First two periods they were completely sleepwalking but the did bring it in the 3rd. Felt like they earned it more because of it. Doesn't matter though. Just need points.
Devils OT loss and Islanders getting blown out. That Yandle goal was so huge.
of bowling were it's nice to know that those thug fans will be headed out to their local watering hole with their tale between their legs to continue their beer binge and end it at home by beating their wives.
Not great forecheckers or boards team, not a team that dominates with speed any more, not a gritty team, not a shutdown defensive team, not a tough team, not an offensive force coming in waves. More an opportunistic bunch that seems to rely more on individual opportunities than on a cohesive and defined style.
We need a Bellamy for Debusschere trade here, it seems.
Not great forecheckers or boards team, not a team that dominates with speed any more, not a gritty team, not a shutdown defensive team, not a tough team, not an offensive force coming in waves. More an opportunistic bunch that seems to rely more on individual opportunities than on a cohesive and defined style.
They're identity is winners. While they haven't won the cup yet, they do what they need to do to extend their talent as far as it will take them. 3 conference finals in 4 years. Look, I am disappointed by they way they have played most of the year, but we keep hearing about how are Long Island rivals are the team of the future and I wouldn't be shocked if they were sitting home for the playoffs. This Ranger team is gritty, they have heart, hey have come back two years in a row from 3-1 deficits in the playoffs. Maybe we aren't the most talented team or our advanced stats stink, but the team has heart and grit and in my book that is identity. You aren't getting the Rangers out unless you beat them
I'd also argue that the 2013-2014 Rangers and 14-15 Rangers were vastly different teams that won in entirely different fashions. Twitter - ( New Window )
It might not have been pretty, but getting the tying goal with 12 seconds remaining is what's been happening to us....nice to see it happen FOR us every so often. Maybe a bit of a win streak is in our future. - - - - - sure hope so.
RE: The Rangers advanced stats have been improving (link below).
I'd also argue that the 2013-2014 Rangers and 14-15 Rangers were vastly different teams that won in entirely different fashions. Twitter - ( New Window )
I agree, and I'd say the '13 team also had a different style. But each HAD a style...how would you define this team's style? It seems all over the place.
style folks. THe difference is not playing as well. They are actually settling in a bit. But it looks like when you get a really bad flu and you can't feel 100% right for a while even after you are healthy. They are not locked in. You can still see them leave their structure and have lapses.
the difference is between playing well and not as well. The last two seasons Rangers had basically the same personnel, same coach and same system. So it would be hard to argue the teams are vastly different in the way they are playing the game.
Biggest differences to me are:
1. Integrating the young guys. Miller has stepped up big time. Hayes and Kreider have not. Fast and Lindberg are solid but they also make mistakes because of their inexperience.
2. Stepan's poor play, for whatever reason, is a huge factor. A "normal" year from Step and the Rangers probably have 6 more points.
3. Staal and Girardi. With Giradri its probably 70% injury and 30% age. Staal's skill set does not fit as well with the uptempo game. But Rangers are loaded with young d-men: DM, Skjei, and Graves. So, it is really just the contracts and particularly the NMC that are a problem. Worse case, Staal and Girardi are overpaid 3 pairing d-men down the road. Neither guy is a 1st pairing d-man any more. But they would be fine as your 5th and 6th d-men
Rangers have 3rd most poins in Conference, 7th most in the League
So, let's not lose sight of the fact that they are still a good hockey team. They just don't look like a legit contender, which is what most expected them to be. But that can change in the playoffs. This team is built for the postseason when the size upfront will make a bigger difference.
I think AV is making a big mistake not integrating McIlrath. Give Girardi and Klein some time to heal. Rangers have a lot of "elder" dmen. Chances of injury go up with age. Just a fact. DM may be needed in the playoffs. Get him playing time now so he is ready.
stop already. He's clearly in his prime and has a lot more left in the tank then Girardi and quite frankly as good a puck mover as McDonagh. And why Mcylrath doesn't get more playing time is beyond me. The guy has an hellashish slapper and knows how to lower the boom.
