NFT: Rangers @ Tampa Bay, 7:30pm ET

from last season is just so disappointing. Play for a contract, sign a contract and then take the first month of the 2017 campaign off. I hope he returns to the form we witnessed after he arrived in NY.

I'm sure I'm in the minority but I don't have a problem with Kampfer who can skate and move the puck. Granted, it's not easy playing on a limited basis.

my breath with this team on the 4 on 4 but nice to see us convert. Kreider getting it going of late.

13-8 lead in SOG too. Keep it up!

Been such a disaster I would have taken the scoreless tie...conflicted about the Kreider trade rumblings, he does seem to be coming to life lately.

both skaters went to the same guy. Ugh.

and of course a gaffe in their own zone.

Now let's see if they can pick up the second one.

.

That was a pretty good game.

I do hate that TBL team.

and we have our first winning streak of the season!

in ot!!

Ranger road hockey!

Keep building. Brick by brick.

And if it takes more threats of AVs job - so be it too.

they've played all season.

Must have been inspired by The Warrior on the other side

Panthers.

In comment 13673917 BrettNYG10 said:

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Panthers.

Is this sarcasm? Panthers have lost 3 straight.

lets keep the momentum going - I'm going monday night against Columbus, want to head into that one with some positive momentum

In comment 13673887 Kyle in NY said:

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Must have been inspired by The Warrior on the other side

I think I've reached the point that wins depress me, because it means the cretin who coaches the team won't be going anywhere.

Stamkos is great but he is among the whiniest bitches ever. I'd like to see someone pop him good in the chops and shut him up.

didn't see it, I had a meeting, but I know some fans like to be pessimistic, but man TB has looked like the class of the East. I'd feel good about my team if they won that game. On the road.

Did any of you people who watched the game notice Sergachev? How did he look?

Always interested in former prospects of the habs.

nearly 75% offensive zone starts on the season and a lot of PP time.

But I think that's one you're going to regret, pj. Big defensemen with that kind of ability don't come around too often. I really thought MTL needed to come out of that deal with a center, as good as Drouin may be

In comment 13674225 Kyle in NY said:

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nearly 75% offensive zone starts on the season and a lot of PP time. But I think that's one you're going to regret, pj. Big defensemen with that kind of ability don't come around too often. I really thought MTL needed to come out of that deal with a center, as good as Drouin may be

I already regret it. MTL needs C and D, and they trade a blue chop D prospect for a wing.

Though Drouin is playing C, and I don't think he's embarrassing himself, it's not his best position.

And I like Drouin, but some of his skill is marginalized in a Julien system.

In comment 13673933 RinR said:

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In comment 13673917 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Panthers. Is this sarcasm? Panthers have lost 3 straight.

It was. They gave up 13 goals in two games.

.

lol, I heard the announcers cite that number last night and didn't check to see if it was updated. Or maybe I misheard.

Reimer sucks. He's given up about 20 goals in his last 5 starts.

In comment 13674049 pjcas18 said:

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Always interested in former prospects of the habs.

McDonagh is doing great.

In comment 13674398 Vanzetti said:

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In comment 13674049 pjcas18 said: Quote: Always interested in former prospects of the habs. McDonagh is doing great.

Very disappointed in McDonagh. Good player, not what I thought he'd become.

Great trade for the Rangers, but as a 22 year old I thought holy shit this guy is going to be awesome and I'd lose sleep over that trade for years. Perennial Norris candidate type good.

eh, still a good player, but one I no longer lose sleep over from a trade standpoint. He's never cracked top 10 for Norris and doesn't look like he ever will, seems to have plateaued and I don't think it's all being paired with "an anchor", his offensive game never grew to the point I expected and certainly isn't consistent.

At this point I expect Skjei to be a better player than McDonagh in the short-term.

Subban and Sergachev trades bother me way more than McDonagh at this point.

Utterly ridiculous from no angle.

