnson is going to have an awfully hard time this series.
That's the problem with the Bolts. The depth is just not there. They only have 1 really "legit" defensive pairing and their bottom 6 are thoroughly average.
If McDonagh and Girardi can shut down Johnson, Palat and Kucherov and Staal can slow down Stamkos I just don't see where they're going to generate a whole lot of offense.
It's kind of funny how huge the gap between the Rangers and other teams is in regards to depth when we're rolling Sheppard, Glass, and St. Louis' corpse out there.
Sheppard is not a bad player at all. Glass has been much better the last 2+ months, particularly in the playoffs. And MSL is a shell of a 1st liner, but is a better than average bottom 6 guy.
Boyle being back in TB's lineup will make for their team. We all know BB's game and he can be a difference maker out there, especially in the face-off circle.
With the exception of the strike year, Boyle has been average to good at faceoffs. He's hardly a weapon from the dot. He's at 50.8% on the year. http://faceoffs.net/player/brian-boyle - ( New Window )
Fair enough. But I think we can agree that hes better at FO's than anybody we got right now outside of Moore. He doesnt have to be great to beat up on our C's.
It's kind of funny how huge the gap between the Rangers and other teams is in regards to depth when we're rolling Sheppard, Glass, and St. Louis' corpse out there.
Sheppard is not a bad player at all. Glass has been much better the last 2+ months, particularly in the playoffs. And MSL is a shell of a 1st liner, but is a better than average bottom 6 guy.
Sheppard's been a bit disappointing to me. Agreed on Glass. I was really concerned with the fourh line once Zucc went down, but they've played well.
But he seems to get an awful lot of positive press. A bit too much for a guy who doesn't have much of a track record whose team barely snuck past an aging Red Wings squad.
He is very open with the media from what I can tell. Guys who make it easy to write copy often get very good press treatment. AV doesnt say shit about shit, but since he's "classy" he's just a non-entity. Torts doesnt say anything and is a dick, so he gets shitty press treatment.
It's kind of funny how huge the gap between the Rangers and other teams is in regards to depth when we're rolling Sheppard, Glass, and St. Louis' corpse out there.
Sheppard is not a bad player at all. Glass has been much better the last 2+ months, particularly in the playoffs. And MSL is a shell of a 1st liner, but is a better than average bottom 6 guy.
Well maybe these forwards you listed above are playing great defense or whatever -- but we're only here at this point because of Hank, some breaks (Kreider game 5), and terrific D play.
It's not often you score 2 goals or fewer in 10 of 13 playoff games now and live to tell about it. Our depth offensively last year seemed more potent than it is this year.
I do think the O- has played better the last 3 or 4 games... maybe we're finally starting to get it going... but bottom line is we're still not putting the puck in the net all that often. People talk about how well Bishop played Saturday -- well, let's start being better than their guy.
Want to see 4 or 5 on the board for the Blueshirts tonight.
The Rangers are uncannily good at hitting posts or shooting wide when they have an empty net. Thankfully they've been getting so many chances that, even with their inability to finish, they are scoring enough to win. I'd love to see the boys go up 2-0 heading down to Tampa but that is not their traditional M.O. these days. They haven't had a 2-0 series lead since last year's ECF against the Habs.
as stress free as the last 90 seconds of Saturday were considering it was just a 1 goal game... was there any question we wouldnt pot the EN despite having almost 40 seconds in their zone to end the freakin game?
If I were coaching a team against the Rangers and was down a goal in the 3rd, I would seriously yank the goalie with around 4 minutes left.
Most teams should probably do that. Roy has the right idea.
I mostly agree, I think around 3 minutes if you're down a goal you should go with the extra skater. Most teams wait until just under the 2 minute mark. I wouldn't pull him with more than 3, though. At that point you're probably reducing your odds further.
Yeah, I think around three is the right number when you're down one. I have no data, obviously, but too many teams wait until there are about 100-120 seconds left to try and pull him - and often times have difficulty gaining puck possession and don't get him pulled until with less than a minute to go.
Then how do you explain his other 15 fuck ups this postseason? I thought it was obvious before the postseason started to keep Hagelin and let this guy walk... but his play has been so bad this postseason I'm not sure he gets an offer sheet from anyone in the NHL this summer.
Then how do you explain his other 15 fuck ups this postseason? I thought it was obvious before the postseason started to keep Hagelin and let this guy walk... but his play has been so bad this postseason I'm not sure he gets an offer sheet from anyone in the NHL this summer.
No exaggeration - MSL has been the worst player on the ice this entire playoffs.
Then how do you explain his other 15 fuck ups this postseason? I thought it was obvious before the postseason started to keep Hagelin and let this guy walk... but his play has been so bad this postseason I'm not sure he gets an offer sheet from anyone in the NHL this summer.
He missed the net from three feet out. It's almost impossible to do.
Than have MSL on the ice. Not only did the turn the puck over and give them a breakway during our 5v3 but he also ran into Hank and caused the puck to go in. He literally did everything he could to make sure the puck went into the net.
right now...you can't let him get rolling any more because once he gets going you have to take focus off Stamkos who is the best goalscorer in the league not named Ovechkin
Hard to fucking believe that was a penalty on Stepan though
I'm actually more disgusted with his incompetent redirect 90 seconds into the game off a beautiful feed from Hagelin than I am with the fuck up on the 5-on-3.
Frankly on the 5-on-3 I blame AV. A guy playing this poorly shouldn't be on the ice at that point. That's coaching.
but two of the three goals were completely self inflicted
The problem is - while they lead tonight on some fluke goals, i'm not seeing the puck possession or the precision that we saw in game 1. We've looked terrible even outside their two busted plays that they converted for goals.
but two of the three goals were completely self inflicted
The problem is - while they lead tonight on some fluke goals, i'm not seeing the puck possession or the precision that we saw in game 1. We've looked terrible even outside their two busted plays that they converted for goals.
true but unlike Nash and Hags, he actually scores on breakaways and uncontested shots.
but two of the three goals were completely self inflicted
The problem is - while they lead tonight on some fluke goals, i'm not seeing the puck possession or the precision that we saw in game 1. We've looked terrible even outside their two busted plays that they converted for goals.
How about you watch JFK's speech from 1961 I posted it on your last post I commented on and get back to me on what you just said. It's 19 minutes in length and of course you're not going to watch it. I can careless if I'm being watched or not. I'm definitely in favor of a revolution and toppling this criminal fascist plutocratic government though. Watch the fucking speech
How about you watch JFK's speech from 1961 I posted it on your last post I commented on and get back to me on what you just said. It's 19 minutes in length and of course you're not going to watch it. I can careless if I'm being watched or not. I'm definitely in favor of a revolution and toppling this criminal fascist plutocratic government though. Watch the fucking speech
50? I'm in my 200s! But you are all here to greet me, the SAME motherfuckers and ya ya I don't have a life. Let me just have my slice of bolonga to bitch out MSL?
if they can get him going he can start stringing them together like Kreider and Stepan are right now.
Honestly tonight is entirely on MSL. He needs to redeem himself somehow - its odd to see one guy continuously derail his team - usually the coach gets him off the ice - but MSL still has a chance to atone. somehow.
But is there not some joker from the "minor leagues" that they couldn't "call up" so he could screw it up equally as MSL and he's younger? I mean MSL isn't doing anything? Are there any good minor league players. I mean I gotsb etter stuff to do than read about minor league hockey players between work, telling my wife she's a worthless whore, and trolling BBI?
I was so confident walking around the streets of my local hometown but I always get corrected about how much of a joker this franchise is and can never be dominant...
Well, one thing is for sure, the 1 goal game streak is over
and the one win took a near flawless 60 minutes that resulted in a re-direction off a knee with 2 minutes to go to win even that one.
They have more offensive firepower than us. Hank is going to have to steal us two games to win this series IMO.
I said this would be a tougher series than the Finals, and I'm sticking to it. For whatever reason this team matches up really, really well against us. Fucking Detroit for not closing these fuckers out.
Henrik looks lost, Rangers miss out on tons of gold chances including breakaways, just par for the course. Regroup and get ready for Wed. night in Tampa.
They are a good team and despite killing ourselves, they have converted breakaways, odd man rushes, etc. we generally don't, that is why we have scored more than two goals basically twice since game 2 of the pens series. We just need to stop making every goaltender look like Dryden
Semantics... It was a wide open look and he failed to deliver once again. Keep defending him though.
It is not semantics because the way the defender was positioned, Nash was most likely going to have to go to the inside as the defenseman had him covered to the far post
But I still think we're deeper. We've handed them 2-3 goals tonight on ridiculous mistakes. We've played a bad game. I know were frustrated with another bad game 2 but there's little reason to expect they'll play like this from here on out.
Doesn't get an uncontested backhand on net, was it miller or brassard who couldn't get it on net from five feet awa, we have killed ourselves on offense and defense and that means we were outplayed. We need to wake up
I'm just going to assume a loss in these situations from here on out.
He's the one who lifted Hanks mask when he got hit in the throat.. he's the one who rung Zucc's bell and he's also the one who quit on the play at the end of Game 1 vs. WSH that cost us the game.
Fuckin' Captain..
yeah but the scary thing is thats kind of how the Lightning win games
they are a really good team that's speed and skill draw penalties. and when they get breaks or powerplays - they bury them.
Just ask Habs fans.
That team is going to win a Stanley Cup or two - its a question of When not If. I just really hope they're the '94 Devils as opposed to a recent Blackhawks or Kings team.
We can win this series but my God we need to start burying more opportunities. 11 of 14 playoff games now 2 goals or less. It's ridiculous.
In comment 12292092 nygmen84 said:
[quote] In comment 12292084 MookGiants said:
Quote:
In comment 12292055 nygmen84 said:
Quote:
On uncontested breakaways in the playoffs.
That was not an uncontested breakaway.
Semantics... It was a wide open look and he failed to deliver once again. Keep defending him though. [/quote
No, it was not a wide open look. Far from it. He should have passed the puck to fast. He deserves plenty of criticism but you dont need to make up shit that didnt happen.
Killorn equaled his 2015 playoff production tonight.
I'm not going to get on Nash when we would have lost anyway tonight and there were plenty of more deserving goats - but it really would be nice if he and MSL would join the playoffs already.
We arent beating Tampa 2-1 often. We need to light the lamp 3, probably 4 times a game to have a chance against this particular team.
deserves plenty of shit for not scoring, just annoying as shit to have people making up shit that doesnt happen. Theres been plenty enough offensively to rip him about, that play wasnt one. If that was an uncontested breakaway you have no idea what you are watching. And his shot was a smart one, left a rebound for fast who had a ton of net but didnt elevate the puck. Bishop spits out a ton of rebounds
are an issue, whether they are slightly contested or not. Look at last night - they get two great shorthanded chances when it was 3-2 and whiff, and TB comes right back down and puts the nail in the coffin.