RE: The Rangers advanced stats have been improving (link below).
I'd also argue that the 2013-2014 Rangers and 14-15 Rangers were vastly different teams that won in entirely different fashions. Twitter - ( New Window )
I agree with this, especially as it relates to the regular season. However, we looked very similar in the playoffs each of the years with the exception of the games IN Tampa last season.
Adam Herman @AdamZHerman 1m1 minute ago
Fun fact: Minimum 4,500 minutes, Tanner Glass has the lowest PPG average of any NHL forward since the 05-06 season.
the difference is between playing well and not as well. The last two seasons Rangers had basically the same personnel, same coach and same system. So it would be hard to argue the teams are vastly different in the way they are playing the game.
Biggest differences to me are:
1. Integrating the young guys. Miller has stepped up big time. Hayes and Kreider have not. Fast and Lindberg are solid but they also make mistakes because of their inexperience.
2. Stepan's poor play, for whatever reason, is a huge factor. A "normal" year from Step and the Rangers probably have 6 more points.
3. Staal and Girardi. With Giradri its probably 70% injury and 30% age. Staal's skill set does not fit as well with the uptempo game. But Rangers are loaded with young d-men: DM, Skjei, and Graves. So, it is really just the contracts and particularly the NMC that are a problem. Worse case, Staal and Girardi are overpaid 3 pairing d-men down the road. Neither guy is a 1st pairing d-man any more. But they would be fine as your 5th and 6th d-men
The big difference I've noticed since last year/early this year is the forwards coming down deeper in their own zone to take pressure off of the defensemen, who were failing at winning board battles and retrieving the puck by themselves. And the dmen have been carrying the puck out a bit more than I recall last year. They've also (to my eyes) been less aggressive in the neutral zone, with the supporting winger and defensemen playing a bit further back. With the team playing better of late, I'm hoping we start to see the quick strike transition game again. I agree with your other points and would add that the issues with the forwards (namely Kreider) are partially due to the D's inability to push the puck up the ice to an extent (IMV).
I think Essex brought up a good point in the differences in the regular season and playoffs last year.
the difference is between playing well and not as well. The last two seasons Rangers had basically the same personnel, same coach and same system. So it would be hard to argue the teams are vastly different in the way they are playing the game.
Biggest differences to me are:
1. Integrating the young guys. Miller has stepped up big time. Hayes and Kreider have not. Fast and Lindberg are solid but they also make mistakes because of their inexperience.
2. Stepan's poor play, for whatever reason, is a huge factor. A "normal" year from Step and the Rangers probably have 6 more points.
3. Staal and Girardi. With Giradri its probably 70% injury and 30% age. Staal's skill set does not fit as well with the uptempo game. But Rangers are loaded with young d-men: DM, Skjei, and Graves. So, it is really just the contracts and particularly the NMC that are a problem. Worse case, Staal and Girardi are overpaid 3 pairing d-men down the road. Neither guy is a 1st pairing d-man any more. But they would be fine as your 5th and 6th d-men
The big difference I've noticed since last year/early this year is the forwards coming down deeper in their own zone to take pressure off of the defensemen, who were failing at winning board battles and retrieving the puck by themselves. And the dmen have been carrying the puck out a bit more than I recall last year. They've also (to my eyes) been less aggressive in the neutral zone, with the supporting winger and defensemen playing a bit further back. With the team playing better of late, I'm hoping we start to see the quick strike transition game again. I agree with your other points and would add that the issues with the forwards (namely Kreider) are partially due to the D's inability to push the puck up the ice to an extent (IMV).
I think Essex brought up a good point in the differences in the regular season and playoffs last year.
Tanner Glass sucks.