They pulled a goalie with 2;12 left because the entire league knows this team cannot hold a lead late. No defensive structure, wrong personnel, wrong philosophy, and a goalie who's just mentally gone late with leads

Unreal

.

Thank God

JT and Shattenkirk with big nights. Shattenkirk is as advertised offensively, maybe even better than I thought

But you can't be serious with all the EN goals against this team the past 12
Months. It's just about goddamn automatic

cause I had a feeling I'd see your post after another 6 on 5 goal. It was a great shot but it needs to be stopped. There is something odd with this team and defending against the extra attacker for maybe three seasons running now. Just like there's no confidence they can get it done

They deserved the win though, played a solid game, Florida got some strange goals

Had the angle and 100% vision. He’s gotta stop that.

Miller was fucking flying tonight.

Not that he reads BBi regardless. Just extreme frustration because I want this room and particularly hank to get one more shot and raise a cup. But why the fuck can we not stop a 6 on 5 ? It's always something different - the goalie, a D play, forward out of position... the tape is out. Down one goal they pulled a goalie with 2:15 left... the rangers absolutely have to somehow correct this. If you're even average teams only do this the last 60-90 seconds

how we rank relative to the rest of the league 6 on 5. Certainly feels like we give up a lot but at the same time we finish it off more often than not, the failures just stick in our minds. Especially off a brutal playoff with 3 late game tying goals last season

should have gone to overtime, but at least Shatty ended it pretty quickly.

I guess he has looked slow and stupid for most of this season, but I do hope there's a plan here... you know, unless the plan is to admit defeat on a $19 million contract 15 games into the 4 year commitment.

That distinguishes him from Holden and Staal how?

With a big PPG to tie it at 2 in the third.

they retake the lead. We must play from behind 90% of the time at home this season.

continues to heat up. 3-3.

Now please - no more goals allowed please Defense/Hank.

GOOOOOAAALLLLLLLLLL

NYR have finally woken the fuck up.

Now at 8-9-17 in 16 games. Might he be blossoming into a true #1 center?

So.. now the question is... will we give up the tying goal once they yank Bobrovsky?

Roasted

Let's just keep using this thread.

We’ve got ourselves a season

Nice win

I have a hockey crush on Buchnevich

appearance of the season on Wednesday.

Keep it rolling.

Zibanejad is playing some nice hockey.

Those guys are so good together.

Almost back to .500 (the common sense way to look at it) - keep it going. I'm going to Saturday's tilt with mcdavid (Edmonton has been garbage against the rest of the metro it's only fair they let us win)

and they go out and put things away in a 4 goal 3rd.

Big win not only because it extends their streak to 4 ... but they demonstrated to themselves they've turned the corner. They'll be playing competitive hockey here on out.

said Grabner won't put up the same goal total this year?

And how many non EN goals does he have year to date?

Of course with the way this team blows leads late, it's a valuable skill set to have here to have a guy with the speed to bust one in a 5 on 6 situation. But it's still not as valuable as a guy that can score 25 the old fashioned way.

To add a center. Desharnais was pretty much benched the whole third period so it is clear the coach doesn’t have too much confidence there. Really liking what we are getting out of Boo but we are still one pivot short (and Carey sure as hell isnt the solution)

With the brass being up in Ottawa last week for who we can only assume was Turris it seems pretty clear the FO knows we need to be stronger up the middle.

Just hope Gorton doesn’t do anything Sather-like and mortgage the future

Gorton should be chased out of town by a pitchfork wielding mob.

is a point per game player at Hartford, last I checked. Could give him a real chance this time before making any center trades.

Seems like we finally have a good PP. First time since when? The Jagr years? The Gretzky years? Sheesh, Shattenkirk is as good as advertised in that regard. He's great at getting his shot through traffic.

Zibanejad, Buchnevich, and JT all either at a point per game, or approaching it. All age 24 or younger. Pretty cool

Zibanejad and a second for Brassard (who I liked a lot) was a genius move.

