NFT: NHL Pre-season starts and NHL top 50 (50 - 21)

Karlsson, sorry Andy.

My guess at top 20 in no particular order.

Crosby
Ovie
Malkin
Backstrom
Kucherov
Marchand
Tarasenko
Kane
McDavid
Benn
Matthews
Tavares


Karlsson
Burns
Doughty
Hedman

Price
Hank
Holtby
Bobrovsky

not sure if any of these players were already included at a higher number, but this would be my guess or something like it.

1. Lundqvist
2. Hayes
3. Skjei
4. Buchnevich

Where would you rank Toews?

Toews is clearly not in their league.

Meant in comparison to the scrubs above like Murray and Laine.

(I think Murray is too high)

all be higher than Laine and Murray.

I think a goalie like Murray gets treated a little bit like Fuhr, overshadowed because they have world class talent that gets the attention.

He's never had to be the reason his team won, though he has two rings as a rookie. rare at best, he might even be the only goalie ever (or only player ever) for all I know.

In comment 13601800 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

all be higher than Laine and Murray. I think a goalie like Murray gets treated a little bit like Fuhr, overshadowed because they have world class talent that gets the attention. He's never had to be the reason his team won, though he has two rings as a rookie. rare at best, he might even be the only goalie ever (or only player ever) for all I know.

Great point. Murray has the benefit of playing with two superstars and future hall of famers. The downside is that no matter how good he is people will always argue that his success was related to having those two on his team. If Roy and Brodeur had players as talented as Crosby and Malkin then they wouldn't have been as highly thought of as they were.

I think that's too many goalies for the top 50 if you're top 20 is right. I like Murray just fine, not sure if he's 'elite' though.

Quick shouldn't be top 50.

pj, who's your pick to win the Cup this year? I'd like to know who's definitely not winning it now. Thanks.

In comment 13602098 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

I think that's too many goalies for the top 50 if you're top 20 is right. I like Murray just fine, not sure if he's 'elite' though. Quick shouldn't be top 50. pj, who's your pick to win the Cup this year? I'd like to know who's definitely not winning it now. Thanks.

Rangers or Bruins.

I don't know, so many teams could win.

Today in the East my top 4 are PIT, WAS, NYR, MTL, but I can easily see a healthy TB in the mix

Today in the west my top 4 are EDM, CHI, NSH, ANA, but I could see DAL challenging - really like they're off-season.

I was in Vegas in August and bet $100 on the Rangers and Canadiens each to win the cup at 16:1 odds and 50 on the Oilers at 10:1.

*their* off-season

You don't seem that high on TOR? I think they'll compete for the division title with MTL. I expect OTT to take a step back. Agreed on TB, think they'll be good.

I like NSH, SJ, and MIN out west.

I'm in agreement on NYR/WAS/PIT. Think they'll all be really good this year.

I'm not as high on EDM as others are. I don't think they have enough around Draisatl/McDavid.

Things are definitely changing.

Of keeping the hockey discussion somewhat alive.

Pretty interesting to see AV's comments on Andersson and Chytil. Could just be lip service, but you'd expect to see the coach sandbagging their chances to make the big squad more than inflating them.

I guess at a minimum it's an encouraging start in the absence of any tangible results.

will be good and fun to watch, just like last year, and i like the fact Marleau left SJ to go there, but I don't like Andersen that much and I don't like their D.

The spread in the Atlantic was only 8 points from 1st (MTL) to 4th (TOR), in fact it was only 9 points to 5th (TBL).

So nothing would be terribly shocking to me in the Atlantic, for MTL they really just need a healthy Price and not a terrible matchup in the 1st round to get some momentum.

All eyes will be on Nico Hischier and Will Butcher but there are several other young players that might step up.

Will Pavel Zacha break out this season and stick as the first line center or will the Devils be forced to go with Henrique, Johansson, or even Hischier?

Will Michael McLeod and/or Blake Speers win a spot either at C or RW or does he need more seasoning in juniors/Minors?


Will Steve Santini build on last year and develop into a 2nd pairing defenseman that they desperately need?

Is Will Butcher ready for the NHL or does he need some time in the AHL to get acclimated to the speed of the league?

starts with the Devils.

He's a smart player and while not optimally sized for a D, he should be a top 6 this year at worst.

In comment 13602177 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

starts with the Devils. He's a smart player and while not optimally sized for a D, he should be a top 6 this year at worst.

I expect him to finish the year in the top 4 but I have a bad feeling that the Devils will start him in the AHL due to the logjam of lesser veterans who will be subject to waivers like Moore, and Lovejoy. They trade a 2nd and a 4th for Mirco Mueller so I hope that he just needed a change of scenery because those are valuable picks for a rebuilding team.

to the veterans

Rook from Notre Dame, hearing good things about him. Is he really going to make the big team?

But is that just the usual coming out of hockey training camps???

In comment 13602243 BillKo said:

Quote:

Rook from Notre Dame, hearing good things about him. Is he really going to make the big team? But is that just the usual coming out of hockey training camps???

I like him, I watched him the past few years on all the world juniors teams. I think he'll be a pro, but I'd be surprised if it's this year. Maybe an injury call up.

I think he's be a top 9 forward eventually. He's "already" 21, not like a lot of these guys that come right from juniors lately.

When will MAB show up to tell us how THIS season will finally be the Caps year?

In comment 13602411 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

When will MAB show up to tell us how THIS season will finally be the Caps year?

They lost way too much talent. I think Montreal might win it this year if Price stays healthy. They have some concerns at center but I think the Drouin acquisition was one of the best moves of the offseason.

Rangers are winning the Cup, though. So don't waste your time, guys.

In comment 13602429 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 13602411 Greg from LI said: Quote: When will MAB show up to tell us how THIS season will finally be the Caps year? They lost way too much talent. I think Montreal might win it this year if Price stays healthy. They have some concerns at center but I think the Drouin acquisition was one of the best moves of the offseason.

I love the Drouin acquisition. The thing about is everyone looks at TB now and says they acquired a potential perennial Norris trophy candidate in Sergachev.

But when Sergachev was on the Canadiens (or a Canadiens prospect) I never once read anyone, zero people, write that he was a potential perennial Norris candidate.

Hockey writers and Canadiens beat writers are very self-loathing (or loathing of the Canadiens I should say).

I do think Sergachev will be good, maybe even great, but I'd make that trade again with Carey Price 30 years old.

In comment 13602140 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Things are definitely changing.

I could realistically see anything from ECF to missing the playoffs. I dont even think the center issue is the biggest question mark -- rather, I think the defensive corps is still the big ??, especially as we appear to be moving to more PMDs, fewer "steady" types. Whether it works defensively remains to be seen, but offensively it should do wonders as all 3 forwards can now move up ice rather than having one skate back to get the puck.

In comment 13602433 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Rangers are winning the Cup, though. So don't waste your time, guys.

caps are done.

the amount of penalties called so far in this game (isles/rangers) or the fact no one has scored yet.

In comment 13602411 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

When will MAB show up to tell us how THIS season will finally be the Caps year?

Ha. But i will say if you didnt think either of their series against the eventual two time champions (threw up in mouth) could have gone either way, i dont know what to tell you. On paper, *thankfully* they lost a shitload in the offseason and I dont think Ovechkin will age particularly well. They'll make the playoffs and they'll be a tough out, but at this point Pittsburgh and Montreal, IMO, are on paper probably the best two teams.

I agree with deej on the Rangers - I have some doubts and concerns, and the Metro also remains the toughest division on the planet, across any sport. Basically trading Stepan for Shattenkirk is a downgrade any way you cut it... though obviously we'll see if Andersson develops into something special in 2-3 years.

Defense should be generally ok if Coach Dipshit uses them correctly anyway... but Center remains a major concern. Forget about the fact that we dont really have a 3rd line C... I'm not exactly sold Hayes will step up at 2C either.

Quote:

Basically trading Stepan for Shattenkirk is a downgrade any way you cut it.

