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NFT: Rangers thoughts

blueblood'11 : 10/27/2016 6:47 am
I saw on the Bruins vs. Rangers thread there were some suggesting trades of possibly Miller, or Hayes, Nash and Skjei or however the fuck you spell his name for Trouba or some frontline defender,

Why? Miller is a catalyst and while he could have ten fucking goals this year already with all the point blank shots he has been stoned on, you have to think they will start to find the back of the net, the guy makes things happen.

Hayes after losing 20 pounds is all over the ice and making the kind of hustle plays that wins you a lot of games. Did you not see the beauty he banked in of the back of Mcintyer last night. That was thee ultimate hustle play. It started at one end and he finished it at he other. And that bank shot was no accident either. Talk about a heady play.

As for Skjei, do you not see the way this kid skates and movers the puck and the pinpoint passes he delivers. Plus he has played some very very solid defense. We've heard about this kid for two years before he started to emerge last year and now you want to trade him???

As for Nash he looks to be zeroing in on that net and has played great defense and especially well on the penalty kill. Everyone is contributing and the chemistry is clicking. Even Zuccarellos name came up. What the fuck are people thinking. Watch these guys play. Truth is if for not two ridiculously hot goal tending nights the Rangers would be 7-0.

They are finding the back of the net more often then not and people want to start trading major assets playing major minutes and just plain getting it done. That's just flat out shortsighted stupid thinking. You know what they say. If it ain't broke don't fix it . So far it ain't broke. Far from it.
Totally agree  
Jay in Toronto : 10/27/2016 6:56 am : link
But we still need to improve the D.

A more skilled team would have taken advantage of the giveaways (Girardi, Klein)
Blue blood  
Carl in CT : 10/27/2016 6:56 am : link
The standings say 1st place (in the division of 8). You always try to improve but to me this team has great chemistry. We need help on the back line but I'm not too sure we trade a top 9 forward (or Pirri for specials). I think we need to stay the course and wait for teams to be out of it and maybe get something on the cheap. The price I'm hearing for Trouba is so high that's why he hasn't been moved anywhere yet.
Carl  
blueblood'11 : 10/27/2016 7:05 am : link
I agree you always want to improve. But they just got Pirri this year and he is a sharp shooter as witnessed last night. I agree at times the defense has been sloppy on the back end but on those nights that it is that's why you have Hank in net. Other then the give aways last night, which by the way the Rangers have not done a lot of this year, I thought the defense was pretty solid.

Is this true?  
JoeyBigBlue : 10/27/2016 7:20 am : link
http://thehockeywriters.com/marc-staal-is-back-on-track/


Cause all i see on BBI is that he's awful and he needs to get traded.
I think that Staal has played solidly this year...and I don't think  
yatqb : 10/27/2016 7:39 am : link
that Girardi is the problem he was last year. So far, so good. But neither is a shut down defenseman any more.

I agree with the OP that our offense doesn't need to be fixed (by trading for an offensive defenseman). We can score, and in bunches. But we sure could use a dominant defensive defenseman. Not sure who fits that mold, but I wouldn't give up any of our young forward talent unless I landed one of those, and a young one at that.
I would say this  
blueblood'11 : 10/27/2016 7:43 am : link
That article is spot on. He has played well. He doesn't give the puck away and is very decisive in his decision making. He had a tough year last season but he looks to be rejuvenated. People who criticize him are not really watching his overall play. He is a plus this year for a defense that really struggled last year and overall I don't think the defense has been that bad. And Staal has been a big reason.
Staal has been OK  
Greg from LI : 10/27/2016 7:51 am : link
He still is good for an incomprehensible gaffe or two a game, but his positioning seems much better this year.

Girardi has been better, but he's still playing at the level of a 5/6 defenseman.
Not a Rangers fan  
pjcas18 : 10/27/2016 8:05 am : link
but Trouba is a 22-year old potentially elite two-way top 4 defenseman. Today he is a big bodied, what I'd call "shut down defenseman" - he's more than a stay-at-home defenseman. He has a nasty streak, a cannon from the point, and skates really well. Need to polish his transition game, and get involved in the play in the offensive zone more. IMO he's a better version of McDonagh with a higher ceiling - and a nasty streak.

The Rangers have a surplus of young-ish high potential forwards.

My suggestion was keep an eye on the Trouba situation and if an opportunity presents itself pull the trigger.

Today the Jets, who hold the cards here, have set the bar at a left-handed shot similarly aged and regarded defenseman.

there are like 4 of them in the league who fit that mold and they don't get traded. Gostisbehere, Faulk (righty shot), Ristolainen (righty shot), Ekblad (righty shot and better than Trouba at 20), maybe Klinberg (righty shot)

Anyway, I'd trade someone like Hayes plus a pick for Trouba because when you look at it, the only ways to get a player like him, at 22 is be awful in the draft and pick Noah Hanifin or trade and to me this makes sense.

but it's unlikely unless the Jets price drops they find a match with MTL.
Without  
Jon in NYC : 10/27/2016 8:09 am : link
knowing a ton, trading Skjei and Miller for Trouba seems to make a lot of sense.
RE: Not a Rangers fan  
pjcas18 : 10/27/2016 8:14 am : link
In comment 13192688 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
but Trouba is a 22-year old potentially elite two-way top 4 defenseman. Today he is a big bodied, what I'd call "shut down defenseman" - he's more than a stay-at-home defenseman. He has a nasty streak, a cannon from the point, and skates really well. Need to polish his transition game, and get involved in the play in the offensive zone more. IMO he's a better version of McDonagh with a higher ceiling - and a nasty streak.