No, not the game itself but:

1) No Ranger game day threads? Just re-using the Tampa thread for the third game in a row? And STILL less than 100 comments?

2) WTF is with the Rangers NOT selling out games all of the sudden? They have sold out for years, now all it takes is a bad October and the empties start?

I'd say it makes up for the Stepan trade, but Brooks makes the point here that we did better than we seem to think we did with the Stepan trade. Just depends on Andersson turning into something
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 13680401 BrettNYG10 said:

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Zibanejad and a second for Brassard (who I liked a lot) was a genius move.

He's been much better than I expected.

Rangers problem is defense though, not C IMO. Smith is not as good as some of you think.

If Desharnais at 3C is your biggest problem at F, it's not a big problem, as much as I dislike him and his stupid name, 3C (or 4C if you have that luxury) is where he belongs. He's a high motor guy with some skill, can give you quality minutes, I just hate his size, he gets pushed around too much, but everything else screams 3C.

And if it became a huge problem I'd put Miller back at C, but he seems to be flying right now, so I'd hate to mess with that, but I think Miller can be a C.

He played like a good second pairing guy when acquired, IMO.

out of shape. I thought he played well last season too. Regardless, he's still better than Kampfer.

In comment 13680411 Kyle in NY said:

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I'd say it makes up for the Stepan trade, but Brooks makes the point here that we did better than we seem to think we did with the Stepan trade. Just depends on Andersson turning into something Link - ( New Window )

I think he underrates Turris' value and overrates the gap between Duchene and Stepan. Then again, I think Stepan's pretty perpetually underrated, and that might be league wide.

I also think evaluating the success of draft picks included in a trade is a poor way of looking at things - the Rangers didn't win the Nash trade because they used the third acquired to pick Buchnevich, as an extreme example.

Duchene and Turris IMO.

Big.

Duchene is a legit 2C but with good players can be a 1C.

Turris is more like a borderline 2/3C.

I think both teams got what they needed from the trade, and COL has to hope prospects/picks work out, but they maybe did too.

Then we're fucked. All these guys except McDonough who we all agree isn't a problem (at least until he gets $7-8 mil a year)... have 3-4 years left on their deals.

Smith has looked terrible but he's played 10 games into a 4 year deal and lots of NHLers show up to camp out of shape. The organization made a commitment to him and its way too early to call him the next Redden.

I also think AVs systems put tremendous stress on G and D and maybe over glorify the forwards a bit. As a result we rangers fans think all our forwards are terrific and the defense stinks. The risk/reward seems to play out fine in regular season but come playoff time AV still hasn't proven his system can be effective against the leagues best.

In comment 13680410 Rover said:

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No, not the game itself but: 1) No Ranger game day threads? Just re-using the Tampa thread for the third game in a row? And STILL less than 100 comments? 2) WTF is with the Rangers NOT selling out games all of the sudden? They have sold out for years, now all it takes is a bad October and the empties start?

You don't fuck with a 4 game win streak.

good times. The threads here never quit. Keep at it boys.

He’s looked like dogshit to start the season but the guy has been a solid defenseman throughout his career and is still in his “prime years”. He did not forget how to play hockey all of a sudden

That situation with sort itself

I don't think we're too far from a conversation on whether Skjei is actually the best defenseman on the team.

In comment 13680625 redbeard said:

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He’s looked like dogshit to start the season but the guy has been a solid defenseman throughout his career and is still in his “prime years”. He did not forget how to play hockey all of a sudden That situation with sort itself

I never really thought he was a solid defenseman throughout his career. I thought he was very inconsistent. I thought he made mental mistakes in his own zone and took dumb penalties habitually and was a healthy scratch late in his career far too often to be called a player who "has been a solid defenseman" throughout his career.