I don't agree with this at all.

I don't really understand such a definitive statement there. Shattenkirk is going to be a revelation for this group after what we've watched on the back end the last three years.

by Pionk on the GWG last night.

But Pionk and Tony D are getting very good reviews. Holden has to go and Staal should be sweating it out too.

He has a NMC, he can't go to Hartford.

See if 40 games of being 7th D has him feeling differently about his options.

Staal should be concerned about his ice time. He's not going anywhere unfortunately but even AV acknowledged the other day that he's competing for his place more so than ever before

Yeah, that makes more sense. I'll believe it when I see it, though. I don't have a lot of hope in AV going from trotting him out to defend a lead in the semi's to benching him.

In comment 13606066 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Quote: Basically trading Stepan for Shattenkirk is a downgrade any way you cut it. I don't agree with this at all.

I think it's silly to view it as Shat for Stepan, in the near and long term.

Near term you have to count Tony D and Raanta. Less convinced Lias makes the team. Longer term it's Stepan and a season of Raanta for Shat, Tony D, and Lias, and it's moving Stepan before the NTC kicked in. Long term it actually looks pretty great.

I think ultimately we needed puck movement from the back end more than we needed Stepan, who is probably in the #20-#35 range for centers. Ultimately I think we miss Step's defense more than his offense.

In comment 13606066 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Quote: Basically trading Stepan for Shattenkirk is a downgrade any way you cut it. I don't agree with this at all.

I wouldn't even look at it this way. I'd take the trade pretty literally. Stepan and Raanta for Andersson and DeAngelo.

I do think that trade could hurt the Rangers in 2017-2018, but in the long-run it's a no-brainer (for just the potential of Andersson alone).

I think Raanta hurts, I wasn't in love with him like some of you, but when your A goalie is 36 before the playoffs, you need a legit backup.

Raanta > Pavelec, though I like Pavelec's size, but until he shows he can give you 20 - 25 starts, that may be the difference between 2nd place in the Metro and 4th place - and maybe that's a good thing based on 2016 - 2017, but I wouldn't count on that every year.

And Stepan was definitely miss-cast as a 1C, but he's better cast as a 1C than Mika IMO.

Rangers anomaly, they have 1 RH forward in their top 12, maybe even top 15, and he's a C. Unless you include Fast, not sure if he's being planned for top 12 or not on the depth chart.

Handedness means more for a D, than a F, but I find that strange.

And they only have one RH D. two righties out of 18 skaters.

Right handed shot hockey players (should be left-handed in life) are becoming more and more rare.

It was preseason, yeah, but I was surprised at how he played. I didn't expect much from him this year.

Both he and D'Angelo looked much better than Holden.

Who was Raanta before the Rangers, though? At this point, my faith in Allaire's ability to fashion almost anyone into a solid backup is pretty damned strong.

In comment 13606582 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Who was Raanta before the Rangers, though? At this point, my faith in Allaire's ability to fashion almost anyone into a solid backup is pretty damned strong.

you're probably right, you know the coach better than me, but having seen first hand what can happen to a team when you tempt fate and do not have a legit backup I don't have as much faith in goalie coaches coaching up 28/29 year old failures as you do.

If it's only the difference between 2nd and 4th place like I said between Pavelec and Raanta, then who cares, but if Pavelec is like Mike Condon, and Hank misses a lot of time it could be the difference between 4th in the division and 9th.

But it's been a long time since they had a problem in that spot, even as they've shuffled through players. Raanta, Talbot, Biron, hell, even Vally was decent for them. Looking through the seasons, the last time their primary backup played poorly was Kevin Weekes in 2006-07. To be fair, both Valiquette and Biron were awful in their respective final season, but both were quickly replaced with someone who played well (Biron in Vally's case, Talbot in Biron's).

I can't say I've seen Pavelec play much, but seems like he was at least adequate prior to last season.

In comment 13606499 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I wouldn't even look at it this way. I'd take the trade pretty literally. Stepan and Raanta for Andersson and DeAngelo.

I dont think you can ignore the fact that the trade cleared up like 6 million in cap space, and that the Rangers went out and signed a $7 million player "with" the new cap space. Cap space, like picks and prospects, is an asset.

They specifically mentioned last night that Allaire watched a lot of tape on Pavelec leading up to FA and recommended that they go get him to replace Raanta.

They said Pavelec was surprised by how quickly they called when FA began.

Who knows what will come of him, but at this point a conviction move at the recommendation of Allaire gets the benefit of the doubt.

In comment 13606656 Deej said:

Quote:

In comment 13606499 pjcas18 said: Quote: I wouldn't even look at it this way. I'd take the trade pretty literally. Stepan and Raanta for Andersson and DeAngelo. I dont think you can ignore the fact that the trade cleared up like 6 million in cap space, and that the Rangers went out and signed a $7 million player "with" the new cap space. Cap space, like picks and prospects, is an asset.

No, of course you don't ignore it, but I don't view it as a Stepan for Shattenkirk trade.

I think the Girardi buyout and Klein retirement for Shattenkirk is more accurately how you explain it.

has all the hallmarks of a kid who does 4 good things, 2 bad things, and get buried for the 2 bad things. Rangers have had a problem "trusting" offensive dmen who are defensively suspect as long as I can remember. It got Zubov traded and it got Del Zotto's game changed for the worse and then traded. Frankly it was a somewhat odd add by the GM given this coach's track record.

I think given the Rangers strengths/weaknesses at the time, a theoretical Stepan/Shattenkirk deal improves the team.

I'm surprised there isn't more optimism about the team. Think they have a top ten defensive unit, and maybe a bit better than that if DeAngelo/Poink really shine.

Agreed, Deej. I'm wary of AV's usage. I think he's mishandled the D the past three years.

1)Aging Henrik looked shakier last season
2)Vigneault's track record of integrating young players is less than sterling
3)Grabner highly unlikely to repeat last season's production
4)Still lack go-to scorers

to see a defense that can actually move the puck. I think that will make up for a lot of the offense we lost at center. Guys like Kreider, JT, Grabner should end up with a lot of breakaways and odd man rushes off feeds from the back.

I think we have the second best team in the Metro behind Pittsburgh.

My counters to your counters

1. He's had to shoulder a pretty large burden the last two seasons. Our shot metrics should be a lot better this season

2. Hard to argue here, though there have been some success stories. I think he's on a shorter leash though this season and bringing in Lindy Ruff only confirms my belief there.

3. He won't match that but there are reasonable gains to be expected by guys like Buch and Vesey that should more than make up for that.

4. Despite missing that one stud scorer, goal scoring really was not an issue for this group last season. And as mentioned, the D should contribute much more offensively now.

In comment 13606775 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

1)Aging Henrik looked shakier last season 2)Vigneault's track record of integrating young players is less than sterling 3)Grabner highly unlikely to repeat last season's production 4)Still lack go-to scorers

All good points. Henrik's a concern given his age, but I think he'll have a bounce back year with the better D. If he's average again, I'm skeptical of the team's ability to win it all.

I can see the O taking a small step back in part due to Grabner coming back to earth and the loss of Stepan. I think Buchnevich needs to be a 40-45 point guy for the team this year - if he turns into a second line caliber player, the team would have really good depth again.

I still don't really get the Ruff hire. He's had pretty bad defensive units in Dallas and IIRC his Buffalo teams had great offenses+Ryan Miller (and Hasek before that). I don't see him as a defensive genius or anything.

If AV flounders, I'd prefer shit-canning the whole staff and hiring Sutter mid-year.

my early prediction, Patrik Laine scores 50+ goals.

I think he can end up better (or more productive) than McDavid.

then no, goal scoring wasn't a problem for this team. However, I think that's a bit misleading. They were very boom or bust offensively. They still went through long stretches where they couldn't buy a goal to save their lives.

One thing that might improve that is an improved PP now that they look like they might have several skilled defensemen who can move the puck efficiently. We can only hope.