The Rangers have a surplus of young-ish high potential forwards.

My suggestion was keep an eye on the Trouba situation and if an opportunity presents itself pull the trigger.

Today the Jets, who hold the cards here, have set the bar at a left-handed shot similarly aged and regarded defenseman.

there are like 4 of them in the league who fit that mold and they don't get traded. Gostisbehere, Faulk (righty shot), Ristolainen (righty shot), Ekblad (righty shot and better than Trouba at 20), maybe Klinberg (righty shot)

Anyway, I'd trade someone like Hayes plus a pick for Trouba because when you look at it, the only ways to get a player like him, at 22 is be awful in the draft and pick Noah Hanifin or trade and to me this makes sense.

but it's unlikely unless the Jets price drops they find a match with MTL.


Should say unless the price drops it's unlikely they find a match with NYR. I was just thinking about the Habs yound defenseman Mikhail Sergachev who reminds me of Trouba, but he's just 18 still and likely being sent to juniors.
I'm with you  
Rover : 10/27/2016 8:55 am : link
I think trading Hayes or Miller (especially Hayes given he helped recruit Vessey) would be a big problem for chemistry.

Rangers have a surplus of forwards and a shortage of D BUT out of their surplus their really is nobody you'd want to trade who would have value for a Trumba.

You don't want to trade youth (Pavel).
The problem with the defense is that there is a huge dropoff  
Greg from LI : 10/27/2016 9:02 am : link
after McD. Everyone else is best suited to the third pairing.
RE: I'm with you  
Deej : 10/27/2016 9:58 am : link
In comment 13192731 Rover said:
Quote:
I think trading Hayes or Miller (especially Hayes given he helped recruit Vessey) would be a big problem for chemistry.

Rangers have a surplus of forwards and a shortage of D BUT out of their surplus their really is nobody you'd want to trade who would have value for a Trumba.

You don't want to trade youth (Pavel).


I think the idea of breaking up a team's chemistry is probably overrated. They all know trades are part of the game. That said, I'd be wary about fucking with this forward core, which can skate and skill on anyone. Which means if they're going to make a trade for a D, Skjei+ makes sense.

I have no want to trade Skjei. But a few factors: 1) McD and Staal are here long term at LD; 2) Skjei may have some of McDonagh's physical attributes but Skjei is still making some basic mistakes. I have no reason to believe he wont improve on those in time. 3) Rangers depth is along the left side. Org left shooting Ds are: McD, Staal, Skjei, Holden, Summers (our only NHLer in CT), and our top 2 D prospects, Day and Graves. On the right it's a much lesser crop: DG, Klein, Clendo, McIlrath, and then a bunch of garbage guys in the AHL. BSB says our best RD "prospect" is our #18 overall prospect, Mike Paliotta, a guy who wasnt qualified by Columbus last year (I actually think it is Zborovskiy, even though he has big warts).

So Skjei isnt quite expendable, but organizationally it makes sense to move him or Staal in the next year or so if you can get equiv RD value. Also, I think Jon's Miller + Skjei for Trouba proposal is a substantial overpay. Our guys collectively are better right now, collectively have as high a ceiling IMO, and are inarguably cheaper for the time being.
On a not so side note: Re: McIlrath  
moose53 : 10/27/2016 10:03 am : link
What happened with the dirty hit on Girardi is why McIlrath has to be playing. He is an ok to developing defenseman who can make opponents pay for taking cheap shots at our players.

There is no one else who can do that effectively on the current team.

The intimidation factor is still important to have, especially against teams like Boston.

Our coach is making a significant mistake not using McIlrath (IMHO).
Having a Dman as a fighter  
Deej : 10/27/2016 10:17 am : link
is an iffy proposition. It's much easier to lose your LW4 than your RD3. Lose a dman to a major and it is 5, 7, 15 minutes of double shifting.
Hayes  
Jay in Toronto : 10/27/2016 10:25 am : link
was my first choice to trade. However he seems like a different player. The weight loss may be part of the reason, but one of the TV commentators said he is the most improved player in the NHL.
RE: Having a Dman as a fighter  
moose53 : 10/27/2016 10:35 am : link
In comment 13192860 Deej said:
Quote:
is an iffy proposition. It's much easier to lose your LW4 than your RD3. Lose a dman to a major and it is 5, 7, 15 minutes of double shifting.


Agree Deej - but just having him there will be a good deterrant for extreme cases like Girardi. I doubt teams will take liberties just to have us lose a dman. With our fourth line posing a scoring threat, losing a player there also has risks.
Seems kind of clownish  
pjcas18 : 10/27/2016 10:37 am : link
proclaiming someone the most improved player in the NHL after 6 games.

I'd trade Hayes while his value is high. If it is high.

I've followed his career since he was getting press in high school, he wasn't even that effective at BC, where he should have excelled, until he was moved to the first line with Gaudreau. I do agree with the philosophy that big bodied players take longer to develop or adapt to the NHL game, but they're usually dominant in college or juniors when they're playing against lesser competition.