You can do worse, no doubt about it and the price to get him wasn't that high, but I feel like he had a good end to the season last year for whatever reason, maybe he was motivated by the proverbial change of scenery, but he has far too many defensive zone lapses for a top 4 D (even top 6 D really) who is close to a zero offensively.

Rangers fans overrate him IMO.

I'm skeptical of guys who peak when traded for a few months, but I don't think Smith is as bad as he's been this year.

So I see an argument that he isn't going to be what he was for NYR last year, but I don't see him as a 7th dman.

Why is it 'rangers fans overrate him'?

I'm thoroughly lost. Fans thought he played well last postseason particularly in the Montreal series - which is factually true. But it's not like there was some grass roots campaign or even a Vesey watch to retain him. If you feel anyone is overrating him... look to the GM who just gave him 2nd pair money for a pretty good duration.

In comment 13680627 Greg from LI said:

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I don't think we're too far from a conversation on whether Skjei is actually the best defenseman on the team.

I think there's a difference in being disappointed that someone didn't become the Alpha defenseman in his career here... and maybe even be weary about handing him a 4 yr $30 million deal this summer .... and thinking a guy is a problem on the ice.

McDonough is at worst a top 30 NHL dman and we're lucky to have him even if hes not Chara in his prime

you have to overpay free agents in hockey just like every other sport.

MTL paid Alzner like he's a top 4 D and I don't like him much more than I like Smith. No shit or hyperbole I think I have a better shot than Alzner.

My comments about fans overrating Smith are strictly from BBI comments.

And I don't think he was that great in the Canadiens series. He and more so Staal were very weak in the defensive zone, Hank played great and pretty much won that series for NYR. McD and Skjei very solid too.

Go back and read (if you care to) some of Gallagher's comments, after struggling to score, MTL simply wanted to dump the puck in and force Staal and Smith to have to play the puck and wait for turnovers.

But I don't think he's a standout anymore, either.

In comment 13680819 pjcas18 said:

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you have to overpay free agents in hockey just like every other sport. MTL paid Alzner like he's a top 4 D and I don't like him much more than I like Smith. No shit or hyperbole I think I have a better shot than Alzner. My comments about fans overrating Smith are strictly from BBI comments. And I don't think he was that great in the Canadiens series. He and more so Staal were very weak in the defensive zone, Hank played great and pretty much won that series for NYR. McD and Skjei very solid too. Go back and read (if you care to) some of Gallagher's comments, after struggling to score, MTL simply wanted to dump the puck in and force Staal and Smith to have to play the puck and wait for turnovers.

You sure you're not thinking Staal and Holden? I too thought Smith had a very solid series. We were all pleading for AV to give he and Skeji more ice time than the other two.

bore that out too, from what I recall. Smith denied zone entries pretty well and moved the puck out efficiently.

was brutal, especially in the OT game when the Canadiens scored with a few seconds left, but Smith was not great in that series. In fact Smith was way out of position on the OT GW goal in that game.

Just my opinion. stats like zone entries certainly aren't going to change my opinion.

.

But he's not going to get any better sitting in the press box. Even in his current state, he's better than Holden and Kampfer and should be playing ahead of them.

Buchnevich is a star

Vesey!

x2!!!

"Continuing" thread over what 4 games now.... I didnt even know it was here so I'll Delete my other thread asking where the game day threads have been.

Yeah I read dont fuck with a 4 game strea....

2 F'in Goals for Vesey so far... Kid wants back on teh Ice full time badly!!!

on one shift.

Is Milbury and Pierre really the best NBC can do? Honestly think NBC does a terrible job covering the game

In comment 13682946 Run with 81 said:

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"Continuing" thread over what 4 games now.... I didnt even know it was here so I'll Delete my other thread asking where the game day threads have been. Yeah I read dont fuck with a 4 game strea.... 2 F'in Goals for Vesey so far... Kid wants back on teh Ice full time badly!!!

You make the thread and Boston ties it. We bump this thread and a struggling forward scores twice. You wanna argue that?

to get some greasy goals ...that's what you've got to do to get out of a funk.