There's potential here for a good season. A lot of it will be determined by Vigneault. Taking Girardi away from him will help. If he's being honest when he says Holden and Staal have to earn their ice time, that will help too. Zib still has the potential for a breakout season and Buchnevich has a high ceiling. Can Vigneault figure out how to get the most out of this team? That's the big question.

I could live with that. Sutter is the guy you call when you're trying to wring a title out of a group in a short window, because by year three the team will be turning on him. If they're going to make a major push to try to win before Lundqvist hits the skids, that's the man you go to.

I would have been fine if they fired AV and hired Sutter this off-season. I was also fine with him returning - didn't have a strong viewpoint one way or the other.

AV pushed the right buttons in 2014. I generally like him.

It's going to be hilarious if the PP is still awful.

If the top 4 is McD-Shat, Skjei-Smith and they play well, I think Hank will have a real bounce back. I think a lot of his "decline" has been that he's been getting horrible play in front of him. DG, Staal, and Holden were really bad, as was Klein. Getting not those guys out there should do a lot for Hank. Even average play out of Shat, Smith, and Skjei will be a vast improvement.

In comment 13606842 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

It's going to be hilarious if the PP is still awful.

I think it will be. The long search for a PP QB misses the point on our PP struggles. Long term I think the struggles have been for 2 reasons, neither of which is about the PP QB job:

1. We generally have not had the super skills type guys who I think flourish on a PP. Well rounded guys like Stepan are great overall, but a Brassard type with lots of natural talent are who you want on the PP. Better natural talents (guys better than Brass) are the keys to a PP IMO.

2. Our PP never, ever stresses the correct positioning. 99% of the time the puck receiver is facing the passer, rather than the goalie. So we can almost never get off a one-timer or quick pass to a player near the goal line. What we're left with is a lot of ISO ball -- guys holding the puck looking for something to happen while other guys barely move. I have no idea what the PP philosophy is here, but it makes no sense. Its almost as if we care more about possession than shooting.

Shatty or DeAngelo wont fix that. Buch maybe. It would also help if we had another horse other than Kreider to park in front of the net.

In comment 13606690 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I think the Girardi buyout and Klein retirement for Shattenkirk is more accurately how you explain it.

My numbers are a bit rusty since its been 3 months since I looked at the cap, but I don't think this is true. They saved $2mm a year basically by cutting Girardi (but still have to pay him a couple mil a year for 6 more years now) and Klein only had 1 year left on his deal.

Meanwhile, you signed Shattenkirk to a 4 year deal @ close to 7 a year (similar number and term as Stepan).

And, with either Stepan or Shatty, this team is really going to be up against the cap next summer (or is it the summer after?) when McDonaugh and others have to be paid. At a minimum, Nash is a goner which is fine, but not sure what we have in the pipeline to replace his production.

Either way - not sure how you equate buying out Girardi and losing a modest 1 year Klein salary with signing the most expensive free agent on the market.

Point taken though from several above on not looking at it as Stepan vs Shatty, but too much is being made, IMO, about Stepan's NMC. It's a whopping two years, in his prime, when we are expected to still contend for Cups. It's not a 6 year albatross like Staal's.

Bottom line the organization is betting BIG TIME on Mika and Hayes... Hayes in particular scares me. Maybe they thought at Stepan trade time (when we didnt even know we'd land Shattenkirk) that we'd eventually trade for Kovy.. he would have been a tremendous fit here, who knows.

I think we can finish anywhere from 2nd in the division to 6th or 7th (depends if Carolina can ever kick it into gear). Philly and NYI will be better than last year. Washington a little worse, but still good. Columbus should put up 100+ points again. Its not a division you can relax in.

When the early AV era Rangers were really good, it was on the backs of long breakout passes from Ds that really had our forwards attacking on the rush. That disappeared in recent years, particularly with DG and Staal unable to execute even simple, short passes. Holden and Klein also were unable to make these long passes.

It's really hurt some guys. Rookie Hayes was magical on the rush, and Kreider's skill there is obvious. Other than Grabner, who has otherworldly speed and acceleration, our forwards need the first pass. If Shaty and the kids can give that boost, the offense could click again.

On a nice breakout pass from Shattenkirk.

Chytil potted the GWG on the PP in OT. Beauty of a pass from Zucc, believe Shatty got an assist on that one as well.

Obviously the results mean jack, but nice to see the young kids have some moments playing with a few of the regulars.

In comment 13607455 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 13606690 pjcas18 said: Quote: I think the Girardi buyout and Klein retirement for Shattenkirk is more accurately how you explain it. My numbers are a bit rusty since its been 3 months since I looked at the cap, but I don't think this is true. They saved $2mm a year basically by cutting Girardi (but still have to pay him a couple mil a year for 6 more years now) and Klein only had 1 year left on his deal. Meanwhile, you signed Shattenkirk to a 4 year deal @ close to 7 a year (similar number and term as Stepan). And, with either Stepan or Shatty, this team is really going to be up against the cap next summer (or is it the summer after?) when McDonaugh and others have to be paid. At a minimum, Nash is a goner which is fine, but not sure what we have in the pipeline to replace his production. Either way - not sure how you equate buying out Girardi and losing a modest 1 year Klein salary with signing the most expensive free agent on the market. Point taken though from several above on not looking at it as Stepan vs Shatty, but too much is being made, IMO, about Stepan's NMC. It's a whopping two years, in his prime, when we are expected to still contend for Cups. It's not a 6 year albatross like Staal's. Bottom line the organization is betting BIG TIME on Mika and Hayes... Hayes in particular scares me. Maybe they thought at Stepan trade time (when we didnt even know we'd land Shattenkirk) that we'd eventually trade for Kovy.. he would have been a tremendous fit here, who knows. I think we can finish anywhere from 2nd in the division to 6th or 7th (depends if Carolina can ever kick it into gear). Philly and NYI will be better than last year. Washington a little worse, but still good. Columbus should put up 100+ points again. Its not a division you can relax in.

Both the players and/or the owners can opt out of the current CBA in September 2019. From what I've read most teams and the NHLPA are expecting one side or the other to opt out and teams are treating most long-term contracts as short-term (in reality), since after 2018 - 2019 there is uncertainty.

The Rangers saved $6M on the cap with those two defensive adjustments for 2017 - 2018. Less going forward, but my point is if they did not buyout Girardi and had Klein not retired Shattenkirk would not be a NY Ranger (even with the Stepan trade) IMO.

he was the youngest player in the draft. Just missed the cutoff for next year's draft where he likely would be a top 10 pick.

We may have struck gold there. He looked really good last night. Beyond just the goal

he was very under the radar and may have had the biggest jump in drat status of any player I recall in recent memory.

Pre-draft he was a 5th/6th rounder. He fell below that early in the season, and then surged all the way up to late 1st/early 2nd.

To me that's a sign of both teams not really seeing a player and a young kid growing into his body and physically maturing.

I liked him since the Hlinka Memorial last year when the Czech's beat the US, but I didn't think he'd be NHL ready so soon (if he is).

Several of the young guys have looked very good - Pionk, D'Angelo, Andersson, Chytil

Good to see Shattenkirk have a good game - will increase his trade value now that we don't need him with right-handed Nick Lidstrom in Pionk.

Kyle, someone on HF speculates that teams don't know how to deal with someone like Chytill who took a massive step up late in the year. They hugged their old valuations of him and didn't adjust for the late season growth. I thought that was an interesting theory.

and there were a lot of people questioning the pick. The numbers were nothing special, but he was a teenager playing in a top European pro league.

I didn't know a thing about the kid, but our scouting group has done a pretty good job mining talent, especially in Europe. And already both first rounders are impressing in various ways.

I don't think Chytil is actually a candidate to make the team like Lias. Lias is nearly a full year older. But he didn't look out of place at all on a powerplay unit with three NHL regulars on it. That's promising.

by far Brady Tkachuk IMO best player on the ice.

These are all US players who will be draft eligible in June.

Tkachuk is like Matthews and the opposite of Chytil, Tkachuk just missed the cut off for last years draft and is already 18.