What makes me crazy is when Rangers were tripped 3-4 times WITH THE PUCK making offensive moves and no penalty, but then they get rung up on similar plays. Either let everything go or be consistent.
deserves plenty of shit for not scoring, just annoying as shit to have people making up shit that doesnt happen. Theres been plenty enough offensively to rip him about, that play wasnt one. If that was an uncontested breakaway you have no idea what you are watching. And his shot was a smart one, left a rebound for fast who had a ton of net but didnt elevate the puck. Bishop spits out a ton of rebounds
I might have been a bit over zealous with the description during the heat of the game but I'm certainly not making things up. Regardless, those are key plays during the game that have to result in goals one way or another if you expect to win a game and a cup.
"So in the end, it seems that Nash just doesnt do very well against the better teams in the league, especially when hes not being sheltered. Now, thats true of a lot of players, but if the question is whether he cant rise to the occasion, the answer is clearly that he doesnt.
Seems like a great guy, he's super low key.. I know he likes flying under the radar but it just sucks that every time a guy who scored 40+ over the course of the regular season gets a point blank opportunity in a playoff game, you just know he's not going to convert.
He wasn't all alone early in the 3rd but he did have a good look and he scored goals from angles like that all year long. But I never had any faith in him to put the puck past and of course he didn't. It was that Fast couldn't punch it in that really sucked.
I like Nash a lot - but the production is simply unacceptable. He plays the game the 'right way' (200 feet, hard worker, etc.), but he simply has to produce. He's generated chances and hasn't converted. It's fucking infuriating.
My hope is that this is par for the course for them and they turn it
But you're right, it's just not acceptable. And unfortunately, I completely agree with Jones. The bigger the games get, the more the guy shrinks.
It just drives me crazy watching a guy that size play such a passive game so often. go out there and impose your fucking will and make something happen.
It's one thing to have shut down defensemen follow you around for an entire series but it's not even that. There's just no excuse.
The guy doesn't seem to have the fire other players like Ovechkin, Perry, Lundqvist, have this time of year. You never really see him get involved in the post-whistle scrums or get too fired up. He should be playing like the Nash we saw in Columbus a couple years ago and he's not.
more troubling to me if they played really well and got blown out 6-2. Bottom line is they beat themselves. They took stupid penalties, turned the puck over with fluky sloppy plays, and failed to take advantage of golden opportunities from Lightning/Bishop mistakes.
They did everything they could to lose this game. Even with all the terrible play. They had a chance to win this game at the start of the 3rd period. I can't see them repeating this type of performance.
I like Nash a lot - but the production is simply unacceptable. He plays the game the 'right way' (200 feet, hard worker, etc.), but he simply has to produce. He's generated chances and hasn't converted. It's fucking infuriating.
It's not like he's just unlucky either (although that shooting % probably has some bad luck). First half of the season he was crossing in front of the net mouth to score goals, using his massive frame to get goalies moving. Cant remember the last time he did that.
It almost looks like he plays the game not to get hurt. If that makes sense.
You just never see that reckless abandon from him that you see from other guys like Ovechkin. Ovechkin was emptying his entire tank on every shift. I very seldom get that impression of Nash.
Don't screw around with Tampa. If the Rangers play smart, they can beat them as they did in Game 1. If they lose their focus and take stupid (or non-existent) penalties like they did last night, they are going to get smoked since they don't seem to have an answer for the Tampa PP.
Which is a bad idea in any case, you ought to spend it pummeling one of their top 6 forwards through the boards and not on a sloppy/high/lazy stick infraction
is it appeared to me to be an instant replay of pretty much all 3 regular season games. I thought we "hit our stride" since then, added some pieces (Yandle... gulp), etc... but now not so sure.
A really disconcerting game. Yes, just one game and yes we committed a lot of stupid mistakes you'd think wont be repeated.
But through 2 games my takeaway is they convert their grade-A opportunities and we continue to struggle to do so.
As far as Nash - we're stuck. Guys like this get you to the postseason and there's no Stamkos on the market anyway... for the life of me I dont understand why he can't be doing at the very least what Kreider has been able to do. When you're not scoring, you need to start getting some dirty goals to get you going and the guy just wont throw his big body around. It's depressing.
Nash completely disappears in the playoffs. It's disgraceful.
He has not been impactful at all. You can't hang your hat on "he does other things" when you make $7.8 mil and are the highest played player on a team in a hard cap era. You can find a 100 guys who try hard, hit and kill penalties but don't score for a tenth of that cost. Look at these Goals per game numbers for reg season and playoffs. Nash and Kreider have each played in 55 playoff games. Kreider has 17 goals, Nash 7. Even Dave Andreychuk (remember AnderCHOKE) scored at twice the rate as Nash in the playoffs:
Goals per Game
Player Reg Seas Playoff Difference % Change
Rick Nash 0.44 0.13 (0.31) -71.07%
Dave Andrychuk 0.39 0.27 (0.12) -31.94%
Mike Gartner 0.49 0.35 (0.14) -28.07%
John Tonelli 0.32 0.23 (0.08) -26.44%
Brett Hull 0.58 0.51 (0.07) -12.68%
Guy LaFleur 0.50 0.45 (0.05) -9.38%
Rod Brind'Amour0.30 0.32 0.02 5.31%
Claude Lemieux 0.31 0.34 0.03 9.60%
Mark Messier 0.40 0.46 0.06 15.47%
Esa Tikkanen 0.28 0.32 0.04 15.94%
Chris Kreider 0.24 0.31 0.07 28.79%
And Martin St. Louis is a liability. He can't skate anymore
but after a nice flurry to start the postseason, he's not assisting on goals now either.
Career regular season = 0.81 points/game
Career postseason = 0.45 points/game
People talk about how he does the little things so well... but maybe registering a single point in the Kings series last year changes the outcome of that series?
Hell if he splits the difference to 0.65.. still well below regular season average... that's 11 extra goals he's scored or helped on over the past 3 years (most in the past 2 years). Considering how many one goal games we play....
But if there's one thing I'm certain about its that we'll dump this guy in a year or two and he'll pull a Gaborik with someone else. You just know its going to happen.
Anyway, its 1-1 ... i'm just not loving our chances with MSL and Nash playing like this against an opponent with this much firepower. Maybe something will click, but man could we use Zuccs right now to give us 3 legit scoring lines.
I don't know what people who were saying Rangers in 5 were thinking.
Rangers were sloppy as hell for most of this game, and it was pretty tightly contested until the wheels came off in the third. Honestly, the 3 on 5 SH goal kind of screwed us from the start.
I have a good feeling that this team will respond well. Not to say that they'll score goals - they won't - but I think they can get back to another 2-1 win in TB.
As for Nash, it is what it is at this point. There's no way to fix it during this postseason. We just need to hope Zucc can come back in a few games and give us a spark. We need it.
I'm going to preface this by saying that I know there isn't much of a trade market for Nash... but hypothetically, if the value was right, I'd trade him.
Speaking of trades... Hockey is a tough sport to gauge trade value, because there is so much emphasis and importance on chemistry and how players play together. However, is there a chance in hell we could get Taylor Hall or MNH from Edmonton for Cam, a 1st, and a third piece (maybe someone like Hagelin)... and would you do it (depending on the third piece). Not sure I would if the third piece was Hagelin, definitely wouldn't it if it was Miller.. but it'd be nice to get one of them in here. Granted, we have no idea if they will disappear in the playoffs like Nash does, but Nash is just totally ineffective int he playoffs.
If he has even a slightly below average (for his standards) series, the Caps series doesn't go 7.
I'm not worried about the series on the whole. I didn't feel like we were overpowered last night, I felt like we just played a terribly sloppy and undisciplined game. Which, is obviously not typical of this team.
Just clean it up and make sure we get a win in their building.
Aside - does this FINALLY get Marty the hell out of the lineup? What's it going to take?
AV will not sit Marty...the only forward we have to replace him is Ryan Bourque and AV is not gonna plug an untested rookie into the ECF in place of a veteran like MSL, even though said veteran is playing like absolute garbage.
The best we can hope for is him getting dropped to the fourth line and taken off the PP....but even that is asking too much.
And to think we were having discussions early in the year whether we wanted to keep Marty or Hags.....
What exactly will Ryan Bourque or Oscar Lindberg do that is a downgrade from MSL's current performance? Miss open nets by a wider margin? Cough the puck up even faster? Fall down more?
He won't throw guys like Borque or Lindberg into this fire but I do think if Zuccarello plays again this series, Marty is the one who's place he should take rather than Sheppard.
Speaking of trades... Hockey is a tough sport to gauge trade value, because there is so much emphasis and importance on chemistry and how players play together. However, is there a chance in hell we could get Taylor Hall or MNH from Edmonton for Cam, a 1st, and a third piece (maybe someone like Hagelin)...
I think Cam is a great trading chip. Like you mentioned, chemistry is really important and Hagelin, IMO, has really worked hard, been more physical than I ever thought he would be and creates opportunity. I thought he was gone but I can't see losing him. He's a huge part of the chemistry IMO.
I'd float Cam and see what come back. St. Louis' numbers are coming off the books unless Slats has another moment and maybe one of these defensemen get moved.
As far as Nash, unless something changes in these playoffs, I think he' in for a rough ride come next year. The fans won't forget this one.
that you take away from this game is that we have to stay out of the penalty box. If we commit numerous dumb penalties, we're going to lose. If we stay out of the box for the most part, there's zero reason we can't win this series.
They basically had 4 PPG goals last night (3 plus 1 about 2 seconds after one expired), had a short handed goal because of a complete fuck up by our guys, and another goal because Staal tripped over his own 2 feet.
Play 5 on 5 for the most part and stop giving them clean breakaways because of our own fuck ups in their zone and the Rangers win this series.
to be overly loyal to a veteran who is viewed as a team leader and "A" to this team... over unproven rookies.
The fact that MSL / Dan Boyle / Glass are in our lineup instead of Stralman / Brian Boyle / (player X free agent), with first round pick still in hand, is on Sather, not AV.
time to make Johnson eat the ice a few times if he wants to hang out near the net. If we're going to take a penalty, let's do it on a play like that where that midget thinks twice about going in there
good player, dont get me wrong... but an undrafted kid... now 10 playoff goals in 15 games.
Our leading scorer has 6 - Kreider's been great lately, dont get me wrong.. but his +/- is still 0 at this point believe it or not.
Looking at +/-... i know can be misleading stat at times, but some eye openers.