In comment 13682946 Run with 81 said:

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"Continuing" thread over what 4 games now.... I didnt even know it was here so I'll Delete my other thread asking where the game day threads have been. Yeah I read dont fuck with a 4 game strea.... 2 F'in Goals for Vesey so far... Kid wants back on teh Ice full time badly!!!

8 days ago Kyle and I were the only ones posting on Halloween following a 3-9 team staring down the barrel of a 2 goal deficit at home against an expansion team... the entire board ready to trade the whole fucking roster and per Brooksie, AV with about one period left to live.

Now - I'll be damned if we're going to do anything to fuck with this win streak. Silly superstitions are a hell of a lot more fun than what we were discussing a little over a week ago.

And superstitions are what hockey is about anyway - no touching cups or conference trophies, no stepping on the logo in the locker room, etc

In short - Fuck You. I say that as a fourth line grinder with the deepest respects.

In comment 13682950 Kyle in NY said:

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In comment 13682946 Run with 81 said: Quote: "Continuing" thread over what 4 games now.... I didnt even know it was here so I'll Delete my other thread asking where the game day threads have been. Yeah I read dont fuck with a 4 game strea.... 2 F'in Goals for Vesey so far... Kid wants back on teh Ice full time badly!!! You make the thread and Boston ties it. We bump this thread and a struggling forward scores twice. You wanna argue that?

Nope... LGR, Stay strong in the 3rd and close this out!

unreal right now.

Yet another example of how writing people off really should wait until they are actually done and gone.

Still feel better when he doesn't leave the fucking net.

.

5 in a row. LFG.

Love it!

In comment 13683011 baadbill said:

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Still feel better when he doesn't leave the fucking net.

He's by far the worst puck handling goalie I've ever seen. And odds are that any decision he makes to pass the puck with his back to the play is gonna be wrong. Amazing for a goalie so good in all other respects.

But five in a row, and back from oblivion.

In comment 13683021 yatqb said:

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In comment 13683011 baadbill said: Quote: Still feel better when he doesn't leave the fucking net. He's by far the worst puck handling goalie I've ever seen. And odds are that any decision he makes to pass the puck with his back to the play is gonna be wrong. Amazing for a goalie so good in all other respects. But five in a row, and back from oblivion.

It's like Eli leaving the pocket ... you just know they are going to fumble.

McD made up for a questionable game with a really nice shift 6 on 5. Nash deserved a goal, glad he got the ENG. Another nice win

better live on. Don't mess this up guys!

It is interesting thinking about that Vegas game. Honestly looked like AV knew his time was just about up. Lots changed in a week

In comment 13683008 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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unreal right now. Yet another example of how writing people off really should wait until they are actually done and gone.

True, we should probably judge the goalie in the midst of a decent 5 game stretch after 10 games of trash.

Everyone else is a fucking idiot. Great job. Thanks for working the beat.

Better get back out there, though. I think i saw someone around the corner say that Eli wasn’t the bestest-estest-estest.

In comment 13682968 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 13682946 Run with 81 said: Quote: "Continuing" thread over what 4 games now.... I didnt even know it was here so I'll Delete my other thread asking where the game day threads have been. Yeah I read dont fuck with a 4 game strea.... 2 F'in Goals for Vesey so far... Kid wants back on teh Ice full time badly!!! 8 days ago Kyle and I were the only ones posting on Halloween following a 3-9 team staring down the barrel of a 2 goal deficit at home against an expansion team... the entire board ready to trade the whole fucking roster and per Brooksie, AV with about one period left to live. Now - I'll be damned if we're going to do anything to fuck with this win streak. Silly superstitions are a hell of a lot more fun than what we were discussing a little over a week ago. And superstitions are what hockey is about anyway - no touching cups or conference trophies, no stepping on the logo in the locker room, etc In short - Fuck You. I say that as a fourth line grinder with the deepest respects.