I think Hayes ceiling is lower than Trouba's respective to their positions. and I think their floors are similar, but maybe also an edge to Trouba there since the only question is his offense.

I wouldn't do Hayes + Miller, or Hayes + Skjei or Miller + Skjei, but I'd do Hayes and a draft pick though or Hayes and a prospect in a second.

Hayes is much easier IMO to replace on the Rangers roster than adding a Trouba is.

Largely agree pj  
Deej : 10/27/2016 10:59 am : link
Especially on a willingness to do Hayes+ for Trouba. I just think Trouba+McDonagh would provide 25 minutes a night of extraordinary 1st pair play, or you could split them and play 45-50 minutes a night with one elite defensive D on the ice at all times.

Only point of disagreement could be on a general assessment of Hayes. I didnt see him in BC. He (and Kreider) might be better as pros than as amateurs. I do know that Hayes as a rookie displayed rare vision and patience. Put up a 60 point pace after the ASB as a rookie. He'll never be a 90 point center because he isnt built to be a PP guy, but he has the potential to be a very good (non-elite) 5v5 first line center.
Really interesting how the Rangers have backfilled  
Deej : 10/27/2016 11:24 am : link
the org with ex-Blackhawks prospects. Hayes (2010-2), Pirri (2009-2nd round), Clendening (2011-2), Raanta (undrafted, 2013 signing), and in the AHL Paliotta (2011-3). Strikes me as more than a coincidence. Maybe they hired an ex-Blackhawks scout and then signed his favorites. We know that Chicago was so deep for a while that some prospects probably didnt get totally fair shake. Indeed, Hayes didnt sign there because of the depth.

Funny that 3 straight Chicago #2s are now on our roster. BBI would lose its shit if the Broncos were getting great, cheap use out of 3 consecutive Giants #2s.
I would do either Hayes or Miller for Trouba.  
BrettNYG10 : 10/27/2016 11:31 am : link
Don't think I'd add much more. Certainly not Skjei.

Miller could have had a hat trick last night.
RE: Largely agree pj  
pjcas18 : 10/27/2016 11:39 am : link
In comment 13192923 Deej said:
Quote:
Especially on a willingness to do Hayes+ for Trouba. I just think Trouba+McDonagh would provide 25 minutes a night of extraordinary 1st pair play, or you could split them and play 45-50 minutes a night with one elite defensive D on the ice at all times.

Only point of disagreement could be on a general assessment of Hayes. I didnt see him in BC. He (and Kreider) might be better as pros than as amateurs. I do know that Hayes as a rookie displayed rare vision and patience. Put up a 60 point pace after the ASB as a rookie. He'll never be a 90 point center because he isnt built to be a PP guy, but he has the potential to be a very good (non-elite) 5v5 first line center.


Well I don't want to make it seem like I was at Conte Forum every BC game, but I saw Hayes enough (and Kreider) to feel like I knew what their likely future was.

Kreider I immediately felt superstar. Not only was he the fastest player on the ice almost any time he was on the ice he was the biggest player (or close to it) and he had an edge, he used his size so well, crashed the net, had great instincts good in space without the puck and a sniper shot.

Hayes, was big and a good skater especially for his size, but lacked the speed of Kreider and played like he was 5' 10". Definitely didn't use his size and i don't mean just physically, I mean with the puck, in space, etc.

Now I'm definitely not a scout, how well can players pick up their defensive responsibilities, how does their game translate, etc. I'm absolutely not an expert, but that was my sense.

If I had to equate them to NHLers I felt like Kreider could be LeClair or Keith Primeau+, and Hayes would be the Kevin Stevens type who had to play alongside a Primeau or LeClair to maximize his game - more a complementary player than a creator.
Worth noting  
Deej : 10/27/2016 11:42 am : link
we do not have a #2 pick (E. Staal trade). So if you add a pick, it's a #1 or a #3 or worse. A #3 is not much of an add. I guess you could trade Gropp, Graves, Day, Kovacs, or one of the goalies, and they may have better than #3 value, but no one is confusing any of those guys with a #1. Gropp (tools) and Shestyorkin might have the most value.

Goalie prospects rarely return decent value. My preference is to keep them all and see if any shine. Hank could absolutely be read for a time share in a couple of seasons. Shesty is killing it in the KHL (12-1-2 with a 94.1 SV%, 1.56 GAA, and 5 SOs).
I was thinking more along the lines of Klein.  
BrettNYG10 : 10/27/2016 11:51 am : link
I'd say McIlrath but he seems to have no value league wide.
AV needs to wake up  
Davisian : 10/27/2016 11:54 am : link
And free Randy
RE: AV needs to wake up  
BrettNYG10 : 10/27/2016 12:01 pm : link
In comment 13193043 Davisian said:
Quote:
And free Randy


I'm resigned to losing McIlrath but still have hope Clendening plays for Holden.

I don't think Clendening or McIlrath is necessarily an answer to anything - I would just like for them to give him a legitimate shot and see what they have.
McIlrath was just placed on waivers  
Anakim : 10/27/2016 12:06 pm : link
.
Completely agree with the OP  
Vanzetti : 10/27/2016 12:11 pm : link
Just about the dumbest thing you can do in hockey is to trade young talent for middling vets.