I see some of this....I think the main things I see all the time are mistakes with timing and decisions on passes and definitely just a lack of enough pressure by the forwards on a consistent basis. If the forwards don't win enough board battles and the d decides to pinch at times, the puck goes back the other way and i'd bet if we could find the info somewhere, this team has given up a dumb amounf of odd man rushes and breakaways, whuch has not been eaten up every time by Hank. WHat did they say the other night? Hank has allowed 5 goals on 12 breakaways or something?
Point is the forwards we need to maintain a grind and get pucks to the net but they are not playing clean crispy hockey and they are exposing the D when they aren't playing their top games. Then there are the defensive lapses where somehow guys are getting behind the D and are at the net for some reason. Everyone is playing ok but no one is really standiug out but JT and Yandle.
I'd say it's a safe bet there's no cap space for anyone but maybe Chris Summers and Mat Bodie since their cap numbers are less than or equal to Megna's. We wouldn't have enough forwards if we sent Glass down. I think we're kinda stuck unless they IR Nash
Gotta play Yandle more and more. He's excellent
First two periods they were completely sleepwalking but the did bring it in the 3rd. Felt like they earned it more because of it. Doesn't matter though. Just need points.
Devils OT loss and Islanders getting blown out. That Yandle goal was so huge.
24:46
1 assist
+1
2 hits
6 blocks
Ideas?
They're identity is winners. While they haven't won the cup yet, they do what they need to do to extend their talent as far as it will take them. 3 conference finals in 4 years. Look, I am disappointed by they way they have played most of the year, but we keep hearing about how are Long Island rivals are the team of the future and I wouldn't be shocked if they were sitting home for the playoffs. This Ranger team is gritty, they have heart, hey have come back two years in a row from 3-1 deficits in the playoffs. Maybe we aren't the most talented team or our advanced stats stink, but the team has heart and grit and in my book that is identity. You aren't getting the Rangers out unless you beat them
The diminished play of Girardi and to an extent Staal, as well as Dan Boyle's inconsistency, has diminished our defensive presence.
And, since Cally's trade, we haven't played with the grit we'd gotten used to.
Add in Nash's drop in impact and we're far less of a team than a year or two ago.
Twitter - ( New Window )
@AGrossRecord
AV says refs told him that b/c it was their fault, they didn't call too many men on Flyers with Voracek jumping off bench.
I agree, and I'd say the '13 team also had a different style. But each HAD a style...how would you define this team's style? It seems all over the place.
Biggest differences to me are:
1. Integrating the young guys. Miller has stepped up big time. Hayes and Kreider have not. Fast and Lindberg are solid but they also make mistakes because of their inexperience.
2. Stepan's poor play, for whatever reason, is a huge factor. A "normal" year from Step and the Rangers probably have 6 more points.
3. Staal and Girardi. With Giradri its probably 70% injury and 30% age. Staal's skill set does not fit as well with the uptempo game. But Rangers are loaded with young d-men: DM, Skjei, and Graves. So, it is really just the contracts and particularly the NMC that are a problem. Worse case, Staal and Girardi are overpaid 3 pairing d-men down the road. Neither guy is a 1st pairing d-man any more. But they would be fine as your 5th and 6th d-men
I think AV is making a big mistake not integrating McIlrath. Give Girardi and Klein some time to heal. Rangers have a lot of "elder" dmen. Chances of injury go up with age. Just a fact. DM may be needed in the playoffs. Get him playing time now so he is ready.
I agree with this, especially as it relates to the regular season. However, we looked very similar in the playoffs each of the years with the exception of the games IN Tampa last season.
And for some reason Rangers were just not able to use their size advantage among the forwards.
Fun fact: Minimum 4,500 minutes, Tanner Glass has the lowest PPG average of any NHL forward since the 05-06 season.
Biggest differences to me are:
1. Integrating the young guys. Miller has stepped up big time. Hayes and Kreider have not. Fast and Lindberg are solid but they also make mistakes because of their inexperience.