I hate when you pay yourself on the fucking back.

But you’re pretty much right. Kyle and you have been doing yeomans’ work.

Agree.

Who messes withe the ju-ju!!

You completely miss the pointy - and probably intentionally:

Quote:

True, we should probably judge the goalie in the midst of a decent 5 game stretch after 10 games of trash. Everyone else is a fucking idiot. Great job. Thanks for working the beat. Better get back out there, though. I think i saw someone around the corner say that Eli wasn’t the bestest-estest-estest.

It isn't about judging a guy going through a bad streak or a good streak - it is about judging and respecting player's based on their careers. I'm not sure why this has to be pointed out so often to fans who supposedly root for guys and then turn on them whenever possible.

The fact you even call something "10 games of trash" says it all.

It’s about calling it for what it is.

Nobody is disparaging Hank’s career or what he’s meant to the org. And very few are ready to run him out of town yet.

But the idea that Hank (or any player in any sport) has somehow earned for fans to ignore stretches of shitty play or make excuses on his behalf is bullshit.

He was awful to start the year. He seems to be bouncing back like he always has. And he’ll probably have some moments where he looks like peak Lundqvist. And you’ll probably drop back in then to say “I told you so” and pummel the unspecified Hank-hater straw-man some more.

Or maybe just save your self-appointed hall monitor bullshit for football threads. It isn’t needed.

Quote:

But the idea that Hank (or any player in any sport) has somehow earned for fans to ignore stretches of shitty play or make excuses on his behalf is bullshit

Actually, it isn't bullshit. It's the kind of stuff that makes fans look like complete and utter douchebags. Actually throwing venom at any professional athlete simply because they aren't pleasing you enough is moronic.

I guess pointing that out makes one a hall monitor, but it is much better than being a fucking moron.

I'll enjoy the Rangers stretch of good play, and I'm pretty sure when it ends, there will be a fair number of posters going apeshit again. But of course, the numerous posts calling Hank "done" in the past month are just strawmen......

just because fans, including me, get frustrated with him sometimes doesnt mean we dont love the guy.

And i wouldn't characterize this 5 game ride as due to incredible, stand on head (I hate that term) goaltending - he was very good last night and against Tampa. OK against Vegas (some highlight reel stops, but 4 still went in) and Columbus. The offense bailed him out against Florida.

That was pretty sick. I was at the game last night and while it looked like a nice play, the angle from where I was sitting didn’t do it any justice.

14 points in 17 games. Unsustainable shot % but also not getting a ton of TOI. Metrics would seem to indicate he deserves more burn at even strength.

But don’t toy with anything right now. 4+ goals in 6 of the last 7.

the last two seasons is the consistency. He's still more than capable of coming up with a great performance. But we see more clunkers mixed in with some goals allowed that we used to never see from him.

Last season's playoffs a perfect example of it. Fantastic against Montreal, outplayed maybe the best goalie in the league. Then was average at best against Ottawa in a series we had no business losing.

He carried this team for years though. He's 36, it's understandable that there's a drop. This offense looks capable of being one of the best in the league (3rd in goals now), and that's with really only two above average centers in the lineup currently. Hopefully they can continue to pick up the sack for some questionable defensive zone play

has legitimate elite level ability. And he's still just starting to scratch the surface. Thankfully AV has seen the light a bit and is starting to give him more leash.

It's annoying now, but one day it will be legitimately infuriating that he was a healthy scratch for Tanner Glass in the playoffs.

since Kovalev.

In comment 13683221 Greg from LI said:

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since Kovalev.

You mean Pavel Brendl.

In comment 13683460 BrettNYG10 said:

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In comment 13683221 Greg from LI said: Quote: since Kovalev. You mean Pavel Brendl.

Manny Malhotra

game thread?
Lack of interest?

If you read through this one, you'd have already known the answer to that one, Einstein.