The way you build is to let young guys play and grow together. The Rangers strength is depth. THey can run out third and fourth lines like nobody else in the league.

Do they have a Crosby or Kane? No. But they have about ten guys who could probably play on a lot of second lines in this league. This team just wears you down because every combination they run out there can score.

They are hungry and relentless.Obviously it's early, but so far this is the most enjoyable Ranger team to watch in about two decades.

No one is saying to trade Miller for Shattenkirk  
Anakim : 10/27/2016 12:14 pm : link
Nash? Yes. Miller? No.



Miller for Vatanen or Trouba would be very beneficial for us.
RE: McIlrath was just placed on waivers  
Jay in Toronto : 10/27/2016 12:26 pm : link
In comment 13193078 Anakim said:
Quote:
.


Ugh

Who is our top Dman on the farm -- Graves?

I was thinking last night that maybe one day a pairing of Skej and Day would be as good as the sound.
RE: RE: McIlrath was just placed on waivers  
Anakim : 10/27/2016 12:55 pm : link
In comment 13193135 Jay in Toronto said:
[quote] In comment 13193078 Anakim said:


Quote:


.



Ugh

Who is our top Dman on the farm -- Graves?

I was thinking last night that maybe one day a pairing of Skej and Day would be as good as the sound. [/quote

Yeah, I think Graves, who is not so far away from the NHL himself
I think McIlrath clears waivers  
Vanzetti : 10/27/2016 6:03 pm : link
and winds up in Hartford


But, man, what a fuck up not drafting Tarasenko. Every draft guru I recall had us taking Tarasenko.
Or any of the other 2003 first rounders  
Drewcon40 : 10/27/2016 6:12 pm : link
Instead of Jessiman!

Tarasenko would have been great but how do the chips fall after that?

Is Tarasenko part of any Nash, St. Louis, or Yandle trade?

I know hindsight is easy. I'll let it play out. If coach thinks Clendening and Holden are better options, I would like to think he and Gorton are doing what they think is best for the Rangers.
I would almost never second guess  
pjcas18 : 10/27/2016 6:24 pm : link
the NHL draft, that's almost like second guessing the baseball draft. You can, I just wouldn't do it.

most of these kids are 18 years old. So hard to project.

I don't even know the odds, 50% of the 1st round picks making it to a regular shift at the NHL level?

I just looked it up. Outside of the top 10, there is only a 63% chance whoever you draft in the first round plays 100 NHL games. Second round shrinks to 30% and it obviously lessens as the rounds get higher.

Tarasenko went 16th sure he'd go near the top if not the top in a redraft, but hindsight....
PJ  
Rover : 10/27/2016 7:08 pm : link
Weren't the Rangers a bit shit scared then of Russians after Chernopov?
RE: PJ  
pjcas18 : 10/27/2016 7:12 pm : link
In comment 13193693 Rover said:
Quote:
Weren't the Rangers a bit shit scared then of Russians after Chernopov?


I don't know, you guys on here would know that better than me, I just generally don't get worked up about NHL draft busts, especially the later you get in the first round, and the draft in general.

I'd consider Edmonton (for example) having draft issues unless things quickly turn around for them, but generally speaking outside of the top 10 it's a coin flip a lot of the time.
McIlrath waived is such a shame  
Giants2012 : 10/27/2016 8:39 pm : link
He just can't skate well enough i guess.

Ugh, unreal
RE: Is this true?  
Giants2012 : 10/27/2016 8:43 pm : link
In comment 13192672 JoeyBigBlue said:
Quote:
http://thehockeywriters.com/marc-staal-is-back-on-track/


Cause all i see on BBI is that he's awful and he needs to get traded.



He sucks.
No he doesn't  
Davisian : 10/27/2016 10:13 pm : link
.
Serious question for the board  
B in ALB : 10/27/2016 10:24 pm : link
Is there a legitimate concern that the Rangers don't have any real nasty anywhere on the team without DM? I mean, who is going to go out and bang when teams start to bully? Especially late in the season and in the playoffs, should they make it.

Is there a need for a major physical presence on this team?

All I know is that some mattress stain called Pasternak rocked the Warrior last night. Then he proceeded to smash Vesey into the boards post goal.

Granted the Rangers were winning but isn't their lack of beast a concern?
It is a concern, but the game has changed.  
Davisian : 10/27/2016 11:22 pm : link
It's also a part of the game McIlrath needs to change.

The need for some nasty and protection is still there, but the lineups in todays NHL can't have a goon only option out there. especially on D.

McIlrath is not just goon, he's got skills but he does get himself in trouble by goin full policeman on the ice. He does need to learn to pick his battles better.


But on the overall toughness on the team is a concern. They will face teams that will challenge them, so it's going to come down to players like Kreider and Miller and Vesey (if he has it, I don't know) to do some of that protection.


Otherwise we'll have Glass back.

Not terribly concerned  
bigbluehoya : 10/28/2016 7:24 am : link
Let's be honest, how much deterrence/protection was Glass really providing? This core group of guys has dealt with chippy garbage pretty well over the years, it doesn't seem to knock them off their game.

Kreider, Miller, Klein can all provide a little sandpaper when needed.