1) with last night's loss, in the playoffs we are now just 28 GF / 27 GA
2) Staal is minus-6 ! I know he's been paired against top lines for some of this postseason, but that is still far worse than i would have thought.
3) MSL as shitty as he's played is still +1, with one fewer point (6) than Nash (7)
4) Hayes - this was our fear... he's had some big moments this year and is just a kid, but still -2 this postseason with just 4 points. This was the concern - having a 3rd line C with so much inexperience, poor on the dot, etc.
I understand not wanting to take St. Louis out of the lineup
just can't accept that NAsh is not a big time playoff goal scorer. He gets his assists and he plays very sound hockey but he's not gonna score many goals. Move the fuck on already. He's still a plus player and helps his line beat the other team's top line.
Can we find something else to hammer on about? Even after wins it's always Nash didn't score...OK we get it...move the fuck on.
there's a great deal of luck involved with playoff goal scoring. And it's a lot harder to score goals in the playoffs.
People keep putting NAsh in the same cpmpany of MSL. That's just not fair at all. Nash has played well nearly every night.
"Nash not scoring a million goals is Unacceptable" ?? Well...that's just ridiculous. IF he was playing lke dog shit it would be unacceptable. Basically Nash is a HR hitter who doesn't hit HRs in the playoffs. He's turns into a solid singles hitter.
Unacceptable or not it is what it is. At least the guy is playing well and is a threat to score. He usually ends up in the plus side and plays sound defensive hockey.
I just don't get why fans insist on railing on and on about Nash. It's not shocking to see a goal scorer slow down this time of year. I swear some would prefer NAsh to score 3 times the goals he has now and they wouldn't even notice if the guy was -5 for the postseason. You know I am right...
just can't accept that NAsh is not a big time playoff goal scorer. He gets his assists and he plays very sound hockey but he's not gonna score many goals. Move the fuck on already. He's still a plus player and helps his line beat the other team's top line.
Can we find something else to hammer on about? Even after wins it's always Nash didn't score...OK we get it...move the fuck on.
He has 3 assists in the last 10 games. It's hard to just "accept" that from a guy who is supposed to be your best player and had a 42 goal season. The PIT series was one thing because he was producing points but now he's really not even doing that.
It's not acceptable and he deserves the criticism. I gave the guy every excuse in the book but I'm all out of them now. The guy just isn't getting it done.
If Nash scored at even half his regular season rate it would be a huge
to be overly loyal to a veteran who is viewed as a team leader and "A" to this team... over unproven rookies.
The fact that MSL / Dan Boyle / Glass are in our lineup instead of Stralman / Brian Boyle / (player X free agent), with first round pick still in hand, is on Sather, not AV.
I really don't miss Brian Boyle, do you? Solid player, always gave it his all. Don't think we're missing anything that he brought though. Maybe an extra faceoff guy, that's it.
Sure, Sather has taken his chances here and there. And we're yet to see the final results. But they are in the conference final again and I still think they're going to win this series. Just seems an odd time to be doing the Sather complaining thing again, not just referring to you either. Glass is playing his role perfectly fine in the playoffs too, to be honest.
We don't get to the Final last year without that MSL trade either. Keep that in mind.
I haven't been putting Nash with MSL and have been a huge defender of Nash's overall play.
No one's asking for a million goals from Nash - I don't have unrealistic expectations. But the guy isn't converting prime scoring chances and it's hurting us. The breakaway in game 7 against Washington, the couple of chances last night. He's generating those opportunities, but not converting. It's killer.
there's a great deal of luck involved with playoff goal scoring. And it's a lot harder to score goals in the playoffs.
People keep putting NAsh in the same cpmpany of MSL. That's just not fair at all. Nash has played well nearly every night.
"Nash not scoring a million goals is Unacceptable" ?? Well...that's just ridiculous. IF he was playing lke dog shit it would be unacceptable. Basically Nash is a HR hitter who doesn't hit HRs in the playoffs. He's turns into a solid singles hitter.
Unacceptable or not it is what it is. At least the guy is playing well and is a threat to score. He usually ends up in the plus side and plays sound defensive hockey.
I just don't get why fans insist on railing on and on about Nash. It's not shocking to see a goal scorer slow down this time of year. I swear some would prefer NAsh to score 3 times the goals he has now and they wouldn't even notice if the guy was -5 for the postseason. You know I am right...
Slow down? Slowing down would be 2/3 or 3/4 of normal production. He has a 71% drop off in goals per game from reg season to playoffs for his career. That is unacceptable. Dave Andrechuck was crucified in Toronto and he had a 32% drop from reg season to playoffs. Mike Gartner a 28% drop and he was called a choker. What do you call someone with a 71% drop from reg season to playoff production?
djm.... well, his own coach AV called him out after the game too
There is no doubt their top players had a very strong game, and a couple of our guys didnt have their best game, coach Alain Vigneault said. Without a doubt [Johnson] took his game to another level. We need our top guys to do the same.
And Nash is +3 this postseason. MSL is +1. You are overrating his effectiveness this postseason.
People have gotten on Brassard lately. He's leading the Rangers at +5 along with McD, another whipping boy lately.
Nash is 2nd on the team in points -7
So the guy is killing penalties. And well. He's laying body checks all night long and he's 2nd in points, 2nd in plus minus yet all I hear is Nash chokes. It's false. He's doing his job. He could pot a few more...but his overall play is a positive.
RE: I understand not wanting to take St. Louis out of the lineup
But fucking stick him with Glass and Sheppard. Miller has proven more in the playoffs this year than St. Louis has.
And take Marty off of the PP.
I think that first part would be a bad idea. JT can work on that 4th line because he'll throw the body around. If you're gonna put Marty with Glass/Sheppard then you might as well take him out of the lineup. He'll be completely useless on the 4th line.
His line with Moore and Hags worked in game 1, really well. I wouldn't abandon that yet.
It's one game in a series. We're frustrated because it's another missed opportunity in a game 2, I get that. But there were a lot of fluky things that happened last night. Tampa still isn't doing much at 5 on 5.
but the lazy stick infraction penalties have got to stop. Hooks, trips, high sticks, etc. Stuff you get caught doing when you don't keep your feet moving. Gotta stop. Brassard is a consistent offender, especially in the offensive zone.
Their powerplay is deadly. I'll take my chances 5v5 against them.
RE: RE: I understand not wanting to take St. Louis out of the lineup
But fucking stick him with Glass and Sheppard. Miller has proven more in the playoffs this year than St. Louis has.
And take Marty off of the PP.
I think that first part would be a bad idea. JT can work on that 4th line because he'll throw the body around. If you're gonna put Marty with Glass/Sheppard then you might as well take him out of the lineup. He'll be completely useless on the 4th line.
His line with Moore and Hags worked in game 1, really well. I wouldn't abandon that yet.
It's one game in a series. We're frustrated because it's another missed opportunity in a game 2, I get that. But there were a lot of fluky things that happened last night. Tampa still isn't doing much at 5 on 5.
If it was up to me, St. Louis would be out of the lineup. He's a liability out there. However, AV won't do that, so the next best thing would be reduced ice time on the fourth line.
And Miller seemed to have good chemistry with Hayes.
RE: RE: I understand not wanting to take St. Louis out of the lineup
I think that first part would be a bad idea. JT can work on that 4th line because he'll throw the body around. If you're gonna put Marty with Glass/Sheppard then you might as well take him out of the lineup. He'll be completely useless on the 4th line.
Yeah, if he's not playing on a scoring line, he really shouldn't play at all. I don't think AV will scratch him ala Richards in the Bruins series, but I really wouldn't want to see him on the 4th line.
If we have to keep bringing up how well our 8 million dollar man is "killing penalties", it means something is wrong.
That's not what he's getting paid for and we didn't win the Presidents Trophy because of Rick Nash's defensive play.
More than half of his 7 points came in the first series. He's barely produced any offense at all since. He's not converting on chances we watched him convert on all year.
We can win a Cup if Nash elevates his game. If he keeps shrinking like this, it's going to be difficult.
He's 3rd actually. Stepan at 10 and Brassard at 9. And people get on Brassard because he's committing a lot of stupid penalties - so while that doesnt hurt his personal +/-... it hurts the team.
Look we all just want to win a damn cup - right now there's no difference between this franchise and what San Jose and Vancouver accomplished last decade. Just win one - I'm not greedy, i'm not ever mistaking this group for a dynasty. But just get Hank his one.
And that means scoring goals - because guess what, it's a fucking miracle we're still alive having scored just 2 or fewer goals in 11 of 14 games now.
pjcas or the analyst on cbssportsline who gives his daily playoff predictions.
We all know the only reason we came back on the Caps was because pjcas called handshakes during game 5.
well I did say the three highest ranked teams I had were all East teams the Rangers (1) lightning (2) and Capitals (3), so game to game I might be off, but not that drastically for the whole playoffs.
And I also said the ducks could beat Chicago and it wouldn't shock me when most of this site was bemoaning the cake walk the Blackhawks had to the SCF.
He's 3rd actually. Stepan at 10 and Brassard at 9. And people get on Brassard because he's committing a lot of stupid penalties - so while that doesnt hurt his personal +/-... it hurts the team.
Look we all just want to win a damn cup - right now there's no difference between this franchise and what San Jose and Vancouver accomplished last decade. Just win one - I'm not greedy, i'm not ever mistaking this group for a dynasty. But just get Hank his one.
And that means scoring goals - because guess what, it's a fucking miracle we're still alive having scored just 2 or fewer goals in 11 of 14 games now.
It's even worse than your last line indicates - they've scored one or less goals in regulation in half their fucking games.
In what universe is Nashville - Minnesota - Anaheim a cakewalk road to SCF?
And most here said this Chicago - Anaheim series could go either way. Vegas said it was a pick 'em too by the way.
You are awarded zero points - I dont even know what "they could beat Chicago" even means...
You said the other day the Rangers were beating TBL easily... KISS OF DEATH, just as it was in game 5 to the Caps ("I predict hand shakes") - Tony must hate you right now... just go back to Canada and enjoy your escargot with Bordeaux, you whiny cunt diver!
It's not a jinx if it's not my team. Rangers got the wake up call they needed.
Just need to figure out a way to get Kreider to play every single shift.
Deep down you're a Rangers fan.
I don't hate the Rangers, but definitely not a fan. Truth be told I like when they lose to see the meltdowns on here. but I respect talent when I see it.
I do like seeing the American players do well. So Kreider, Stepan, Hayes, McDonagh I like when they do well (Yandle not so much, I think he's soft) - same with Boyle, Callahan, Bishop, etc. I like seeing them do well when they're not playing the Canadiens.
this time of year I like good hockey, tight checking, low(er) scoring OT games. I have no vested interest in who wins.