He's also already 6'3 200 lbs, if he continues to progress and shines at the worlds he could join Matthews as the 2nd American in 3 years to go #1 overall.

Right now he is top 5, but a 6'3" center, with grit like he has and skill to match, he'll be #1, right now I think a couple D and a RW are ahead of him.

In comment 13610451 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

by far Brady Tkachuk IMO best player on the ice. These are all US players who will be draft eligible in June. Tkachuk is like Matthews and the opposite of Chytil, Tkachuk just missed the cut off for last years draft and is already 18. He's also already 6'3 200 lbs, if he continues to progress and shines at the worlds he could join Matthews as the 2nd American in 3 years to go #1 overall. Right now he is top 5, but a 6'3" center, with grit like he has and skill to match, he'll be #1, right now I think a couple D and a RW are ahead of him.

sorry, to be clear this was just US prospect in this game.

Quote:

�I�ve never walked out of a meeting with my head coach, but if I didn�t leave the room I was going to end up in Rikers for choking this little shithead within an inch of his miserable life. If he really believed that Henrik was playing poorly because of Tiny�s, then he knew nothing about his star player. Lundqvist was not working at Tiny�s, he was investing in it. Players have slumps. Anyone who knows how to coach professional athletes would know how to deal with that.� �I told [Rangers GM] Glen Sather about it, but he had nothing to say, really. He kept a poker face and wasn�t going to play his hand, but all he had to do was watch a game � he didn�t have to live through playing for a coach who responded to something he didn�t like on the ice by kicking water bottles or throwing shit on the bench or tugging on a player�s jersey and screaming at him and ripping him a new asshole.�

Yahoo - ( New Window )

which ... even if you believe Crosby and the health the past two years of Malkin... have 90% to do with Pittsburgh's 2 time defending champion status... seems kind of dumb in retrospect.

There was speculation that he has a difficult relationship with Kessel and Tocchet did the heavy lifting there.

from the SCF last year would be in my top 5 if I were starting a team.

I like Lavy a little more, but like both him and Sullivan.

And Sullivan does come across kind of douchy, but I think he's a good coach though I hated him when he coached the Bruins. Obviously.

Lazy pos.

In comment 13610973 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Lazy pos.

Did they finish the top 20? I thought my list was the authority.

.

hockey memoir, but it's tough. So far, the list of things considered and rejected as too engrossing include:

-shampoo bottles
-financial services fine print
-random news articles written in Mandarin Chinese
-graffiti scrawled on the wall of a public toilet stall
-the instruction manual for a Xerox 3215
-lyrics to Bieber songs
-the script for Battlefield Earth

Quote:

-lyrics to Bieber songs

Offensive.

"Derek who?"

In comment 13611007 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

hockey memoir, but it's tough. So far, the list of things considered and rejected as too engrossing include: -shampoo bottles -financial services fine print -random news articles written in Mandarin Chinese -graffiti scrawled on the wall of a public toilet stall -the instruction manual for a Xerox 3215 -lyrics to Bieber songs -the script for Battlefield Earth

I laughed. But there is no way Greg came up with this list himself. Source please.

comes out Sunday night so 10 - 1 probably the night before the season opener.

In comment 13611883 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

Wow. Pathetic.

so I was already wrong, I didn't have Stamkos:
I was off, I missed Stamkos, so someone was already mentioned in my top 20.

20. Stamkos
19. Tavares
18. Ovie
17. Benn
16. Bobrovsky
15. Hedman
14. Tarasenko
13. Doughty
12. Marchand
11. Backstrom

special coming out this Wednesday on TSN
Link - ( New Window )

Thanks, pj.

How very droll.

for Canada last fall and had 85 points last season. If he's not 12, he's close to it

Unfortunately

He was #28 last year. He didnt climb to the top 10. No Rangers are making the top 50, from a team that blew it an missed the ECF last year because of their own untimely play.

re Torts. Yikes.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 13617925 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

for Canada last fall and had 85 points last season. If he's not 12, he's close to it Unfortunately

Agree. Can't stand Marchand, but he belongs there based on his 2016 - 2017. Good news is I think he's peaked.

2016-2017 is a significant blip for him based on career seasons, and he's 29 years old.

In comment 13617953 Deej said:

Quote:

He was #28 last year. He didnt climb to the top 10. No Rangers are making the top 50, from a team that blew it an missed the ECF last year because of their own untimely play.

So swap Hank for Stamkos and maybe my top 20 is 19/20.

.

In comment 13618369 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

I read the Rangers moved Miller to wing, and both Chytil and Andersson will make the team as centers.

AV must have some pressure on him.

Lindy Ruff is like the anti-AV. Hard to see those two working together, but him being part of the coaching staff makes Andersson and Chytil sticking more realistic.

Once again the league is trying to screw Jon Scott.

In comment 13618393 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13618369 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: I read the Rangers moved Miller to wing, and both Chytil and Andersson will make the team as centers. AV must have some pressure on him. Lindy Ruff is like the anti-AV. Hard to see those two working together, but him being part of the coaching staff makes Andersson and Chytil sticking more realistic.

Both? I thought Desharnais was going to make the team ... and makes no sense to put either of these kids in a press box throughout the year.

And can we just trade Holden already???

on:

Quote:

Asked on Friday if he thought it were possible that both Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil could make the team to start the year, Alain Vigneault said that it was possible due to Jesper Fast being out until the end of October. Asked on Monday, Vigneault said that it was "possible" that the Rangers enter the season with two 18-year olds and that both Andersson and Chytil are scheduled to play the final two games of the preseason.

If I had a choice of Desharnais (who looks up to Zuccarello height wise) or a 18/19 year old with upside, I'd choose the 18/19 year old.

Desharnais is a solid 4th line player, on a bad depth team he could be a 3rd liner (like he was with MTL), but he's got a low ceiling and he's not a great skater (this may seem contrary to reports, what I mean is he's not strong on his skates, he's always on the ice, he's fast and a grinder, but gets knocked down and knocked off the puck easily). Andersson isn't a giant, at 5' 11", but he's more skilled than Desharnais in every area.

unrelated, I never realized Tkachuk and Hayes are cousins. those would be some great pickup skates at one of their home rinks with all the Tkachuk kids and the Hayes brothers, and Keith Tkachuk.

due in part to how well the young centers have played.

Just a guess but I think both will be with the team opening night. And one sticks with the team for the whole season. They can return each to Europe after nine games without burning a year off their ELC. I think they'll do that

spots were up for grabs.

I'm interested to see how the D situation plays out. DeAngelo and Pionk have looked solid. Staal and Holden look basically the same which isn't a good thing. Just find it hard to believe AV would actually sit two "trusted" vets for two young guys.

Their options with Staal are limited, but not with Holden. What purpose does he serve?

In comment 13619955 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Their options with Staal are limited, but not with Holden. What purpose does he serve?

AV thinks he's good? I agree with you though. Biggest problem is I don't trust our decision makers. Maybe Ruff has more autonomy on picking his d-men and maybe as a result that means we'll see players used better. That's my only hope because AV's track record is awful.

In comment 13619955 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

Their options with Staal are limited, but not with Holden. What purpose does he serve?

I wonder if Vegas having a handful of comparable players to Holden (#6/7 JAG's) that they intend to move is making it harder to move him?

but I think the Gorts probably does not agree with AV's player usage. E.g. Girardi was heavily used and now he's cut. I think Gorts told AV that it's not the GM's place to dictate lineups, but it is the GM's place to evaluate a coach's usage, and the GM had problems with the usage. I think Ruff is part of sending the message that AV is replaceable. Not "on the hot seat" but the bury kids and play shitty vets stuff could get him fired. His in-season replacement is in-house.

I was gobsmacked to hear AV say that Staal was fighting for his job. I think that's Gorts.

In comment 13619969 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 13619955 Greg from LI said: Quote: Their options with Staal are limited, but not with Holden. What purpose does he serve? I wonder if Vegas having a handful of comparable players to Holden (#6/7 JAG's) that they intend to move is making it harder to move him?