In comment 13683693 Rover said:

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game thread? Lack of interest?

There's been game threads, they are just labeled NTT

against Talbot / McDavid should be a lot of fun. Love afternoon games at the Garden too (only reason we actually get, our 2nd of the year, is because the Knicks chose to play at night but whatever).

We're probably due for a letdown game, especially since I'm going... but I'm just thankful to watch meaningful games, across any sport, again for the first time in a year.

I'm thinking of going and want to avoid you.

i'm in Section 105, Row 18. Stay far away.

Of course, i'll probably notice you in the crowd - the guy sitting by himself wearing alternative black head to toe. Have fun! :)

.

in that section too.

.

Now I get to hear canadiens talk the entire game when two different teams are on the ice.

You know - kind of like a BBI discussion about generational talents (e.g. Buchnevich) ... and in comes some irrelevant, who gives a shit Canadiens talk about some 3rd line wing prospect.

(Patiently awaiting my invite.... )

In comment 13685037 MetsAreBack said:

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Now I get to hear canadiens talk the entire game when two different teams are on the ice. You know - kind of like a BBI discussion about generational talents (e.g. Buchnevich) ... and in comes some irrelevant, who gives a shit Canadiens talk about some 3rd line wing prospect.

No Shea weber, no Jonathan Drouin, no Carey Price. tough to win without your three best players in respective positions.

plus two more overturned goals last night that easily could and should have gone the other way and Canadiens are mired in mediocrity.

hey, you asked, didn't you?

More importantly... this got awkward now... with Arc. Let's pretend we're not going tomorrow.


Hey Arc... sorry, not sure what you're talking about. My kid has a soccer game in the afternoon - I'll be there, bummer I can't go, really wanted to catch up. Hey maybe next time?

I see how it is.

I'll remember this...

Let’s keep the streak going

I mean - I'm at my kids game (don't tell Arc) - pj and Brett wear are you guys? First beer on you.

They look so talented out there One of those teams that will win 10 straight at some point I guess

Puljujarvi just abused him without even making a move.

EDM absolutely owning the NZ

Over Smith experiment

like shit. Cant get anything going

By Shatty. And the Butcher buries it.

Buchnevich - go look at his work about two minutes before his goal (which was all zuccs) keeping it in their zone Amazing talent. I won't think about how frenchy played glass over him last May - just glad he's shining on PP1 now

Looks nice thought

Hope that doesn’t come back to bite us

Six in a row !!

In the last 30 minutes. First half of the second looked dire.

Lundqvist plays well, Nash nets two, and he can't give up on the season.

Grabner would not put up the goal total from last year?

What a turnaround.

Tired for 1st in the Metro now.

LFG.

In comment 13686005 MetsAreBack said:

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Looks nice thought

LOL, I joked earlier to someone that he's shot 0% from the field on that post move in his career.

It never works. The only reason the shot even got on goal this time was because of a deflection off an Oiler stick - the backhand was traveling about 5 feet wide.

Anyway - Nash was fantastic otherwise, so I can't rail on him.

Also, I hope you enjoyed the game... jerk.

We took their best today and looked legit. Responded so well when went down 2-1.

Maybe the 13-5 home/road games is giving us more energy than other teams and I'm still uncomfortable with L3 and Kampfer over smith ... but ever since period 3 against vegas which Kyle and I were responsible for ... its night and day watching this team

Now has 4 goals and 4 empty net goals. You didn't notice him for 59 minutes today but he continues to come up big in that final minute

In comment 13686032 arcarsenal said:

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What a turnaround. Tired for 1st in the Metro now. LFG.

LOL, tied for 1st in the Metro on November 11.

7th place in the Metro is 2 pts behind with two games in hand. Heck last place is only 5 pts behind with 4 games in hand.

I get scoreboard and standings watching (especially with the slow start, but come on no one really cites hockey standings before the turn of the year at the earliest).

unless that was your usual sarcasm then disregard.