There aren't a ton of guys who can truly enforce while playing effective hockey, and I'm not ready to stop rolling 4 lines that can score.

Just have to rely on the refs to blow the whistles and hope the power play can be potent. There's no better deterrent than that.

Wasnt Stepan cheap shotted against Boston with McIlrath five feet away  
BrettNYG10 : 10/28/2016 8:48 am : link
?
I worry more about physicality  
pjcas18 : 10/28/2016 9:06 am : link
than fighting.

And the Rangers while maybe they don't have a drop the gloves guy - a lot of teams don't anymore - they have bangers and people who would drop the gloves to protect a teammate if they had to.

yep, Fast went right after Pastrnak after he hit Girardi  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 9:25 am : link
Even Hayes got involved, too. And when Pastrnak gave Vesey a shot after his goal, Vesey shoved him right back. Kreider certainly doesn't mind mixing it up either, and while Zuc and Buchnevich aren't big, they're both scrappy.

Besides, the deterrence theory in hockey has always been pretty suspect.
I've always been pretty dismissive  
Deej : 10/28/2016 10:11 am : link
of the notion that a designated tough guy provides enforcement/deterrence. I think it's a bastardization of the idea that in the era before I watched, a lot of players would fight. Basically a bunch of rowdy western Canadians. So if you did a nasty hit, you'd get jumped there and then maybe. But in the last 15-20 years, what has fighting been? Really a boxing match within a game between two professional ice boxers. Where is the deterrence there? "Dont hit my star or my goon will fight your goon!". Who is deterred by that? Deterrence right now comes from the refs/league, just like in the NFL. That's fine IMO.
Also, more often than not  
Deej : 10/28/2016 10:12 am : link
players get jumped for legal hits, or questionable/borderline hits.
Maybe semantics  
pjcas18 : 10/28/2016 10:18 am : link
but it wasn't purely a deterrence, it was the cliche of the players "policing the game".

And I do think there was merit to it and still is to some extent.

While fighting isn't the only angle to it, the theory is you can dish out a reckless hit on player and the refs will give you a penalty and or the league will fine you but you will have to answer for your actions, not your goon, you depending on who you hit. Most of the time the reaction is immediate, on the ice at that time, not planned anymore like it used to be.

But every now and then you get a glimpse of the past with a line fight or dropping of the gloves at the face-off.

that's at least the way it used to be and to some extent it still is even if the scrums have become rugby scrums as much as two guys squaring off.

What's amazing is the # of hockey players now who still have their real teeth - no shit, no exaggeration, that number used to be much lower.

I am not a proponent of senseless fighting in hockey and I think it's becoming more and more rare, but i do support the notion that should it warrant it two players can drop the gloves with no more consequence than a 5 for fighting (or an instigator/3rd man in, etc.).

But like I said in my prior post, I wouldn't worry about having a typical drop the gloves fighter on my team, I'd be more concerned with physicality than fighting. Almost no hockey player will refuse to drop their gloves in the situation warrants it. You just don't want certain players doing it because a) they risk injury and b) having them off the ice hurts you more than others.
I think a lot of it comes from previous generations of Rangers fans  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 10:25 am : link
They were kind of scarred for life by the Broad Street Bullies era Flyers, and in their heads they constantly see Dave Schultz beating up Dale Rolfe while no one came to his aid, and they still think that's why the Rangers couldn't get past the Flyers.

I agree with you - it used to just be the case that a lot of good hockey players were also ornery bastards who'd fight. Two of the greatest in the history of the game were Rocket Richard and Gordie Howe, both of them famously pugilistic. Even in the famously vicious '70s, most of the noted tough guys of the era weren't complete goons. Dave Schultz had a 20 goal season once. Guys like Terry O'Reilly, Willi Plett, and Tiger Williams had several 20 and even a few 30 goal seasons. It really wasn't until the '80s that you started seeing guys who never would have sniffed an NHL rink without fighting, the John Kordic/Basil McRae types.
Greg  
Carl in CT : 10/28/2016 10:36 am : link
It was the reason why we didn't get by the Flyers. It even went into the 80'swhen Pierre LaRouche got man handled like a rag doll. Those were all facts. I agree today the rules are different and the game is more tightly called. A lot of players wi played in the 70-90's couldn't play today.
the Flyers were simply a more talented team in the mid '70s  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 10:40 am : link
End of story. Yeah, they were tougher, too, but they had a core of young stars like Clarke, Barber, MacLeish, and Leach while the Rangers' core was aging and declining.
Buch back tonight, Kreider out at least through the weekend,  
Mad Mike : 10/28/2016 11:52 am : link
per Zipay.
jeez  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 12:00 pm : link
Hope this doesn't plague him all season. He was dominant.
Also, McIlrath cleared,  
Mad Mike : 10/28/2016 12:05 pm : link
heading to Hartford.
Per Zipay - McIlrath clears  
Drewcon40 : 10/28/2016 12:05 pm : link
#NYR's McIlrath clears waivers, will report to Hartford
thanks Obama  
Davisian : 10/28/2016 12:06 pm : link
.
what the hell happened to Kreider??  
MetsAreBack : 10/28/2016 12:13 pm : link
Had no idea it was so serious.