I'm amazed by Kane, but also think Kesler gets lost in the shuffle in Anaheim and is probably underrated. I like watching all those guys play.
The former is a part of the game. The latter is garbage.
I agree, and I think the majority of embelishment is selling a call. some diving, but very little.
anyone who has played hockey knows the stick comes up your natural reaction is snap your head back away from the stick - not to draw a penalty, but to limit the damage. and if the stick makes contact, the first thing you do is check to see if it drew blood or what the damage is. sometimes you react quick enough to avoid damage or the high stick altogether but IMO you're not being a pussy, it's just human nature.
those I have sympathy for (the high sticks).
RE: I would be much obliged if they could score at least three goals
in game 3. I honestly don't think that's too much to ask.
It might be.
I'd be surprised if we saw this team score more than 3 goals in any game for the remainder of the playoffs. I honestly just think this is how it's going to be for as long as we can stay alive. Every win is going to be 2-1 or 3-2.
I keep going into every game thinking "this HAS to be the one where they have a goal explosion like Game 1 vs. MTL last year.. " and I keep thinking we will have that game where we win by like 3 goals. And I keep thinking we will finally win a Game 2 at home.
Those things just won't happen. The sooner we accept it, the better.
Don't get me wrong, I agree with all of you. However, if I recall correctly, the issue with Stralman was that he wanted more years than the Rangers wanted to give.
As for Brian Boyle, we could absolutely use him. He's great on faceoffs, and turns it up in the playoffs (anti-Nash).
Too many turnovers and we didn't support the puck or each other.
That said I'd like for once the referees to call it both ways for the Rangers. I know we took undisciplined penalties but the Lightning could easily have been called for the same type infractions...and weren't.
Hey Rick you're embarrassing yourself at this point wake the fuck up. On to game 3.
RE: People are getting on Sather about Straman vs D Boyle
Don't get me wrong, I agree with all of you. However, if I recall correctly, the issue with Stralman was that he wanted more years than the Rangers wanted to give.
As for Brian Boyle, we could absolutely use him. He's great on faceoffs, and turns it up in the playoffs (anti-Nash).
I think the Stralman-years thing is unverified. I really think Sather wanted a PP QB. He's addicted to finding a PP QB.
Plain and simple. They could afford one and he identified and targeted Boyle as a desired free agent acquisition months before. He blew it on this one. Age and Stralman's contribution to our 2014 season and Finals appearance should have made this one a no brainer.
Since the league via the new CBA/salary cap forced Sather to change his modus operandi he has gotten a lot more right than worng imo. Not in this case...
of hearing about the Stralman/Boyle thing. It's done. Boyle is playing fine. Must we continue to beat this dead horse?
It would help if Sather stopped adding horses with one in the grave. San Jose hated him after years of love b/c his wheels fell off. Like an endless supply of dead horse, Sather just have him. Can he please stop?
. . . and Boyle's the oldest looking 38 yr old I've ever seen
And that was 20 years ago, so.....yes, absolutely.
I hated everything about that trade. I still fucking hate Luc for no reason.
Honorable mention to the Tyutin trade and the Lundmark/Savard trade as ones that broke my heart. And the Kloucek trade too. I loved him before he hurt his knee; never the same afterwards but I didnt totally get that at the time.
I liked the Tyutin trade (and I loved Tyutin) at the time because the team was lacking elite talent while they had a plethora of solid D prospects.
I was wrong.
The team has the opportunity to wipe away all these wrongs... McIlrath over Fowler and Tarasenko. Jessiman over Perry, Kesler, Getzlaf, Parise, etc. (Can you imagine losing to the Ducks when they have three fucking players picked in the first from 03?). Redden, Drury, etc.
I mean, all teams have these glaring oversights. They're just more pronounced since we're Rangers fans.
I don't recall why Tarasenko slid.
And I've heard great things about McIlrath. I imagine he'd be our 7th defenseman next year - unless he's traded.
It was the Russian transferability issue. Tarasenko was playing for his dad in Russia at the time and there were doubts as to whether or not he'd ever come to North America to play.
would have to pass thru waivers to get down to Hartford. From what I've read, I have to believe that there are teams that would claim him for a 6/7 role at worst. His problem is probably our absurd NHL D depth and the fact we were on a #1 seed run. He probably would have come up when Klein got hurt except we had no cap space for any promotions this year (bizarre).
Conor Allen is in the same boat -- NHL or waivers. And I think Kristo can declare himself a Group 6 UFA this summer (25 years old, >80 NHL games). I thought Sather made a mistake not moving some of these contracts at the deadline.
is the reason we went with Boyle over Stralman. Boyle seen as a bridge to get to McI.... but who the fuck knows, its not like we ever stand pat during offseasons for whatever reason.
The reason Stralman/Boyle and Brian Boyle/Glass come up *yet* again... is as it will always be for Rangers fans, an otherwise great season comes down to having to beat these guys and our former Captain to get the ultimate prize.
It would be very Rangers to have Callahan end our season in overtime or something.
Apparently their best penalty killer, skating has improved, been much more disciplined. Beukeboom referenced his game turning around in December.
I've seen him play 3 times. He's extremely stay at home so it's kinda tough for him to be undisciplined. Guessing it's b/c his skating speed is still slow. He'll nail somebody though. He does hit everything and has really good leverage. His fighting, well, he's not equal to the hype IMO.
Lindberg is the kid I like b/c skates a bit like Brassard although I think Kristo has the better hands but he doesn't skate as well. Haggerty shows flashes. Overall, the Wolf Pack isn't that good offensively.
is the reason we went with Boyle over Stralman. Boyle seen as a bridge to get to McI....
Besides skates, they're nothing alike. It's not a bridge. They Rangers wanted a QB for the PP with Boyle while McIlrath won't ever see the ice on the PP.
I mean defensively. He was undisciplined defensively. He used to get caught up ice and couldn't get back. Now he's so far back nobody gets by him. He's overly disciplined IMO.
Penalties, yeah, every team has a nut job down there and McIlrath and he usually find each other.
is the reason we went with Boyle over Stralman. Boyle seen as a bridge to get to McI....
Besides skates, they're nothing alike. It's not a bridge. They Rangers wanted a QB for the PP with Boyle while McIlrath won't ever see the ice on the PP.
Not the point. The timing was the bridge. Give Boyle two years and then go with the kid.
MAB: 2010 was the year the Gaborik incident occurred, which makes me think the team perceived a weakness and went after it - ignoring value (such as Fowler - whom I assume they deemed unnecessary because of Del Zotto at the time).
My assumption is that Skjei is going to get the spot that Boyle vacates before McIlrath or Allen do. So it's going to be a numbers thing. Yandle will open up another spot after next year. The other 4 guys are locked in for a bit. I could see Klein sticking around after his deal is up.
He wasnt even on the ice on the 5-on-3 yesterday. The trade has been borderline disaster -- still has time to prove us nay-sayers wrong but holy shit this one is looking like its going to sting for years.
If they win the Cup this year, Sather can trade all of our top prospects, Lundqvist, Kreider, and Stepan for some loathsome piece of shit (like Callahan).
Fuck next year.
RE: IF Yandle is healthy right now (and who knows on that)
He wasnt even on the ice on the 5-on-3 yesterday. The trade has been borderline disaster -- still has time to prove us nay-sayers wrong but holy shit this one is looking like its going to sting for years.
Back to back years with the St. Louis trade. Not so much for Callahan but for the future picks.
The Hayes signing takes some of the sting out of that at least.
Before the season started Tampa made him...... wait for it... their 4th line C. It's bullshit spin from the Rangers.
By the way, was Boyle always an "A" for them this year? They made him one Monday.
He got almost $7 million from Tampa, a no income tax state. Not sure how NY was matching that.
And this was the popular thought when he left:
'On breakup day, Brian Boyle also expressed his desire to do more for the Rangers then just kill penalties. Alain Vigneault felt Boyles role was right and maybe this deal signifies his desire to be more than just a 4th line guy.'
not $7. Same day or week we signed Tanner Glass to 3 yrs, $5MM. Awful.
Facts are what they are - he was signed by Tampa to be their 4th line C. Before the season even started they announced that and he had to know going in he was a longshot to pass Fillipa on the depth chart for 3rd line.
Don't get me started on the state income tax stuff. I really hate the NHL's decision making authority - its an obvious fix but they do nothing.
Is what it is - only reason the offseason deems such a big spotlight now is because we're on center stage against these 3 guys. This series is as much about Yzerman vs Sather as it is on the ice.
$6 million with no income tax is almost $7 elsewhere
we all agree Stralman was 85% of the fuck-up, not Boyle (Glass was a separate screw up, we could have filled in house). Moore has done a nice job in the 4C role, and up until this series, we'd replaced Boyle on the PK. Hopefully the first two games were an anomoly on PK - but man is TB on fire right now on their PP. It's white hot.
How did Detroit hold them to 2-for-30? I know Babcock is busy getting himself a huge mega-deal, but sure would be nice to get some tips from him about how his thoroughly outclassed talent wise team was able to take Tampa a full 7.
Basically the anti-Game 7 with this group. Now would be a good time to end this curse!
Brian Boyle is a game-time decision -- how the hell he got hurt i have no idea, but i'll take it as he'd help them improve their puck possession.
Gotta find a way to solve Bishop. Need to elevate the puck a bit more for starters.
LOL... I figured i would get blasted for starting it too early..
dont be pulling a Tyler Seguin on us now, yankeeslover.
I still dont have a handle on Tampa. I thought they looked terrible in game 1 and were bailed out by Bishop and luck. Game 1 should have been a 2-3 goal win.
#facts
And I think that will play right into the Rangers hand... we have proven that we can play and succeed the physcal game.. I dont know if TB can play that type of game.
dont be pulling a Tyler Seguin on us now, yankeeslover.
Ok, you guys asked for it..next game(assuming we win tonight), I will start the thread around 7ish... i thaught it would be to early... my wrong...
#facts
I only posted this so someone would follow-up with pictures from the shellackings in 1994.
#lolHextall
It does feel like a classic Rangers game 2 coming up after we left game 1 feeling a little too good. But let's have some faith that this group has found a good matchup and will come out strong tonight.
hell, Brett has started threads against the Buffalo Sabres and those old Florida Panthers teams the day before sometimes.
#statpadder
By the way, the 1st goal we scored was all Kreider. Love the physical game he's playing in front of the net right now - at some point we're going to get called for interference, but its leading to goals. Keep it up #20
Chris JohnstonVerified account
@reporterchris
Mats Zuccarello skated in full gear at Madison Square Garden this morning.