Probably. The whole league is waiting for Vegas to be forced to cut guys.

In comment 13620018 Deej said:

Quote:

In comment 13619969 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: In comment 13619955 Greg from LI said: Quote: Their options with Staal are limited, but not with Holden. What purpose does he serve? I wonder if Vegas having a handful of comparable players to Holden (#6/7 JAG's) that they intend to move is making it harder to move him? Probably. The whole league is waiting for Vegas to be forced to cut guys.

Then again, the asking price on Holden could be so low that you have to wonder if a GM is really going to hold out for LVK guys (especially GMs who need 2 or 3 Ds)

In comment 13620017 Deej said:

Quote:

but I think the Gorts probably does not agree with AV's player usage. E.g. Girardi was heavily used and now he's cut. I think Gorts told AV that it's not the GM's place to dictate lineups, but it is the GM's place to evaluate a coach's usage, and the GM had problems with the usage. I think Ruff is part of sending the message that AV is replaceable. Not "on the hot seat" but the bury kids and play shitty vets stuff could get him fired. His in-season replacement is in-house. I was gobsmacked to hear AV say that Staal was fighting for his job. I think that's Gorts.

I don't want Ruff as a replacement if it comes to that. I wasn't a huge fan of his hire. I don't see him as a better alternative to AV.

I agree with your assessment of AV vs. Gorton. Gorton made a comment after the Shattenkirk signing mentioning Smith/Skjei/McD/Shattenkirk as top four dmen - which is at odds with the usage of Smith/Skjei in the playoffs. I forget the exact quote. I think we've seen this disconnect a bit before with Yandle as well.

But BSB was gushing about Chytil. They also had a lot of good things to say about D'Angelo.

i.e. the time AV used a new Porsche as a station car.

Going to have some decisions to make.

Aside from the rookies looking more ready than most expected, this kid Letteiri is super disruptive and has some skill.

I was thoroughly unexcited when the signed Desharnais, so his preseason has been a pleasant surprise.

With the Giants looking like shit, I'm officially pumped up for hockey.

until the regular season opens.

In comment 13620493 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

until the regular season opens.

Rangers win the Cup.
Calder: Chytil
Vezina: Lundqvist
Conn Smythe: Lundqvist

Rangers win the division. Caps beat the Pens in round one, lose to the Rangers in round two.

Sharks win the West.

Toronto wins the Atlantic. Habs a close second.

No need to watch anymore. You're welcome.

I just renewed Center Ice with FiOS too. I'll see if I can get my money back.

I think the Rangers have a good shot, I bet them when I was in Vegas.

I think the Pens will be tough to beat (obviously?).

Right now I can make a case for probably 10 teams to win the cup and believe it. There are just a handful of teams I think have no shot.

The gap between teams is so small now.

I also think OTT takes a step back. I'll say they miss the playoffs.

would shock me.

I think there are probably 4 teams in each conference I'd say are a lock (assuming no major injury disaster) to make the playoffs. The other 4 spots, nothing would shock me and OTT isn't one of the 4 lock in the East (PIT, NYR, CBJ, and TB)

So they could make it and even win the cup, because in the NHL once you get in, anything can happen as we've seen.

In the West I'd say my 4 locks are DAL (love their off-season), NSH, STL, and can't leave CHI out, but I can easily see ANA and MIN making some noise.

Bugs this crowd, but I didn't think it deserved its own thread...

But I'm playing fantasy hockey for the first time this year. Very casual league and only $25 buy in.

It's 10 teams, season-long Roto, and the draft is auction.

Any general advice? Best sites for projections and rankings?

In comment 13620547 bigbluehoya said:

Quote:

Bugs this crowd, but I didn't think it deserved its own thread... But I'm playing fantasy hockey for the first time this year. Very casual league and only $25 buy in. It's 10 teams, season-long Roto, and the draft is auction. Any general advice? Best sites for projections and rankings?

I joined one last year, giving in to the constant nagging of one of my teammates. It's kind of a pain in the ass if you take it seriously. because it's not like football and your lineup changes daily (or can change). You probably already know that.

My advice is pay attention to the scoring. Our league was a h2h 7x4 so 4 goalie categories and 7 player categories, so goalies are important, and having 2 #1 goalies is important, but you need to balance that with the offense since the non-goalie skaters have 7 possible points.

trying to get players who score points and rack up PIMS is good too, because for some reason in our league PIMS are a "positive" stat.

Marchand was the #1 player in my league last year due to that 85 points and 85 PIMS. some flukey stuff too like GWG is a stat, as is shots.

I enjoy watching hockey, not a huge fan of fantasy hockey, but I do it, and it's a small buy in for us too.

you do a head to head league like mine. If you pure stats maybe you'd have some different approach. I've only done h2h - so each week Monday to Sunday you play one opponent for those 11 possible points and your record is your results.

for example if I go 11 - 0, that's my record after week 1, my opponent would be 0 - 11.

In comment 13620562 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I joined one last year, giving in to the constant nagging of one of my teammates. It's kind of a pain in the ass if you take it seriously. because it's not like football and your lineup changes daily (or can change).

Yeah, many years ago now I did online fantasy hockey - Molson used to have free online fantasy leagues. If you weren't juggling your lineups every single day, you weren't going to do well. Wasn't worth the hassle.

I pushed for this league to be season long categories so that the upkeep would be a little less tiresome. Opportunities to change your lineup daily, but no need to jerk around on Sunday night trying to figure out what teams have 5 games in the next 7 days vs only 3 games...

We'll see how it goes.

In comment 13620540 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

would shock me. I think there are probably 4 teams in each conference I'd say are a lock (assuming no major injury disaster) to make the playoffs. The other 4 spots, nothing would shock me and OTT isn't one of the 4 lock in the East (PIT, NYR, CBJ, and TB) So they could make it and even win the cup, because in the NHL once you get in, anything can happen as we've seen. In the West I'd say my 4 locks are DAL (love their off-season), NSH, STL, and can't leave CHI out, but I can easily see ANA and MIN making some noise.

I think TB will make it, but their lack of depth is going to hurt. I don't like their bottom six or D outside of the top pair.

I'm not as high on CBJ as everyone else. I think they're going to fight for a playoff spot with NYI/CAR/PHI.

I'm also not in love with what DAL did. I think Bishop's overrated. I can see them doing well, but they're a higher risk team.

the Metro is still the toughest division in sports and the East has so many teams (16) that i cant assume anyone else right now.

Conversely the only teams we know won't make it are NJ, Florida and Detroit.

The Rangers have question marks like so many of the other teams, i dont get the 'shoe in' stuff. And while the puck possession fad seems to have faded after being treated as gospel for ~5 years there, its still relevant and i'd like to see us be a lot better at it this year to buy in.

before players and GMs were into it. One guys started trying to generate possession stats, it got a bit corrupted.

In comment 13620874 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

the Metro is still the toughest division in sports and the East has so many teams (16) that i cant assume anyone else right now. Conversely the only teams we know won't make it are NJ, Florida and Detroit. The Rangers have question marks like so many of the other teams, i dont get the 'shoe in' stuff. And while the puck possession fad seems to have faded after being treated as gospel for ~5 years there, its still relevant and i'd like to see us be a lot better at it this year to buy in.

MTL is not a shoe-in unless you think so because they're a lock to finish top 3 in the Atlantic. They haven't won a game in the PS and have looked bad losing. I'm not someone who worries too much about the scores in the pre-season, but I like to see some cohesiveness and positives. There have been very few.

Plus while I agree on the Metro, the Atlantic should be better this year. TB is much better than last year, TOR is improved, and so is BOS, and let's not forget OTT made it to the ECF.

I consider the Rangers a lock for the playoffs because there is no team with as deep a forward roster as the Rangers. They have size, skill, speed, and they signed the best available D to help improve their Achilles heel.