I guess we're all wrong on McIlraith... a lot of teams out there have absolutely no defense depth, yet no one is taking a flier on a cheap contract approaching free agency.
RE: what the hell happened to Kreider??  
Deej : 10/28/2016 12:31 pm : link
In comment 13194501 MetsAreBack said:
Quote:
Had no idea it was so serious.

I guess we're all wrong on McIlraith... a lot of teams out there have absolutely no defense depth, yet no one is taking a flier on a cheap contract approaching free agency.


Not sure we're wrong. A lot of us would play him over guys we thing are not playing up to the level of NHL #6 dmen.

Look, I take AV at his word -- McIlrath is not making the right decisions with the puck. That's a big deal. I also think his small space skating is not great. He's fine getting up and down the ice, but not all that mobile in zone.

Barring some major injuries, he wont hit 42 games, and therefore will be a Group IV UFA (or so I read).
Also  
Deej : 10/28/2016 12:33 pm : link
McIlrath's puck yips were hard to improve on without playing time in the NHL. AHL cant simulate just how hard and fast NHLers pressure the puck.
While we're doing updates,  
Mad Mike : 10/28/2016 12:34 pm : link
Pastrnak was suspended 2 games. Mike Milbury is going to appeal on his behalf.
RE: While we're doing updates,  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 12:42 pm : link
In comment 13194538 Mad Mike said:
Quote:
Pastrnak was suspended 2 games. Mike Milbury is going to appeal on his behalf.


Wheel of justice  
bigbluehoya : 10/28/2016 12:45 pm : link
Got that one right, IMO. He had all day to line up a legal hit but went real high and left his skates.

Good to see them depart from the injury dictating the sentence for a change.
RE: It is a concern, but the game has changed.  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 1:05 pm : link
In comment 13194002 Davisian said:
Quote:
It's also a part of the game McIlrath needs to change.

The need for some nasty and protection is still there, but the lineups in todays NHL can't have a goon only option out there. especially on D.

McIlrath is not just goon, he's got skills but he does get himself in trouble by goin full policeman on the ice. He does need to learn to pick his battles better.



McIlrath isn't a goon at all. Why people keep perceiving him as a goon is beyond me. He can't skate very well and is a very, very stay at home defenseman b/c he can't skate well. Goons take cheap shots, goons can destroy opponents in the fighting department. McIrath is neither. He doesn't take cheap shots on the ice and even the blind can see he isn't a very good fighter. He's off balance, unsteady and isn't a given to dominate any fights.

We were all hoping for a Kenny Daneyko with wild dreams of him being a Scott Stevens to clear out the front of the net or force opponents to skate with their heads up. Dylan can't skate well but he's far from a goon. He's not a Troy Crowder or Stu Grimson type. Those are goons.
McIlrath isn't a good fighter?  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 1:14 pm : link
You are, as always, wrong.
RE: McIlrath isn't a good fighter?  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 1:18 pm : link
In comment 13194565 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
You are, as always, wrong.


If you think he's a good fighter, you haven't watched real hockey fighters fight. I've loved the kid since he was drafted and watched every fight through the minors. He's off balance and is a coin flip if he wins a fight or not. Take the home blinders off.
I've seen him lose one fight in the NHL  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 1:20 pm : link
And that was against Brian McGrattan, who could beat virtually everyone, when he was a rookie. Every other one has either been a clear win or a draw at worst.
RE: I've seen him lose one fight in the NHL  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 1:27 pm : link
In comment 13194571 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
And that was against Brian McGrattan, who could beat virtually everyone, when he was a rookie. Every other one has either been a clear win or a draw at worst.


Oh stop, he lost several fights in the minors where there are better fighters. Again, it's his skating. There are few goons in the NHL now and his competition isn't even tough in practically every incident. Put the real heavy weights out there and look at their balance, etc. Dylan has poor balance in both fights and his COD on skates. The real goons would knock him out with his lack of balance.
I don't think hoping McIlrath  
pjcas18 : 10/28/2016 1:30 pm : link
would be Scott Stevens is a dream, that's flat out delusional. or even beyond delusional.

Stevens is in the hall of fame. Sure he is renowned for laying vicious hits and ending careers, but he was an insanely good skater and an underrated (I guess) supremely talented offensive presence.

He is one of the best two-way defenseman ever. ever.

and McIlrath can fight fine, do to hockeyfights.com and look him up, he wins most of his fights, he went toe to toe with Wayne Simmonds last spring I remember and Simmonds is a scrapper.

I don't think  
jv : 10/28/2016 1:35 pm : link
McIlrath is likely nearly as good as many think/hope he is... However, one thing he most definitely is, is a good fighter. He'll hold his own just fine against anyone.
RE: I don't think hoping McIlrath  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 1:36 pm : link
In comment 13194590 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
would be Scott Stevens is a dream, that's flat out delusional. or even beyond delusional.

Stevens is in the hall of fame. Sure he is renowned for laying vicious hits and ending careers, but he was an insanely good skater and an underrated (I guess) supremely talented offensive presence.

He is one of the best two-way defenseman ever. ever.

and McIlrath can fight fine, do to hockeyfights.com and look him up, he wins most of his fights, he went toe to toe with Wayne Simmonds last spring I remember and Simmonds is a scrapper.


SO you completely bypass Ken Daneyko which I led with. Awesome as usual.