Callahan looked like a pesky fly who had no chance against #13. Just completely out-muscled.
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Chris JohnstonVerified account
@reporterchris
Mats Zuccarello skated in full gear at Madison Square Garden this morning.
He really should work on learning how to talk again before he tries to skate.
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Chris JohnstonVerified account
@reporterchris
Mats Zuccarello skated in full gear at Madison Square Garden this morning.
Probably a body double to keep the team and fans hopeful and morale up. No way a guy who had a stroke is in full gear skating around this soon.
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Chris JohnstonVerified account
@reporterchris
Mats Zuccarello skated in full gear at Madison Square Garden this morning.
Probably a body double to keep the team and fans hopeful and morale up. No way a guy who had a stroke is in full gear skating around this soon.
Has it been reported that he had a stroke? Or are you just speculating that he did. All the best to Zucc if that was the case, scary stuff!
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In comment 12290660 Deej said:
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Chris JohnstonVerified account
@reporterchris
Mats Zuccarello skated in full gear at Madison Square Garden this morning.
Probably a body double to keep the team and fans hopeful and morale up. No way a guy who had a stroke is in full gear skating around this soon.
Has it been reported that he had a stroke? Or are you just speculating that he did. All the best to Zucc if that was the case, scary stuff!
It was overheard by a friend of a fan who says he was at the Flying Puck and heard parents of Ranger players talking about it.. I totally believe that over the rumor that he's skating in full gear.
Probably just the NFL using the Rangers to test out some new injury protocol.
Although the NYTimes and every source is still guessing it was a concussion b/c you don't rule somebody out of back to back series immediately for a concussion which could clear up.
Rangers confirm that Ziccarello skated lightly today.
I dont know if "lightly" has an accepted meaning, but it implies that he's probably not back for Wednesday. My gut tells me that he wont fly so Sunday at the earliest. Based on my zero medical training.
The truth will come out someday. Not sure what it is though.
That's true although I think it's a safe bet the puck hitting his head is the reason.
I would think that the earliest we see him is Game 6.
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Chris JohnstonVerified account
@reporterchris
Mats Zuccarello skated in full gear at Madison Square Garden this morning.
He really should work on learning how to talk again before he tries to skate.
Those reports from his hospital room were just a little off...
My brother is the dude in the suit who isn't zucc and slickly enters the picture
Zucc Alive - ( New Window )
ok, too soon, but Rangers grab the series by the throat and to TB to finish it off.
Callahan looked like a pesky fly who had no chance against #13. Just completely out-muscled.
To be fair, Callahan just had a piece of his body removed a couple days ago.
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I loved how Hayes just walked Callahan around the goal on a leash before he shot the game winner off Moore's knee.
Callahan looked like a pesky fly who had no chance against #13. Just completely out-muscled.
To be fair, Callahan just had a piece of his body removed a couple days ago.
He's also a whining diving cunt.
Thanks for passing the info along, Seth.
I must have missed giants2012 where the Rangers, or even a beat reporter, "ruled Zuccs out" for this entire series.
By the way, the 1st goal we scored was all Kreider. Love the physical game he's playing in front of the net right now - at some point we're going to get called for interference, but its leading to goals. Keep it up #20
could very well be...but in watching that game, despite the fact it was only a one goal difference, I thought the Rangers looked like the better team at that style, and if TB did try to add some muscle, they wouldn't be the first team to try it...
I must have missed giants2012 where the Rangers, or even a beat reporter, "ruled Zuccs out" for this entire series.
yeah, you must have missed like you reasonable missed predictions.
He's talking about Brian Boyle, not Dan.
Fuck you Brett
See you at MSG!!!
LGR!!!
LGR!!!!
Fuck you Brett
Nice to see bandwagon fans want to go now that the team is in the Conference Finals.
Link - ( New Window )
The Rangers had reportedly been ready to offer Stralman a 3-4 year deal worth $4 million per season but talks did not go anywhere.
Stralman went to Free Agency and signed a Five-Year deal worth $4.5 million per season which was reportedly less than what he was asking from the Rangers.
Hard to tell what the truth actually is but it's a damn shame he's not still here. I don't know how that was botched. It seemed like such an obvious move to hold on to him.
I read elsewhere that he gave the Rangers an offer and never heard back - he heard they signed Boyle and knew he was gone. His comments sort of hint that something like that occurred.
any idea what happened ben? this injury came out of nowhere - he was talking about his excitement for this series just 4 days ago
Kidding you mooch, don't have a Crosby
Enough so that trading for Yandle wouldn't have been necessary?
but who knows - sucks he's not still here. he played really well for them Saturday.
once we win ours I'm fine with rangers south getting there's. all 3 of those guys gave everything they had here. but we need to get one first. those are my terms.
I was really surprised that he only got $4.5. I'm wrong often, but I really feel like the NHL missed out on him.
Washington should have went after him hard instead of Orpik.
but who knows - sucks he's not still here. he played really well for them Saturday.
once we win ours I'm fine with rangers south getting there's. all 3 of those guys gave everything they had here. but we need to get one first. those are my terms.
No. Fuck Ryan Callahan.
BTW - Jon Cooper says the Lightning need to be more aggresive and "knock some guys around"........oh YES! Please, please try to play like the Caps. That's not going to go well for Tampa.
anyway I hate cally for the next two weeks ... no doubt... but not for his financial demands. he worked his ass off here, just not AVs type of player it seemed
I was wondering whether Yzerman would make a run at Babcock if TB got ousted in the first again. Would've been a ballsy move.
Just glad Pittsburgh wont get him.
Philly wouldnt have mattered - they need an overhaul - but Pittsburgh with Babcock behind the bench could reemerge.
As an aside, I don't really know why Babcock is viewed as the Belichick of hockey. Is he really that much better than AV or Sutter?
I do wonder how Philly would look these days if Nashville hadnt matched Shea Weber's offer sheet.
With the exception of the strike year, Boyle has been average to good at faceoffs. He's hardly a weapon from the dot. He's at 50.8% on the year.
http://faceoffs.net/player/brian-boyle - ( New Window )
We know they have those two very good scoring lines. But the utter lack of physicality and depth play from Tampa's roster in game one was shocking.
Good job
That's the problem with the Bolts. The depth is just not there. They only have 1 really "legit" defensive pairing and their bottom 6 are thoroughly average.
If McDonagh and Girardi can shut down Johnson, Palat and Kucherov and Staal can slow down Stamkos I just don't see where they're going to generate a whole lot of offense.
Sheppard is not a bad player at all. Glass has been much better the last 2+ months, particularly in the playoffs. And MSL is a shell of a 1st liner, but is a better than average bottom 6 guy.
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Boyle being back in TB's lineup will make for their team. We all know BB's game and he can be a difference maker out there, especially in the face-off circle.
With the exception of the strike year, Boyle has been average to good at faceoffs. He's hardly a weapon from the dot. He's at 50.8% on the year. http://faceoffs.net/player/brian-boyle - ( New Window )
Fair enough. But I think we can agree that hes better at FO's than anybody we got right now outside of Moore. He doesnt have to be great to beat up on our C's.
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It's kind of funny how huge the gap between the Rangers and other teams is in regards to depth when we're rolling Sheppard, Glass, and St. Louis' corpse out there.
Sheppard is not a bad player at all. Glass has been much better the last 2+ months, particularly in the playoffs. And MSL is a shell of a 1st liner, but is a better than average bottom 6 guy.
Sheppard's been a bit disappointing to me. Agreed on Glass. I was really concerned with the fourh line once Zucc went down, but they've played well.
Good job
Boyle was not-incompetent at faceoffs. I think he shined by comparison to some of his teammates.
BTW, just remember a center should be over 50% to be average because some faceoffs are center vs. wing, where presumably the center has the advantage.
He is very open with the media from what I can tell. Guys who make it easy to write copy often get very good press treatment. AV doesnt say shit about shit, but since he's "classy" he's just a non-entity. Torts doesnt say anything and is a dick, so he gets shitty press treatment.
And he got us Martin St. Louis, who was a big contributor in the playoffs last year.
Fuck Callahan, fuck Stralman, fuck Brian Boyle.
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It's kind of funny how huge the gap between the Rangers and other teams is in regards to depth when we're rolling Sheppard, Glass, and St. Louis' corpse out there.
Sheppard is not a bad player at all. Glass has been much better the last 2+ months, particularly in the playoffs. And MSL is a shell of a 1st liner, but is a better than average bottom 6 guy.
Well maybe these forwards you listed above are playing great defense or whatever -- but we're only here at this point because of Hank, some breaks (Kreider game 5), and terrific D play.
It's not often you score 2 goals or fewer in 10 of 13 playoff games now and live to tell about it. Our depth offensively last year seemed more potent than it is this year.
I do think the O- has played better the last 3 or 4 games... maybe we're finally starting to get it going... but bottom line is we're still not putting the puck in the net all that often. People talk about how well Bishop played Saturday -- well, let's start being better than their guy.
Want to see 4 or 5 on the board for the Blueshirts tonight.
1) They are not going to score more than 2-3 goals.
and
2) They are not going to win by more than 1.
Just go into every game knowing that from the start and the games are a tick less stressful.
The Rangers will NOT convert on any EN opportunity. No matter how long it's there.
I'd throw in the towel. If you arent even or ahead with the Rangers after 2, you're probably fucked.
#stillhurts
Most teams should probably do that. Roy has the right idea.
The Rangers will NOT convert on any EN opportunity. No matter how long it's there.
Bishop had a pretty good lulz after game 1, when he said he thinks the Rangers missed the EN on purpose to keep the one goal game streak going
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If I were coaching a team against the Rangers and was down a goal in the 3rd, I would seriously yank the goalie with around 4 minutes left.
Most teams should probably do that. Roy has the right idea.
I mostly agree, I think around 3 minutes if you're down a goal you should go with the extra skater. Most teams wait until just under the 2 minute mark. I wouldn't pull him with more than 3, though. At that point you're probably reducing your odds further.
DO IT BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Drop it!
I think he's pressing. Slumps take on a life of their own.
That should be a goal
But it should be no goal because of the uncalled penalty on Killorn.
5-3 and the OTHER team scores. Never seen that before. Horrendous turnover.
Sad that this is actually a plausible explanation for that clusterfuck.
unreal
Air came out of the Garden a little bit.
Then how do you explain his other 15 fuck ups this postseason? I thought it was obvious before the postseason started to keep Hagelin and let this guy walk... but his play has been so bad this postseason I'm not sure he gets an offer sheet from anyone in the NHL this summer.
5-3 and the OTHER team scores. Never seen that before. Horrendous turnover.