2. Stepan's poor play, for whatever reason, is a huge factor. A "normal" year from Step and the Rangers probably have 6 more points.
3. Staal and Girardi. With Giradri its probably 70% injury and 30% age. Staal's skill set does not fit as well with the uptempo game. But Rangers are loaded with young d-men: DM, Skjei, and Graves. So, it is really just the contracts and particularly the NMC that are a problem. Worse case, Staal and Girardi are overpaid 3 pairing d-men down the road. Neither guy is a 1st pairing d-man any more. But they would be fine as your 5th and 6th d-men
The big difference I've noticed since last year/early this year is the forwards coming down deeper in their own zone to take pressure off of the defensemen, who were failing at winning board battles and retrieving the puck by themselves. And the dmen have been carrying the puck out a bit more than I recall last year. They've also (to my eyes) been less aggressive in the neutral zone, with the supporting winger and defensemen playing a bit further back. With the team playing better of late, I'm hoping we start to see the quick strike transition game again. I agree with your other points and would add that the issues with the forwards (namely Kreider) are partially due to the D's inability to push the puck up the ice to an extent (IMV).
I think Essex brought up a good point in the differences in the regular season and playoffs last year.
Tanner Glass sucks.
Quote:
the difference is between playing well and not as well. The last two seasons Rangers had basically the same personnel, same coach and same system. So it would be hard to argue the teams are vastly different in the way they are playing the game.
Biggest differences to me are:
1. Integrating the young guys. Miller has stepped up big time. Hayes and Kreider have not. Fast and Lindberg are solid but they also make mistakes because of their inexperience.
2. Stepan's poor play, for whatever reason, is a huge factor. A "normal" year from Step and the Rangers probably have 6 more points.
3. Staal and Girardi. With Giradri its probably 70% injury and 30% age. Staal's skill set does not fit as well with the uptempo game. But Rangers are loaded with young d-men: DM, Skjei, and Graves. So, it is really just the contracts and particularly the NMC that are a problem. Worse case, Staal and Girardi are overpaid 3 pairing d-men down the road. Neither guy is a 1st pairing d-man any more. But they would be fine as your 5th and 6th d-men
The big difference I've noticed since last year/early this year is the forwards coming down deeper in their own zone to take pressure off of the defensemen, who were failing at winning board battles and retrieving the puck by themselves. And the dmen have been carrying the puck out a bit more than I recall last year. They've also (to my eyes) been less aggressive in the neutral zone, with the supporting winger and defensemen playing a bit further back. With the team playing better of late, I'm hoping we start to see the quick strike transition game again. I agree with your other points and would add that the issues with the forwards (namely Kreider) are partially due to the D's inability to push the puck up the ice to an extent (IMV).
I think Essex brought up a good point in the differences in the regular season and playoffs last year.
Tanner Glass sucks.
I see some of this....I think the main things I see all the time are mistakes with timing and decisions on passes and definitely just a lack of enough pressure by the forwards on a consistent basis. If the forwards don't win enough board battles and the d decides to pinch at times, the puck goes back the other way and i'd bet if we could find the info somewhere, this team has given up a dumb amounf of odd man rushes and breakaways, whuch has not been eaten up every time by Hank. WHat did they say the other night? Hank has allowed 5 goals on 12 breakaways or something?
Point is the forwards we need to maintain a grind and get pucks to the net but they are not playing clean crispy hockey and they are exposing the D when they aren't playing their top games. Then there are the defensive lapses where somehow guys are getting behind the D and are at the net for some reason. Everyone is playing ok but no one is really standiug out but JT and Yandle.
the fact that the league isnt taking action on Simmonds is a disgrace. Clearly McD "Embellished" -- assholes.
I'd say it's a safe bet there's no cap space for anyone but maybe Chris Summers and Mat Bodie since their cap numbers are less than or equal to Megna's. We wouldn't have enough forwards if we sent Glass down. I think we're kinda stuck unless they IR Nash