The 3 best teams in the East are again in the Metro and the Rangers are one of them IMO.

MTL basically traded Radulov, Emelin, Markov, and Beaulieu (plus prospect Sergachev) for Drouin and Alzner. They already lost their #1 prospect D to a broken foot, so no help there.

They should be worse than last year, but probably make the playoffs. If they get in they can do damage, but they're not a lock IMO.

that a failed offsides challenge results in a 2 min penalty to the challenger.

I like it, too many teams with a challenge used it as a timeout, NHL wants to avoid that.

I think this will help.

The offsides review has been the worst thing about hockey in recent years.

Of course, given the putrid state of the Ranger power play, I doubt any opponents will care about incurring the penalty.

In comment 13621020 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

The offsides review has been the worst thing about hockey in recent years. Of course, given the putrid state of the Ranger power play, I doubt any opponents will care about incurring the penalty.

agree, offsides review sucks.

first, if it's a close call then no harm no foul. The rule is designed to prevent cherry pickers, not split second zone entry foul ups. Yes, rules should be enforced. But how often are they reviewing a goal a minute or two after the alleged offsides? Maybe they should limit it to goals within 15 seconds of the offsides if not eliminating it altogether.

but a very small, and insufficient step. As has been pointed out:

1. Enough with the vertical plane judgment shit. Make it black and white as it is with sideline catches in the NFL - if (and only if) both skates of a player have touched past the blue line before puck entry - offside.

2. If goal occurs more than 15 seconds after the dispute - statute of limitations. Good Goal (anyway).

....absent these two changes, its still a shitty rule.

And what's the point of charging a penalty now anyway? It seems like they're admitting its a shitty rule, but hey, this will help reduce coaches' challenges a little!

And above all - if you arent going to empower your linesmen refs... which i guess is fine, we do want to get calls right - then with the speed of the game increasing every year, have one instead of two on the ice. If you still want two maybe put one in some sort of umpires chair... even worse than these offsides challenges, too often linesmen skates are ruining breakouts or leading to odd-man rushes the other way. That may even annoy me more than the offside challenges.

Blues' Robby Fabbri to miss the entire season.

Also, cool stat stuff. NHL just finished off a 6 year project where you can now see player stats going all the way back till 1917. Link below.
NHL Historical Stats Now Available - ( New Window )

Rangers stuff with an Islander tidbit at the end of 25.:

Quote:

23. When Filip Chytil was drafted 21st overall by the Rangers in June, he shook the hand of New York�s European Scout, Jan Gajdosik, and reminded him of their conversation in a pre-draft interview. In that meeting, Gajdosik said he could see Chytil in a Rangers� uniform. As he walked up on stage in Chicago, the 18-year-old smiled, �I�m here!� That�s a terrific story, and the rookie forward is pushing hard to continue �being here� into the season. He also told the Rangers he did not expect to go that early, as his agent told him to prepare for a late-first, early-second selection. 24. I�m really interested in the physical research teams do with their draft picks. In the summer of 2015, Chytil was five-foot-eight, playing in a Czech league labelled similar to Junior B. The Rangers looked at the genes around him. His mother is five-foot-10 and a good athlete. His father is six-foot-four, also very active. His brother, who is 20, is six-foot-five soccer goalkeeper. Now, Filip is listed as six-foot-two, with the possibility of adding a little more. It really helped that he jumped from his previous stop into the Czech Elite League, where he played very well. But it�s clear the Rangers invested a lot of time in making the best possible projection of his growth. Very intriguing prospect. 25. The Rangers are quietly thrilled their 21-year-old goalie prospect, Igor Shesterkin, is making a strong case to be Russia�s Olympic starter in South Korea. I�d pencilled in a different up-and-comer, the Islanders� Ilya Sorokin (who is 22) for that job. But Shesterkin, who had a .937 save percentage last season, is at .951 so far for St. Petersburg. His coach there is Oleg Znarok, who doubles as the Olympic team�s bench boss.

Sportsnet - ( New Window )

I am heading to Vegas in two weeks (contimplating going to the LVK home opener if ticket prices come down)...what odds did you get on the Rangers? THN season preview has them at 24/1, no way those odds are at an actual book.

24-1 is barely better than league average to win. I'd have thought somewhere between 15-1 or 18-1

Rangers are indeed 16:1

Shockingly islanders and flyers are both 50:1. I'd put modest money down on either of those teams - I think both make the playoffs and then who knows.

In comment 13621323 figgy2989 said:

Quote:

I am heading to Vegas in two weeks (contimplating going to the LVK home opener if ticket prices come down)...what odds did you get on the Rangers? THN season preview has them at 24/1, no way those odds are at an actual book.

I got 16 to 1 on August 31 at the Cosmopolitan. Same as Montreal, who I also bet. I bet more on NYR though.

In comment 13621208 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

but a very small, and insufficient step. As has been pointed out: 1. Enough with the vertical plane judgment shit. Make it black and white as it is with sideline catches in the NFL - if (and only if) both skates of a player have touched past the blue line before puck entry - offside. 2. If goal occurs more than 15 seconds after the dispute - statute of limitations. Good Goal (anyway). ....absent these two changes, its still a shitty rule. And what's the point of charging a penalty now anyway? It seems like they're admitting its a shitty rule, but hey, this will help reduce coaches' challenges a little! And above all - if you arent going to empower your linesmen refs... which i guess is fine, we do want to get calls right - then with the speed of the game increasing every year, have one instead of two on the ice. If you still want two maybe put one in some sort of umpires chair... even worse than these offsides challenges, too often linesmen skates are ruining breakouts or leading to odd-man rushes the other way. That may even annoy me more than the offside challenges.

I agree with this and Deej, offsides shouldn't be reviewable. Period.

It's a game played by and officiated by humans. As long as you have methods to ensure the refs are not corrupt, I see no issue with human errors, sometimes it sucks, but I would live with that over the challenge.

Plus when they added a 4th on ice official (two linesman, two refs) you'd hope the errors got reduced.

ESPN article on the Rangers.

Quote:

The New York Rangers traded the wrong goaltender two years ago.

ESPN - ( New Window )

In comment 13621295 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Rangers stuff with an Islander tidbit at the end of 25.: Quote: 23. When Filip Chytil was drafted 21st overall by the Rangers in June, he shook the hand of New York�s European Scout, Jan Gajdosik, and reminded him of their conversation in a pre-draft interview. In that meeting, Gajdosik said he could see Chytil in a Rangers� uniform. As he walked up on stage in Chicago, the 18-year-old smiled, �I�m here!� That�s a terrific story, and the rookie forward is pushing hard to continue �being here� into the season. He also told the Rangers he did not expect to go that early, as his agent told him to prepare for a late-first, early-second selection. 24. I�m really interested in the physical research teams do with their draft picks. In the summer of 2015, Chytil was five-foot-eight, playing in a Czech league labelled similar to Junior B. The Rangers looked at the genes around him. His mother is five-foot-10 and a good athlete. His father is six-foot-four, also very active. His brother, who is 20, is six-foot-five soccer goalkeeper. Now, Filip is listed as six-foot-two, with the possibility of adding a little more. It really helped that he jumped from his previous stop into the Czech Elite League, where he played very well. But it�s clear the Rangers invested a lot of time in making the best possible projection of his growth. Very intriguing prospect. 25. The Rangers are quietly thrilled their 21-year-old goalie prospect, Igor Shesterkin, is making a strong case to be Russia�s Olympic starter in South Korea. I�d pencilled in a different up-and-comer, the Islanders� Ilya Sorokin (who is 22) for that job. But Shesterkin, who had a .937 save percentage last season, is at .951 so far for St. Petersburg. His coach there is Oleg Znarok, who doubles as the Olympic team�s bench boss. Sportsnet - ( New Window )

Chytil earning 2 separate thoughts at such a newsy time is pretty telling. There must be a lot of buzz on him.

seems dumb.

Chytil made a massive gains over the year leading up to the draft, but it had nothing to do with the Rangers, by the time of the draft he was picked pretty close to where Central Scouting suggested he should go.