I remember a few years back we gave up a 5-3 to philly
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Lost his edge
Then how do you explain his other 15 fuck ups this postseason? I thought it was obvious before the postseason started to keep Hagelin and let this guy walk... but his play has been so bad this postseason I'm not sure he gets an offer sheet from anyone in the NHL this summer.
No exaggeration - MSL has been the worst player on the ice this entire playoffs.
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Lost his edge
Then how do you explain his other 15 fuck ups this postseason? I thought it was obvious before the postseason started to keep Hagelin and let this guy walk... but his play has been so bad this postseason I'm not sure he gets an offer sheet from anyone in the NHL this summer.
He missed the net from three feet out. It's almost impossible to do.
MSL actually deflected the first shot which helped Kreider score the goal...so he helped us out there
Wake the FUCK UP BOYS
Yes, when a call is completely bogus you can.
It's on the lightening.
FUCK!!!
LGR!!!
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I think it's a high stick on Brassard
It's on the lightening.
whoops
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I think it's a high stick on Brassard
It's on the lightening.
You were saying?
That's on Brassard.
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In comment 12291766 arcarsenal said:
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I think it's a high stick on Brassard
It's on the lightening.
Try again.
Relax. No need to be a dick.
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In comment 12291767 Jon in NYC said:
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In comment 12291766 arcarsenal said:
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I think it's a high stick on Brassard
It's on the lightening.
Try again.
Relax. No need to be a dick.
That's pretty hard to do.
Nope. They're beating the Rangers 3x5.
The Rangers have better odds of scoring 5v5 than they do 5v3 or against an empty net. This team is just fucking weird.
maybe put a man on him this period AV?
Frankly on the 5-on-3 I blame AV. A guy playing this poorly shouldn't be on the ice at that point. That's coaching.
Looks like a hat trick
No different than Kreider's goal
He's lost
The problem is - while they lead tonight on some fluke goals, i'm not seeing the puck possession or the precision that we saw in game 1. We've looked terrible even outside their two busted plays that they converted for goals.
The problem is - while they lead tonight on some fluke goals, i'm not seeing the puck possession or the precision that we saw in game 1. We've looked terrible even outside their two busted plays that they converted for goals.
The problem is - while they lead tonight on some fluke goals, i'm not seeing the puck possession or the precision that we saw in game 1. We've looked terrible even outside their two busted plays that they converted for goals.
Exactly right
People that thought this was a 5 game series were out of their minds. This is an excellent team we're facing.
I'm sick of him. Non factor on the ice
I don't feel like the Rangers are getting outplayed as much as they're just making stupid mistakes.
Bishop bobbles a lot of rebounds.
But this is a huge fucking game - I really wish one of these years we'd actually play a solid game 2. JFC.
In yankeeslover I trust.
Moore still has his hairline, though.
Turning off a playoff game? Really?
You can't then change up and let shit like that go
That was sweet.
We got the goal we needed to cut it to 1 and we're going to have momentum going into the 3rd. We can steal this shit.
huh?
This is a must win for Tampa especially because Johnson got a hat trick. If they lose a game where one of their guys get a hat trick they will fold
During last years playoffs someone on TV said that Nash plays at the same level as during the season. He does not step up his play during the playoffs
Honestly tonight is entirely on MSL. He needs to redeem himself somehow - its odd to see one guy continuously derail his team - usually the coach gets him off the ice - but MSL still has a chance to atone. somehow.
@NYRangers @TheGarden we still in this
They've had 3 or 4 all night on a world class goalie... and converted 75% of them.
+1
Stepan with a penalty
He's great, but every time I think I can trust him to take us to the promise land...nope
Get on it Rangers, Lets Go!!!
But he put it in. Nash misses
I was so confident walking around the streets of my local hometown but I always get corrected about how much of a joker this franchise is and can never be dominant...
Well, one thing is for sure, the 1 goal game streak is over
A Simo.
#RANGERSCLOWN
Not Hank's best night tonight but he got hung out to dry by the guys in front of him too
Game 2 strikes again. We're in for another long series
welp, It was mongoloid night at MSG!
Oh well, gotta pay those junkie welfare chumps and pay for my own insurance because of our loser president
That was not an uncontested breakaway.
They have more offensive firepower than us. Hank is going to have to steal us two games to win this series IMO.
I said this would be a tougher series than the Finals, and I'm sticking to it. For whatever reason this team matches up really, really well against us. Fucking Detroit for not closing these fuckers out.
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On uncontested breakaways in the playoffs.
That was not an uncontested breakaway.
We absolutely sucked from Lundqvist out.
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In comment 12292055 nygmen84 said:
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On uncontested breakaways in the playoffs.
That was not an uncontested breakaway.
Semantics... It was a wide open look and he failed to deliver once again. Keep defending him though.
It is not semantics because the way the defender was positioned, Nash was most likely going to have to go to the inside as the defenseman had him covered to the far post
Just make sure to come back home 2-2 at worst and we'll be fine.
Credit to Cooper for making the right adjustments but the Rangers really just need to clean their fucking game up. Burn this tape and get onto Game 3.
It's not like the Rangers have had much success against Bishop or this team at all in recent seasons.
Asshole!!!!
At least this one wasn't a nail biter?
Good job out there kid. Time to make the Top 6 earn their paychecks around here again. Don't fuck this up Brett.
IT'S COOL, GUYS.
Go get 'em, Brettsky.
IT'S COOL, GUYS.
Go get 'em, Brettsky.
Sorry arc. Your turn.. You get game 3...
Flying Puck appreciates your business though.
Suck it, beard.
Fuckin' Captain..
Just ask Habs fans.
That team is going to win a Stanley Cup or two - its a question of When not If. I just really hope they're the '94 Devils as opposed to a recent Blackhawks or Kings team.
We can win this series but my God we need to start burying more opportunities. 11 of 14 playoff games now 2 goals or less. It's ridiculous.
[quote] In comment 12292084 MookGiants said:
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In comment 12292055 nygmen84 said:
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On uncontested breakaways in the playoffs.
That was not an uncontested breakaway.
Semantics... It was a wide open look and he failed to deliver once again. Keep defending him though. [/quote
No, it was not a wide open look. Far from it. He should have passed the puck to fast. He deserves plenty of criticism but you dont need to make up shit that didnt happen.
Killorn equaled his 2015 playoff production tonight.
I'm not going to get on Nash when we would have lost anyway tonight and there were plenty of more deserving goats - but it really would be nice if he and MSL would join the playoffs already.
We arent beating Tampa 2-1 often. We need to light the lamp 3, probably 4 times a game to have a chance against this particular team.
Grind those axes!!
What makes me crazy is when Rangers were tripped 3-4 times WITH THE PUCK making offensive moves and no penalty, but then they get rung up on similar plays. Either let everything go or be consistent.
1. yankeeslover waiting until 10:05 to start a thread.
2. Mook going to the game.
3. pjcas jinxing the Rangers by telling us they've already won the Cup.
These will be fixed.
This reminded me of the games vs Tampa during the regular season where their skill players just dominated ours.
Flush it and move on. Nash needs to score. That's the bottom line. I don't care how
But he never does against these teams."
What We Learned: Why is Rick Nash so bad in the playoffs? - ( New Window )
He wasn't all alone early in the 3rd but he did have a good look and he scored goals from angles like that all year long. But I never had any faith in him to put the puck past and of course he didn't. It was that Fast couldn't punch it in that really sucked.
It just drives me crazy watching a guy that size play such a passive game so often. go out there and impose your fucking will and make something happen.
It's one thing to have shut down defensemen follow you around for an entire series but it's not even that. There's just no excuse.
They did everything they could to lose this game. Even with all the terrible play. They had a chance to win this game at the start of the 3rd period. I can't see them repeating this type of performance.
It's not like he's just unlucky either (although that shooting % probably has some bad luck). First half of the season he was crossing in front of the net mouth to score goals, using his massive frame to get goalies moving. Cant remember the last time he did that.
You just never see that reckless abandon from him that you see from other guys like Ovechkin. Ovechkin was emptying his entire tank on every shift. I very seldom get that impression of Nash.
A really disconcerting game. Yes, just one game and yes we committed a lot of stupid mistakes you'd think wont be repeated.
But through 2 games my takeaway is they convert their grade-A opportunities and we continue to struggle to do so.
As far as Nash - we're stuck. Guys like this get you to the postseason and there's no Stamkos on the market anyway... for the life of me I dont understand why he can't be doing at the very least what Kreider has been able to do. When you're not scoring, you need to start getting some dirty goals to get you going and the guy just wont throw his big body around. It's depressing.
Goals per Game
Player Reg Seas Playoff Difference % Change
Rick Nash 0.44 0.13 (0.31) -71.07%
Dave Andrychuk 0.39 0.27 (0.12) -31.94%
Mike Gartner 0.49 0.35 (0.14) -28.07%
John Tonelli 0.32 0.23 (0.08) -26.44%
Brett Hull 0.58 0.51 (0.07) -12.68%
Guy LaFleur 0.50 0.45 (0.05) -9.38%
Rod Brind'Amour0.30 0.32 0.02 5.31%
Claude Lemieux 0.31 0.34 0.03 9.60%
Mark Messier 0.40 0.46 0.06 15.47%
Esa Tikkanen 0.28 0.32 0.04 15.94%
Chris Kreider 0.24 0.31 0.07 28.79%
Career regular season = 0.81 points/game
Career postseason = 0.45 points/game
People talk about how he does the little things so well... but maybe registering a single point in the Kings series last year changes the outcome of that series?
Hell if he splits the difference to 0.65.. still well below regular season average... that's 11 extra goals he's scored or helped on over the past 3 years (most in the past 2 years). Considering how many one goal games we play....
But if there's one thing I'm certain about its that we'll dump this guy in a year or two and he'll pull a Gaborik with someone else. You just know its going to happen.
Anyway, its 1-1 ... i'm just not loving our chances with MSL and Nash playing like this against an opponent with this much firepower. Maybe something will click, but man could we use Zuccs right now to give us 3 legit scoring lines.
Rangers were sloppy as hell for most of this game, and it was pretty tightly contested until the wheels came off in the third. Honestly, the 3 on 5 SH goal kind of screwed us from the start.
I have a good feeling that this team will respond well. Not to say that they'll score goals - they won't - but I think they can get back to another 2-1 win in TB.
As for Nash, it is what it is at this point. There's no way to fix it during this postseason. We just need to hope Zucc can come back in a few games and give us a spark. We need it.
I'm going to preface this by saying that I know there isn't much of a trade market for Nash... but hypothetically, if the value was right, I'd trade him.