If you needed a goon would you take Wayne Simmons? How would Wayne Simmons do against a smurf like Tie Domi? Think Dave Brown was a bit tougher than Wayne Simmons? Kocur, Probert, Semenko, McSorley, Grimmson, etc. Those are fighers. Those guys have balance and destroy others. Dylan fights, but he's no real heavy weight. He's just tall and hopes a haymaker connects while his head his often turned turned to the side and his skates are failing him.
My opinion  
SethFromAstoria : 10/28/2016 1:38 pm : link
JT Miller is only tradable for a star player. He has developed in a natural way and looks as good on line 3 as he does on line 1. He has explosive power and great speed, he has a smart IQ, he is superb passer and playmaker with a nose for the net and he goes to every dirty area. He will only get better. And he makes his peers better.

Soon I just want to see this line: Miller, Zibadinnerplate and Kreideer. That line will simply be way too much for 95% of the lines out there. Pirri has been superb as well.

In games 1 and 2 Kevn Hayes was atrocious. Then he watched these guys and since then he has been a totally improved player. Look at his shots, faceoffs, etc. His last game was excellent Best in a while. And Nash has had 2 in a row now.
yes, I hated Stevens but he was incredible  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 1:38 pm : link
Played 22 seasons, scored 900 points, 13 time all-star, probably should have won a Norris (was the runner-up twice and third once, in the top 5 six times), Conn Smythe winner. Forget McIlrath - Ryan McDonagh's not close to Scott Stevens.
the only one of those guys you mention who would have a place in  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 1:41 pm : link
the current NHL is Probert, because he could play a bit as well as fight. There are no more Domis and Browns and Kocurs.
RE: the only one of those guys you mention who would have a place in  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 1:46 pm : link
In comment 13194609 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
the current NHL is Probert, because he could play a bit as well as fight. There are no more Domis and Browns and Kocurs.



Which is exactly what I said

Giants2012 : 1:27 pm : link : reply

In comment 13194571 Greg from LI said:

There are few goons in the NHL now and his competition isn't even tough in practically every incident

That Daneyko  
pjcas18 : 10/28/2016 1:46 pm : link
wasn't an awful comparison, wishful thinking with McIlrath to have a 20-year NHL career but not awful, Stevens was crazy so that's why I brought it up.

Deej and others answered the question from B in Alb right, there are very few pure goons in the NHL anymore. Teams roll 4 lines out regularly these days which wasn't always the case and 6 D.

You can only have 18 skaters dressed.

However that doesn't mean there aren't players who can fight.

Could Wayne Simmonds square off with Derek Boogard? John Scott in his youth or most any of the fighters you mentioned? Unlikely, but in the NHL today pound for pound not many tougher men than Wayne Simmonds.

McIlrath can hold his own with Simmonds and most anyone in the NHL today in a hockey fight.
RE: That Daneyko  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 2:03 pm : link
In comment 13194618 pjcas18 said:
Quote:

McIlrath can hold his own with Simmonds and most anyone in the NHL today in a hockey fight.


Which isn't saying much considering the competition. The shame of it is, and I've said it for years b/c I watched him live in Hartford, he's the physical presence this team needs on the backend yet he just has to overcompensate for his poor skating by staying way back in his end. If loses a step, the player can go right by him. At the NHL level, he just doesn't appear to have the wheels. The very mention of "goon" though, no way. He's no cheap chop fella who seeks out others to knock out.
Had he been born 20 years earlier, he could have been a Beukeboom  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 2:06 pm : link
But there just isn't much use for guys like that anymore.

Saying that he can't fight because the pure goons of the '80s would have beaten him is kind of immaterial when talking about how good a fighter he is in the current league, no?
RE: RE: That Daneyko  
pjcas18 : 10/28/2016 2:12 pm : link
In comment 13194646 Giants2012 said:
Quote:
In comment 13194618 pjcas18 said:


Quote:



McIlrath can hold his own with Simmonds and most anyone in the NHL today in a hockey fight.



Which isn't saying much considering the competition. The shame of it is, and I've said it for years b/c I watched him live in Hartford, he's the physical presence this team needs on the backend yet he just has to overcompensate for his poor skating by staying way back in his end. If loses a step, the player can go right by him. At the NHL level, he just doesn't appear to have the wheels. The very mention of "goon" though, no way. He's no cheap chop fella who seeks out others to knock out.


I didn't use goon, but whatever, maybe someone did. and Even if being able to hold his own with anyone in the league today doesn't say much, it is what it is, when no one has a grim reaper anymore who cares if the guy you have can't hang with the grim reaper?

No, I said he has no balance  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 2:13 pm : link
If he had balance, he likely would have better COD and would be an NHL today. Lord knows this defense could use a physical presence. In the fighting dept, with balance, he might destroy any opponent like those fighters from years past. Today, he's just a tall mediocre fighter which doesn't make him a good one b/c the competition is poor.