NHL Central Scouting had him 11th European skater in their final ranking, he was the 10th Euro picked.

I'm pretty sure the Rangers investigating into his parents height and how active they are didn't tip the scales to have them select him and isn't some Ernia Adams cloak and dagger stuff the Rangers are doing. He's 6' 2" already. and he played really well in the INTL tournaments. He was going to be picked right around there anyway.

In comment 13621669 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

ESPN article on the Rangers. Quote: The New York Rangers traded the wrong goaltender two years ago. ESPN - ( New Window )

At the risk of sounding like Seth.... that's one of the worst articles I've ever read. I want my 5 minutes back. First of all, Hank had a NMC. Second, an $8mm+ per year contract until age 35. Third, he's been even with Talbot in terms of performance the past 2 years so how exactly did he cost us a chance at a title?

And finally - the article says our cup window is slammed shut. Ok then - well, since hockey threads are pretty much the only reason I come to BBI these days... see ya guys after the rebuild!

...

There's an argument to be made that the Rangers could have turned whatever haul they got for Lundqvist (and the $4M of cap space) into something.

I don't agree with it, but I can see why others do. The Rangers decisions on D in 2014/2015 have hurt the team much more than whatever someone thinks Lundqvist is overpaid by.

Forwards:
Kreider - Zibanejad - Zucc
Vesey - Hayes - Miller
Nash - Chytil - Buchnevich
Grabner - Desharnais - Lettieri/Carey

Nieves as a spare.

Defense:
McDonagh - Shattenkirk
Skjei - Smith
Staal - Holden

DeAngelo as a spare.

Fucking joke if Staal - Holden is going to be a thing.

NY Post - ( New Window )

Rangers have assigned Graves, Lettieri, Nieves, and Pionk to Hartford. Puempel on waivers. Released Farnham from his tryout. Andersson will be loaned to Frolunda.

I don't think Brooks has good sources in the organization anymore. He's been spectacularly wrong about pretty much everything NYR related lately. I venture it's a guess.

Disappointed about Pionk, but maybe they're waiting to move Holden?

In comment 13621755 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

There's an argument to be made that the Rangers could have turned whatever haul they got for Lundqvist (and the $4M of cap space) into something. I don't agree with it, but I can see why others do. The Rangers decisions on D in 2014/2015 have hurt the team much more than whatever someone thinks Lundqvist is overpaid by.

Far too much attention has been paid to Hank's salary, with theories like you cant win spending X on a goalie. Teams routinely win with 10+ million in injured or total bust players.

People are now shitting themselves over Hank's bad season. Obviously he's getting older but until further notice Im attributing most of his struggles to the terrible Dman corps he had (including the misuse).

2pm today was the RFP filing deadline; Isles and Oak View Group worked together on submitting a comprehensive plan.

Empire State Development Corp has given no timeline for its decision; it will likely be months before one comes.

Still a ways to go, but the first big step has just been taken.
Islanders submit plan for arena at Belmont Park - ( New Window )

Chytil is in NY for the season or a 9-game audition.

that Chytil has made. I figured that'd be Andersson doing grabbing that opening night spot.

But there isn't really an obvious replacement for him on the roster. So who knows?

In comment 13621818 jv said:

Quote:

Forwards: Kreider - Zibanejad - Zucc Vesey - Hayes - Miller Nash - Chytil - Buchnevich Grabner - Desharnais - Lettieri/Carey Nieves as a spare. Defense: McDonagh - Shattenkirk Skjei - Smith Staal - Holden DeAngelo as a spare. Fucking joke if Staal - Holden is going to be a thing. NY Post - ( New Window )

DeAngelo is skating w Staal @ practice - not Holden. So I don't think Brooksie is right here.

Kreider-Zibanejad-Buchnevich
Nash-Chytl-Zuccarello
Grabner-Hayes-Miller
Vesey-Desharnais-Carey

Ex: Desjardins and Fogarty(hurt)

Pairs are:
McDonagh-Shattenkirk
Skjei-Smith
Staal-DeAngelo

Ex: Holden and Kampfer

In comment 13621877 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

But there isn't really an obvious replacement for him on the roster. So who knows?

Miller back to center.

I too thought it would be Andersson if only one of them made it, Sergachev made the Canadiens last year out of camp, played 2 games and then went to Windsor. 43 points in 50 games, +22 78 PIMs couldn't get him a call up back to the defensively challenged Habs. some coaches are tough on younger players.

It will be interesting to see how they handle him.

From what I've seen on twitter Holden over Pionk is the big surprise that has fans pissed.

In comment 13621844 Deej said:

Quote:

In comment 13621755 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: There's an argument to be made that the Rangers could have turned whatever haul they got for Lundqvist (and the $4M of cap space) into something. I don't agree with it, but I can see why others do. The Rangers decisions on D in 2014/2015 have hurt the team much more than whatever someone thinks Lundqvist is overpaid by. Far too much attention has been paid to Hank's salary, with theories like you cant win spending X on a goalie. Teams routinely win with 10+ million in injured or total bust players. People are now shitting themselves over Hank's bad season. Obviously he's getting older but until further notice Im attributing most of his struggles to the terrible Dman corps he had (including the misuse).

I'm with you. The Blackhawks won back in 2010 with Huet riding the pine at $5M+.

I think too much is made of Henrik's contract much the same as too much of Eli's. They aren't holding the team back. The issue arises when they turn into average players as they age when the window starts closing a bit.

Quote:

Jimmy Murphy‏Verified account @MurphysLaw74 4h4 hours ago More Per an NHL source, NHL GM's have been told by #Isles to not bother inquiring on #JohnTavares until at least January 1 (Cont.). The reason for January 1 on inquiring about #JohnTaveres is that is the day #Isles or #BarclaysCenter can officially opt out of arena deal. #JohnTaveres will be more willing to negotiate w/#isles & decide future after January 1 when team knows more about arena plans.

I don't know anything about this guy but thought it was interesting. The Islanders and their fans seem pretty confident about him re-signing.
Jimmy Murphy - ( New Window )

For whatever reason in this league, young franchise players seem overly loyal to their original teams. How many guys/captains in their primes walked away from their organizations -- Zach Parise? And he did it for family reasons, or at least he claims.

would be that they'd rather he play regularly in Hartford than sit in the press box as the 7th defenseman the way Holden will.

The response to that, of course, is to play Pionk, park Staal in the press box, and send Holden packing.

In comment 13621877 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

But there isn't really an obvious replacement for him on the roster. So who knows?

If they aren't going to stick with him for the long haul, then I don't know what else they're gonna do. Move up Hayes and call up Nieves as 4C, I guess.

had a few surprises.

Victor Mete, 19 year old non-prospect appears to have made the team and could start the season paired with Shea Weber (holy shit MTL D is in trouble).

been any good in preseason?

In comment 13622053 Greg from LI said:

Quote:

In comment 13621877 Kyle in NY said: Quote: But there isn't really an obvious replacement for him on the roster. So who knows? If they aren't going to stick with him for the long haul, then I don't know what else they're gonna do. Move up Hayes and call up Nieves as 4C, I guess.

Im still confused by what they're going to do defensively at forward. Which 2 lines are taking the tough matchups? You have Hayes, Stepan, and Lindberg as guys capable of playing the defensive role (Mika was not really asked to be that guy). 2 of them are gone, replaced with a youn 18 year old and a very small david desharnais. Boo makes sense longer term for the season.

In comment 13622057 Jon in NYC said:

Quote:

been any good in preseason?

From what I've seen, and reading from those who have watched more, he has impressed

In comment 13622057 Jon in NYC said:

Quote:

been any good in preseason?

I think so. Can really skate, nice puckhandler, better defense than I was expecting but obviously that's his weakest area.

Deej, I wanted the Rangers to sign Boyle - I don't think the Rangers have a guy capable of flourishing while taking heavy DZ starts right now. Moore was able to do that in the past on the 4th line. I think Hayes is wasted if he is given heavy DZ starts.