Speaking of trades... Hockey is a tough sport to gauge trade value, because there is so much emphasis and importance on chemistry and how players play together. However, is there a chance in hell we could get Taylor Hall or MNH from Edmonton for Cam, a 1st, and a third piece (maybe someone like Hagelin)... and would you do it (depending on the third piece). Not sure I would if the third piece was Hagelin, definitely wouldn't it if it was Miller.. but it'd be nice to get one of them in here. Granted, we have no idea if they will disappear in the playoffs like Nash does, but Nash is just totally ineffective int he playoffs.
If he has even a slightly below average (for his standards) series, the Caps series doesn't go 7.
Just clean it up and make sure we get a win in their building.
Aside - does this FINALLY get Marty the hell out of the lineup? What's it going to take?
Aside - does this FINALLY get Marty the hell out of the lineup? What's it going to take?
AV will not sit Marty...the only forward we have to replace him is Ryan Bourque and AV is not gonna plug an untested rookie into the ECF in place of a veteran like MSL, even though said veteran is playing like absolute garbage.
The best we can hope for is him getting dropped to the fourth line and taken off the PP....but even that is asking too much.
And to think we were having discussions early in the year whether we wanted to keep Marty or Hags.....
Speaking of trades... Hockey is a tough sport to gauge trade value, because there is so much emphasis and importance on chemistry and how players play together. However, is there a chance in hell we could get Taylor Hall or MNH from Edmonton for Cam, a 1st, and a third piece (maybe someone like Hagelin)...
I think Cam is a great trading chip. Like you mentioned, chemistry is really important and Hagelin, IMO, has really worked hard, been more physical than I ever thought he would be and creates opportunity. I thought he was gone but I can't see losing him. He's a huge part of the chemistry IMO.
I'd float Cam and see what come back. St. Louis' numbers are coming off the books unless Slats has another moment and maybe one of these defensemen get moved.
As far as Nash, unless something changes in these playoffs, I think he' in for a rough ride come next year. The fans won't forget this one.
They basically had 4 PPG goals last night (3 plus 1 about 2 seconds after one expired), had a short handed goal because of a complete fuck up by our guys, and another goal because Staal tripped over his own 2 feet.
Play 5 on 5 for the most part and stop giving them clean breakaways because of our own fuck ups in their zone and the Rangers win this series.
The fact that MSL / Dan Boyle / Glass are in our lineup instead of Stralman / Brian Boyle / (player X free agent), with first round pick still in hand, is on Sather, not AV.
Our leading scorer has 6 - Kreider's been great lately, dont get me wrong.. but his +/- is still 0 at this point believe it or not.
Looking at +/-... i know can be misleading stat at times, but some eye openers.
1) with last night's loss, in the playoffs we are now just 28 GF / 27 GA
2) Staal is minus-6 ! I know he's been paired against top lines for some of this postseason, but that is still far worse than i would have thought.
3) MSL as shitty as he's played is still +1, with one fewer point (6) than Nash (7)
4) Hayes - this was our fear... he's had some big moments this year and is just a kid, but still -2 this postseason with just 4 points. This was the concern - having a 3rd line C with so much inexperience, poor on the dot, etc.
And take Marty off of the PP.
Link - ( New Window )
Can we find something else to hammer on about? Even after wins it's always Nash didn't score...OK we get it...move the fuck on.
He doesn't need to be a top-flight player - second line production would do.
People keep putting NAsh in the same cpmpany of MSL. That's just not fair at all. Nash has played well nearly every night.
"Nash not scoring a million goals is Unacceptable" ?? Well...that's just ridiculous. IF he was playing lke dog shit it would be unacceptable. Basically Nash is a HR hitter who doesn't hit HRs in the playoffs. He's turns into a solid singles hitter.
Unacceptable or not it is what it is. At least the guy is playing well and is a threat to score. He usually ends up in the plus side and plays sound defensive hockey.
I just don't get why fans insist on railing on and on about Nash. It's not shocking to see a goal scorer slow down this time of year. I swear some would prefer NAsh to score 3 times the goals he has now and they wouldn't even notice if the guy was -5 for the postseason. You know I am right...
Can we find something else to hammer on about? Even after wins it's always Nash didn't score...OK we get it...move the fuck on.
He has 3 assists in the last 10 games. It's hard to just "accept" that from a guy who is supposed to be your best player and had a 42 goal season. The PIT series was one thing because he was producing points but now he's really not even doing that.
It's not acceptable and he deserves the criticism. I gave the guy every excuse in the book but I'm all out of them now. The guy just isn't getting it done.
The fact that MSL / Dan Boyle / Glass are in our lineup instead of Stralman / Brian Boyle / (player X free agent), with first round pick still in hand, is on Sather, not AV.
I really don't miss Brian Boyle, do you? Solid player, always gave it his all. Don't think we're missing anything that he brought though. Maybe an extra faceoff guy, that's it.
Sure, Sather has taken his chances here and there. And we're yet to see the final results. But they are in the conference final again and I still think they're going to win this series. Just seems an odd time to be doing the Sather complaining thing again, not just referring to you either. Glass is playing his role perfectly fine in the playoffs too, to be honest.
We don't get to the Final last year without that MSL trade either. Keep that in mind.
No one's asking for a million goals from Nash - I don't have unrealistic expectations. But the guy isn't converting prime scoring chances and it's hurting us. The breakaway in game 7 against Washington, the couple of chances last night. He's generating those opportunities, but not converting. It's killer.
People keep putting NAsh in the same cpmpany of MSL. That's just not fair at all. Nash has played well nearly every night.
"Nash not scoring a million goals is Unacceptable" ?? Well...that's just ridiculous. IF he was playing lke dog shit it would be unacceptable. Basically Nash is a HR hitter who doesn't hit HRs in the playoffs. He's turns into a solid singles hitter.
Unacceptable or not it is what it is. At least the guy is playing well and is a threat to score. He usually ends up in the plus side and plays sound defensive hockey.
I just don't get why fans insist on railing on and on about Nash. It's not shocking to see a goal scorer slow down this time of year. I swear some would prefer NAsh to score 3 times the goals he has now and they wouldn't even notice if the guy was -5 for the postseason. You know I am right...
Slow down? Slowing down would be 2/3 or 3/4 of normal production. He has a 71% drop off in goals per game from reg season to playoffs for his career. That is unacceptable. Dave Andrechuck was crucified in Toronto and he had a 32% drop from reg season to playoffs. Mike Gartner a 28% drop and he was called a choker. What do you call someone with a 71% drop from reg season to playoff production?
There is no doubt their top players had a very strong game, and a couple of our guys didnt have their best game, coach Alain Vigneault said. Without a doubt [Johnson] took his game to another level. We need our top guys to do the same.
And Nash is +3 this postseason. MSL is +1. You are overrating his effectiveness this postseason.
People have gotten on Brassard lately. He's leading the Rangers at +5 along with McD, another whipping boy lately.
Nash is 2nd on the team in points -7
So the guy is killing penalties. And well. He's laying body checks all night long and he's 2nd in points, 2nd in plus minus yet all I hear is Nash chokes. It's false. He's doing his job. He could pot a few more...but his overall play is a positive.
And take Marty off of the PP.
I think that first part would be a bad idea. JT can work on that 4th line because he'll throw the body around. If you're gonna put Marty with Glass/Sheppard then you might as well take him out of the lineup. He'll be completely useless on the 4th line.
His line with Moore and Hags worked in game 1, really well. I wouldn't abandon that yet.
It's one game in a series. We're frustrated because it's another missed opportunity in a game 2, I get that. But there were a lot of fluky things that happened last night. Tampa still isn't doing much at 5 on 5.
Rangers come out strong and correct this blip. Rangers want a 5v5 game.
Rangers come out strong and correct this blip. Rangers want a 5v5 game.
Please tell me you pick TB in 5 now?
Whatever it's a free country. It's just getting old. We are 7 wins away from a cup just get home.
Their powerplay is deadly. I'll take my chances 5v5 against them.
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But fucking stick him with Glass and Sheppard. Miller has proven more in the playoffs this year than St. Louis has.
And take Marty off of the PP.
I think that first part would be a bad idea. JT can work on that 4th line because he'll throw the body around. If you're gonna put Marty with Glass/Sheppard then you might as well take him out of the lineup. He'll be completely useless on the 4th line.
His line with Moore and Hags worked in game 1, really well. I wouldn't abandon that yet.
It's one game in a series. We're frustrated because it's another missed opportunity in a game 2, I get that. But there were a lot of fluky things that happened last night. Tampa still isn't doing much at 5 on 5.
If it was up to me, St. Louis would be out of the lineup. He's a liability out there. However, AV won't do that, so the next best thing would be reduced ice time on the fourth line.
And Miller seemed to have good chemistry with Hayes.
Yeah, if he's not playing on a scoring line, he really shouldn't play at all. I don't think AV will scratch him ala Richards in the Bruins series, but I really wouldn't want to see him on the 4th line.
That's not what he's getting paid for and we didn't win the Presidents Trophy because of Rick Nash's defensive play.
More than half of his 7 points came in the first series. He's barely produced any offense at all since. He's not converting on chances we watched him convert on all year.
We can win a Cup if Nash elevates his game. If he keeps shrinking like this, it's going to be difficult.
Nash is 2nd on the team in points -7
He's 3rd actually. Stepan at 10 and Brassard at 9. And people get on Brassard because he's committing a lot of stupid penalties - so while that doesnt hurt his personal +/-... it hurts the team.
Look we all just want to win a damn cup - right now there's no difference between this franchise and what San Jose and Vancouver accomplished last decade. Just win one - I'm not greedy, i'm not ever mistaking this group for a dynasty. But just get Hank his one.
And that means scoring goals - because guess what, it's a fucking miracle we're still alive having scored just 2 or fewer goals in 11 of 14 games now.
We all know the only reason we came back on the Caps was because pjcas called handshakes during game 5.
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for the most is just to get back on the ice.
Rangers come out strong and correct this blip. Rangers want a 5v5 game.
Please tell me you pick TB in 5 now?
Rangers in 5. and then they sweep the weak west.
And I'm unfair?
Fuck you, djm.
(If only Nash had this fire...)
We all know the only reason we came back on the Caps was because pjcas called handshakes during game 5.
well I did say the three highest ranked teams I had were all East teams the Rangers (1) lightning (2) and Capitals (3), so game to game I might be off, but not that drastically for the whole playoffs.
And I also said the ducks could beat Chicago and it wouldn't shock me when most of this site was bemoaning the cake walk the Blackhawks had to the SCF.
It's not a jinx if it's not my team. Rangers got the wake up call they needed.
Just need to figure out a way to get Kreider to play every single shift.