As far as Beuk, maybe McIlrath could have been him. In the fighting dept, Beuk wasn't too hot either. More balance though

Meanwhile, at the OHL level  
Giants2012 : 10/28/2016 2:29 pm : link
between both Windsor and Mississauga

Sean Day 7 games, 4 Goals 2 assists 6 points
Re McIlrath  
JoeMoney19 : 10/28/2016 3:19 pm : link
The enforcer concept is probably overrated but having a big body defenseman who protects his own net / goaltender isn't.
Am I missing something?  
Anakim : 10/28/2016 3:54 pm : link
Why is Jesper Fast skating with the extras (Clandening and Raanta)? Don't we need him to play considering that Kreider is still out and Buchnevich is in for Jooris, who is injured?
I think AV said after morning  
bigbluehoya : 10/28/2016 4:08 pm : link
Skate that Fast didn't skate yesterday and just wanted (or the coaches wanted) some extra time to get loose.

He's playing, according to all indications
RE: I think AV said after morning  
Anakim : 10/28/2016 4:09 pm : link
In comment 13194834 bigbluehoya said:
Quote:
Skate that Fast didn't skate yesterday and just wanted (or the coaches wanted) some extra time to get loose.

He's playing, according to all indications


Thanks
According to Zipay  
Greg from LI : 10/28/2016 4:11 pm : link
Quote:
Steve Zipay þ@stevezipay · 4h4 hours ago

Actually, NYR only have 12 forwards, so Fast must be out there just to shoot at Raanta w/Clendening


What your takeaway should be is that Holden, despite another terrible game on Wednesday, is still playing over Clendening. Not sure how Holden got into the AV Circle of Trust so quickly.

So tired of this kind of nonsense. Holden literally has no strong points to his game. Hell, even Vigneault couldn't muster up better praise than "he gets in the way out there" in that NYP puff piece.
Holden is the  
XBRONX : 10/28/2016 5:42 pm : link
Tanner Glass of DMen
RE: My opinion  
Deej : 10/28/2016 7:14 pm : link
In comment 13194602 SethFromAstoria said:
Quote:
JT Miller is only tradable for a star player. He has developed in a natural way and looks as good on line 3 as he does on line 1. He has explosive power and great speed, he has a smart IQ, he is superb passer and playmaker with a nose for the net and he goes to every dirty area. He will only get better. And he makes his peers better.

Soon I just want to see this line: Miller, Zibadinnerplate and Kreideer. That line will simply be way too much for 95% of the lines out there. Pirri has been superb as well.

In games 1 and 2 Kevn Hayes was atrocious. Then he watched these guys and since then he has been a totally improved player. Look at his shots, faceoffs, etc. His last game was excellent Best in a while. And Nash has had 2 in a row now.


I think Mika and Kreider need more of a set up man than Miller. That's why AV has put Zucc and Buch with them so far.
Is this the game thread?  
B in ALB : 10/28/2016 7:36 pm : link
Who's dropping the fuckin ball on this shit?
RE: Is this the game thread?  
Deej : 10/28/2016 7:42 pm : link
In comment 13195007 B in ALB said:
Quote:
Who's dropping the fuckin ball on this shit?


There is
Thanks Deej  
B in ALB : 10/28/2016 7:53 pm : link
.
I think the NHL should put all head coaches names in a hat  
baadbill : 10/28/2016 7:58 pm : link
and each team gets randomly assigned a head coach (and staff). Likewise with every goalie; defensemen; and centers and wingers. That way every franchise gets a random selection of players and coaches every year. Better yet, do it every 20 games - and then a final time for the playoffs.

I mean nobody seems to have loyalty to players or coaches. From reading this thread and other comments, everybody is just a "widget" you plug in. So I like my idea better than the random trades. This way you get to cheer for 5 groups of strangers during every season - and call them "your team".

What a fucked up world this has become.
Refinement...  
baadbill : 10/28/2016 9:32 pm : link
1. Every coach and player is an employee of a corporation known as the NHL. Teams don't pay coaches or players.

2. Two weeks before the season, there is a draft, in reverse order of how "cities" finished the prior season. Coaches and players are all part of the draft.

3. Every coach makes the same salary. Likewise every player makes the same salary.

4. There is a new "draft" every 20 games.

5. There is a final "draft" before the playoffs.

6. Any coach or player not "drafted" in a draft isn't paid that 20 games (or playoffs). Players or coaches are free to put their names into the "draft" for as long as they like. However, they only get paid if they get drafted (and then by the NHL).

7. The playoffs are the same format as now - but instead of "teams" they are known as "cities". Each city makes it by the points accrued during the season.

There you go. A new league where every fan has every player and coach available. No team loyalty necessary. Indeed the concept of team doesn't exist - just "cities" (not far from the way many "fans" approach hockey right now anyway).

Oh ... and of course the draft order after each 20 games  
baadbill : 10/28/2016 9:57 pm : link
is reverse order of points ... so the deck is reshuffled during the season (and entering the playoffs).

On a positive note  
xman : 10/28/2016 11:48 pm : link
Ty Ronning our 7 th rounder has a point a gamein12 games and selected to play for the Western Hockey league in the Canadian/Russian tournament next month
RE: On a positive note  
B in ALB : 10/29/2016 12:18 am : link
In comment 13195218 xman said:
Quote:
Ty Ronning our 7 th rounder has a point a gamein12 games and selected to play for the Western Hockey league in the Canadian/Russian tournament next month


His Dad was my fuckin man in NHL 93. Ronning!

That team was ridiculous. Ronning, Bure, Linden (who was completely awesome!), Nedved and Cournall were unstoppable.
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