If the Rangers prove to be a contender, I think they'll trade for that type of player.

has come a long way defensively. He can handle it.

Swap Arc's 2nd and 3rd lines above and that's pretty solid, you know Nash and Zucc would be great with the youngster too.

I'm reading Behind the Bench by Craig Custance and thought you'd appreciate Ron Wilson bashing Kessel non-stop.

Book is meh, though.

In comment 13622160 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

I'm reading Behind the Bench by Craig Custance and thought you'd appreciate Ron Wilson bashing Kessel non-stop. Book is meh, though.

Kessel won me over a little with his self deprecation.

I bet he ate all these hotdogs too.

Still think he can skate a whole game with a carton of eggs and not break any, but I thought this was funny.

In comment 13622147 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Deej, I wanted the Rangers to sign Boyle - I don't think the Rangers have a guy capable of flourishing while taking heavy DZ starts right now. Moore was able to do that in the past on the 4th line. I think Hayes is wasted if he is given heavy DZ starts. If the Rangers prove to be a contender, I think they'll trade for that type of player.

Hayes got a ton of DZ starts last year -- 59%. It probably hurts him. But I think he's been more hurt by the inability of the D to make breakout passes. Think back to rookie Hayes and he was at his best on rushes where he could isolate a defender and use his frame to make a shot. Havent seen that out of Hayes much in the past few years. Similar to Nash, who was so deadly in Hayes's rookie year crossing the goal mouth (to be fair to the Ds, I think some of that is Nash being less willing to do it after the concussion).

10. Holtby
9. Kucherov
8. Matthews
7. Price
6. Burns
5. Malkin
4. Kane
3. Karlsson
2. Crosby
1. Malkin

Not a huge list guy but other than Holtby, not a ton I'd argue with here.

In comment 13626374 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

10. Holtby 9. Kucherov 8. Matthews 7. Price 6. Burns 5. Malkin 4. Kane 3. Karlsson 2. Crosby 1. Malkin Not a huge list guy but other than Holtby, not a ton I'd argue with here.

Malkin over Crosby?

But he is on there twice. Is #1 meant to be Mcdavid?

Holtby that high is a bit ridiculous. He's been as responsible as anybody for them losing to Pittsburgh each of the last two seasons when they arguably outplayed them both times.

sorry, yes McDavid is #1, Malkin was already on the list at #5, sorry for the typo.

I get the hype on McJesus, and its warranted, but Crosby is putting up equally crazy video game stats -- and has 3 Cups (just threw up in my mouth), and just won one without their #1 defender the entire run. Let me know when Conor gets to 3.

Unrelated point -- good for Tanner.


Tanner Glass - W - Flames

Tanner Glass has a shot at making the Flames' 23 man roster. The Flames are going to go with 14 forwards to start the season and that may be the break the rugged winger needs. Of course, if the Flames sign Jaromir Jagr as may be possible, all this goes out the window.

Source: Calgary Herald

In comment 13626840 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

But he is on there twice. Is #1 meant to be Mcdavid?

Malkin is the Mook of hockey.

I think Matthews is too high.

In comment 13626952 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 13626840 MetsAreBack said: Quote: But he is on there twice. Is #1 meant to be Mcdavid? Malkin is the Mook of hockey. I think Matthews is too high.

too high meaning he should be closer to #1?

I think Laine is the biggest miss at F. I think Laine could be better than McDavid all around. I think Laine is already better than Matthews.

Werenski is the biggest miss on D. IMO he will be a perennial Norris candidate as soon as this year, when he's 20 for the whole season.


Laine at 29 and Werenski at 50 are each off by about 20 spots.

No, sorry, meaning he should be outside the top ten.

In comment 13626938 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

I get the hype on McJesus, and its warranted, but Crosby is putting up equally crazy video game stats -- and has 3 Cups (just threw up in my mouth), and just won one without their #1 defender the entire run. Let me know when Conor gets to 3. Unrelated point -- good for Tanner. Tanner Glass - W - Flames Tanner Glass has a shot at making the Flames' 23 man roster. The Flames are going to go with 14 forwards to start the season and that may be the break the rugged winger needs. Of course, if the Flames sign Jaromir Jagr as may be possible, all this goes out the window. Source: Calgary Herald

GREAT!! let's hope he helps them to an NHL worst record!!!!!

In comment 13627035 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

No, sorry, meaning he should be outside the top ten.

Agree, though his 19-year old season exceeded my expectations.

40 goals for a 19-year old, and 69 points is kind of insane - that's probably a top 20 season all time for a 19-year old.

I just find him to be less explosive than some of the other youngsters drafted top of the drafts or near it.

He's probably top 20, but if Laine is 29, no way I have Matthews at 8.

Some perspective, Crosby had 120 points as a 19 year old, McDavid 100, Gretzky 164 (holy shit).

though some of those guys (like McDavid and Gretzky) turned 20 during the season, Matthews was 19 the whole year, in fact just turned 20. Crosby 19 the whole year.

In his defense Gretzky had 137 points his 18/19 year old season.

anyway, probably splitting hairs at this point.

to Flames sounds done - previously reported above.

.

In comment 13627384 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

.

I think Matthews age contributed to his ranking.

I think when you're in the top 20 you're a pretty elite player. I could live with your adjustment.

makes TB for opener (at least), so I'm going to have to deal with twitter bullshit every time he does anything (like I do with Subban).

In two years Montreal traded away or let go, Subban, Emelin, Beaulieu, Markov, and Sergachev

And then they complain they have no D.

(nothing?) Pierre doesn't think the Isles have a legit shot at re-signing Tavares.

Canadiens holding on to $8+M in cap room.

Just not sure they have what it would take in a trade, prefer they just sign him as a FA, but most Montreal media pundits feel like Bergevin keeping cap space for a move this year and it's not secret the Canadiens don't have quality centers.

In comment 13627683 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

(nothing?) Pierre doesn't think the Isles have a legit shot at re-signing Tavares. Canadiens holding on to $8+M in cap room. Just not sure they have what it would take in a trade, prefer they just sign him as a FA, but most Montreal media pundits feel like Bergevin keeping cap space for a move this year and it's not secret the Canadiens don't have quality centers.

Rumors popping up that MTL is in the lead for Duchene - would fill a C need

In comment 13628433 JayBinQueens said:

Quote:

In comment 13627683 pjcas18 said: Quote: (nothing?) Pierre doesn't think the Isles have a legit shot at re-signing Tavares. Canadiens holding on to $8+M in cap room. Just not sure they have what it would take in a trade, prefer they just sign him as a FA, but most Montreal media pundits feel like Bergevin keeping cap space for a move this year and it's not secret the Canadiens don't have quality centers. Rumors popping up that MTL is in the lead for Duchene - would fill a C need

yeah, I'm afraid it will be Galchenyuk and a pick for Duchene, and I think that will be a mistake for two reasons.

For one I think Galchenyuk is better than Duchene (offensively at least) and two I think they could sign Tavares after the season.

and Galchenyuk is due a raise in two years.

In many ways Duchene probably fits their long-term cap better (whatever the cap will be a few years, who knows) then the shiny (while the Penguins have figured out how to pay 3 guys hefty bucks at once, keep in mind Crosby plays WELL BELOW his market value and the Leafs are subsidizing Kessel in the deal of the century)...

I think if they signed Tavares they are looking at $64 million tied up in 10 players. I suppose you let MaxPac go but then you effectively give to get. Do you have the prospect pipeline to fill the other 12 spots?

And I still think, unfortunately, that JT stays with the Islanders. Its so damn rare that these captains move teams.

Didn't expect that. Apparently he asked to be released. I didn't know that his best friend died in a car wreck over the summer while drag-racing Kovacs. It seems he's in a bad place mentally.

Also, Dave Strader has passed away.

Sabres sign him to an 8 year, $80M contract. That'll buy him a lot of...whatever there is in Buffalo.