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Nash is 2nd on the team in points -7
He's 3rd actually. Stepan at 10 and Brassard at 9. And people get on Brassard because he's committing a lot of stupid penalties - so while that doesnt hurt his personal +/-... it hurts the team.
Look we all just want to win a damn cup - right now there's no difference between this franchise and what San Jose and Vancouver accomplished last decade. Just win one - I'm not greedy, i'm not ever mistaking this group for a dynasty. But just get Hank his one.
And that means scoring goals - because guess what, it's a fucking miracle we're still alive having scored just 2 or fewer goals in 11 of 14 games now.
It's even worse than your last line indicates - they've scored one or less goals in regulation in half their fucking games.
Averaging 1.64 goals in regulation.
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You jinxy cunt!
It's not a jinx if it's not my team. Rangers got the wake up call they needed.
Just need to figure out a way to get Kreider to play every single shift.
Deep down you're a Rangers fan.
In what universe is Nashville - Minnesota - Anaheim a cakewalk road to SCF?
And most here said this Chicago - Anaheim series could go either way. Vegas said it was a pick 'em too by the way.
You are awarded zero points - I dont even know what "they could beat Chicago" even means...
You said the other day the Rangers were beating TBL easily... KISS OF DEATH, just as it was in game 5 to the Caps ("I predict hand shakes") - Tony must hate you right now... just go back to Canada and enjoy your escargot with Bordeaux, you whiny cunt diver!
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In comment 12292716 BrettNYG10 said:
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You jinxy cunt!
It's not a jinx if it's not my team. Rangers got the wake up call they needed.
Just need to figure out a way to get Kreider to play every single shift.
Deep down you're a Rangers fan.
I don't hate the Rangers, but definitely not a fan. Truth be told I like when they lose to see the meltdowns on here. but I respect talent when I see it.
I do like seeing the American players do well. So Kreider, Stepan, Hayes, McDonagh I like when they do well (Yandle not so much, I think he's soft) - same with Boyle, Callahan, Bishop, etc. I like seeing them do well when they're not playing the Canadiens.
this time of year I like good hockey, tight checking, low(er) scoring OT games. I have no vested interest in who wins.
I'm amazed by Kane, but also think Kesler gets lost in the shuffle in Anaheim and is probably underrated. I like watching all those guys play.
Let's Go Rangers .... kick their asses tomorrow night
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In comment 12292722 pjcas18 said:
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In comment 12292716 BrettNYG10 said:
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You jinxy cunt!
It's not a jinx if it's not my team. Rangers got the wake up call they needed.
Just need to figure out a way to get Kreider to play every single shift.
Deep down you're a Rangers fan.
#lgr
FTFY.
And agree on Kesler. I really like him.
and not just saying that as a Habs fan.
the most hypocritical thing is Claude Julien's press conference montage from last year's playoffs.
Put together by a Canuck's fan. It's hilarious.
Embelishment City - ( New Window )
I agree, and I think the majority of embelishment is selling a call. some diving, but very little.
anyone who has played hockey knows the stick comes up your natural reaction is snap your head back away from the stick - not to draw a penalty, but to limit the damage. and if the stick makes contact, the first thing you do is check to see if it drew blood or what the damage is. sometimes you react quick enough to avoid damage or the high stick altogether but IMO you're not being a pussy, it's just human nature.
those I have sympathy for (the high sticks).
It might be.
I'd be surprised if we saw this team score more than 3 goals in any game for the remainder of the playoffs. I honestly just think this is how it's going to be for as long as we can stay alive. Every win is going to be 2-1 or 3-2.
I keep going into every game thinking "this HAS to be the one where they have a goal explosion like Game 1 vs. MTL last year.. " and I keep thinking we will have that game where we win by like 3 goals. And I keep thinking we will finally win a Game 2 at home.
Those things just won't happen. The sooner we accept it, the better.
As for Brian Boyle, we could absolutely use him. He's great on faceoffs, and turns it up in the playoffs (anti-Nash).
But for god's sake, where is the fucking offense? We were #3 in the NHL in goals scored this season, at 3+ per game.
That said I'd like for once the referees to call it both ways for the Rangers. I know we took undisciplined penalties but the Lightning could easily have been called for the same type infractions...and weren't.
Hey Rick you're embarrassing yourself at this point wake the fuck up. On to game 3.
As for Brian Boyle, we could absolutely use him. He's great on faceoffs, and turns it up in the playoffs (anti-Nash).
I think the Stralman-years thing is unverified. I really think Sather wanted a PP QB. He's addicted to finding a PP QB.
Since the league via the new CBA/salary cap forced Sather to change his modus operandi he has gotten a lot more right than worng imo. Not in this case...
Smith botched that b/c of the Devils size and the Legion of Doom.
It would help if Sather stopped adding horses with one in the grave. San Jose hated him after years of love b/c his wheels fell off. Like an endless supply of dead horse, Sather just have him. Can he please stop?
I hated everything about that trade. I still fucking hate Luc for no reason.
Honorable mention to the Tyutin trade and the Lundmark/Savard trade as ones that broke my heart. And the Kloucek trade too. I loved him before he hurt his knee; never the same afterwards but I didnt totally get that at the time.
I was wrong.
The team has the opportunity to wipe away all these wrongs... McIlrath over Fowler and Tarasenko. Jessiman over Perry, Kesler, Getzlaf, Parise, etc. (Can you imagine losing to the Ducks when they have three fucking players picked in the first from 03?). Redden, Drury, etc.
Get it done, kids.
Me too. You get Ulf Samuelsson to play WITH Zubov, not in stead of Zubov. Fucking stupid.
I don't recall why Tarasenko slid.
And I've heard great things about McIlrath. I imagine he'd be our 7th defenseman next year - unless he's traded.
I don't recall why Tarasenko slid.
And I've heard great things about McIlrath. I imagine he'd be our 7th defenseman next year - unless he's traded.
It was the Russian transferability issue. Tarasenko was playing for his dad in Russia at the time and there were doubts as to whether or not he'd ever come to North America to play.
Apparently their best penalty killer, skating has improved, been much more disciplined. Beukeboom referenced his game turning around in December.
Like the Kristo thing?
Conor Allen is in the same boat -- NHL or waivers. And I think Kristo can declare himself a Group 6 UFA this summer (25 years old, >80 NHL games). I thought Sather made a mistake not moving some of these contracts at the deadline.
The reason Stralman/Boyle and Brian Boyle/Glass come up *yet* again... is as it will always be for Rangers fans, an otherwise great season comes down to having to beat these guys and our former Captain to get the ultimate prize.
It would be very Rangers to have Callahan end our season in overtime or something.
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what good things about Dylan?
Apparently their best penalty killer, skating has improved, been much more disciplined. Beukeboom referenced his game turning around in December.
I've seen him play 3 times. He's extremely stay at home so it's kinda tough for him to be undisciplined. Guessing it's b/c his skating speed is still slow. He'll nail somebody though. He does hit everything and has really good leverage. His fighting, well, he's not equal to the hype IMO.
Lindberg is the kid I like b/c skates a bit like Brassard although I think Kristo has the better hands but he doesn't skate as well. Haggerty shows flashes. Overall, the Wolf Pack isn't that good offensively.
Sure, playing big and physical can help - see Caps - but speed wins in this league now. All 4 lines need to be able to score.
Besides skates, they're nothing alike. It's not a bridge. They Rangers wanted a QB for the PP with Boyle while McIlrath won't ever see the ice on the PP.
I mean defensively. He was undisciplined defensively. He used to get caught up ice and couldn't get back. Now he's so far back nobody gets by him. He's overly disciplined IMO.
Penalties, yeah, every team has a nut job down there and McIlrath and he usually find each other.
Sure, playing big and physical can help - see Caps - but speed wins in this league now. All 4 lines need to be able to score.
How about reading the whole post and not just bitching about one line? Give it a try.
But besides that... 50% of the post... great job?
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is the reason we went with Boyle over Stralman. Boyle seen as a bridge to get to McI....
Besides skates, they're nothing alike. It's not a bridge. They Rangers wanted a QB for the PP with Boyle while McIlrath won't ever see the ice on the PP.
Not the point. The timing was the bridge. Give Boyle two years and then go with the kid.
I actually heard the players fathers talking about it at Flying Puck the other night though, so I'm confident i'm right.
Would love to see McIlrath yet I just don't know. He reminds me a bit of Eric Cairns.
He wasnt even on the ice on the 5-on-3 yesterday. The trade has been borderline disaster -- still has time to prove us nay-sayers wrong but holy shit this one is looking like its going to sting for years.
Fuck next year.
He wasnt even on the ice on the 5-on-3 yesterday. The trade has been borderline disaster -- still has time to prove us nay-sayers wrong but holy shit this one is looking like its going to sting for years.
Back to back years with the St. Louis trade. Not so much for Callahan but for the future picks.
The Hayes signing takes some of the sting out of that at least.
Thought he was the closest thing the Rangers have had since Bure for a few weeks (speed, hard accurate shot, etc).
let's try to clarify this
"Thought he was the closest thing the Rangers have had since Bure for a few weeks (speed, hard accurate shot, etc).":
The Rangers had Bure for a weeks (months) as a Ranger. Not comparing him to a 20 yr old Bure yet the kid does have Bure like speed and a great shot.
Josef Balej
It was him or Dominic Moore. Let's be fair, Boyle playing 3C not Hayes makes us worse.
By the way, was Boyle always an "A" for them this year? They made him one Monday.
By the way, was Boyle always an "A" for them this year? They made him one Monday.
He was last round at least, never bothered to look before that. Odd to say the least.
By the way, was Boyle always an "A" for them this year? They made him one Monday.
He got almost $7 million from Tampa, a no income tax state. Not sure how NY was matching that.
And this was the popular thought when he left:
'On breakup day, Brian Boyle also expressed his desire to do more for the Rangers then just kill penalties. Alain Vigneault felt Boyles role was right and maybe this deal signifies his desire to be more than just a 4th line guy.'
Facts are what they are - he was signed by Tampa to be their 4th line C. Before the season even started they announced that and he had to know going in he was a longshot to pass Fillipa on the depth chart for 3rd line.
Don't get me started on the state income tax stuff. I really hate the NHL's decision making authority - its an obvious fix but they do nothing.
Is what it is - only reason the offseason deems such a big spotlight now is because we're on center stage against these 3 guys. This series is as much about Yzerman vs Sather as it is on the ice.
How did Detroit hold them to 2-for-30? I know Babcock is busy getting himself a huge mega-deal, but sure would be nice to get some tips from him about how his thoroughly outclassed talent wise team was able to take Tampa a full 7.