Today was probably the first time I've even looked at the standings all year - I don't know how buried we were a couple weeks ago, it probably wasn't a huge gap considering how young the season was, but standings or not, I'd say the Rangers have had a hell of a turnaround after their horrendous start.

It looks like a completely different team.

We were at a breaking point where one more loss probably got the coach canned. People were ready to start trading assets and closing the door on the Hank era.

I don't really care that much about being tied for 1st in the division right now considering how clustered it is - just didn't see this team waking up like this.

Only team in the NHL that has won 6 straight in this young season.

.

In comment 13686060 MetsAreBack said:

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thanks, they don't call me the best color guy in the game for nothing.

In comment 13686058 arcarsenal said:

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Today was probably the first time I've even looked at the standings all year - I don't know how buried we were a couple weeks ago, it probably wasn't a huge gap considering how young the season was, but standings or not, I'd say the Rangers have had a hell of a turnaround after their horrendous start. It looks like a completely different team. We were at a breaking point where one more loss probably got the coach canned. People were ready to start trading assets and closing the door on the Hank era. I don't really care that much about being tied for 1st in the division right now considering how clustered it is - just didn't see this team waking up like this. Only team in the NHL that has won 6 straight in this young season.

I don't know either, but I don't get the sense that the Metro will be as dominant in the East as last year. All 4 top Metro teams from last year probably drop a few points from last year and TB with health looks like the class of the East, but as I noted, it's early.

Yeah, I'm hoping that PIT will run out of gas later in the year after the two Cup runs in a row. That shit can take a cumulative toll. But who knows.

It's definitely way early. I was honestly just surprised to see the Rangers sitting where they were. I really don't look at standings much at all until after the new year - I was just curious so I took a look after the game.

Obviously it's tough to tell what to make of a lot of teams at this point. I always feel like you start to get a clearer picture post-New Year's in the NHL.

In comment 13686073 arcarsenal said:

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Yeah, I'm hoping that PIT will run out of gas later in the year after the two Cup runs in a row. That shit can take a cumulative toll. But who knows. It's definitely way early. I was honestly just surprised to see the Rangers sitting where they were. I really don't look at standings much at all until after the new year - I was just curious so I took a look after the game. Obviously it's tough to tell what to make of a lot of teams at this point. I always feel like you start to get a clearer picture post-New Year's in the NHL.

I know and I didn't mean to be a dick, I was really just busting your balls.

In comment 13686024 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Lundqvist plays well, Nash nets two, and he can't give up on the season.

Lol! Well played, enjoying watching this group right now. Hope you guys all enjoyed things in your section together. Without arc of course

In comment 13686034 MetsAreBack said:

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We took their best today and looked legit. Responded so well when went down 2-1. Maybe the 13-5 home/road games is giving us more energy than other teams and I'm still uncomfortable with L3 and Kampfer over smith ... but ever since period 3 against vegas which Kyle and I were responsible for ... its night and day watching this team

Proud to say you and me are responsible for turning this season around. Trying to stay humble, but it's tough!

In comment 13686075 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13686073 arcarsenal said: Quote: Yeah, I'm hoping that PIT will run out of gas later in the year after the two Cup runs in a row. That shit can take a cumulative toll. But who knows. It's definitely way early. I was honestly just surprised to see the Rangers sitting where they were. I really don't look at standings much at all until after the new year - I was just curious so I took a look after the game. Obviously it's tough to tell what to make of a lot of teams at this point. I always feel like you start to get a clearer picture post-New Year's in the NHL. I know and I didn't mean to be a dick, I was really just busting your balls.

LOL, I know - I didn't take it personally.

I'm much more annoyed at these assholes who are going to games and yucking it up about not even inviting me.

It's cool, guys... really.

to watch. First time I've streamed a NHL game in Germany.

Keep it going Blueshirts!

In comment 13686365 arcarsenal said:

Quote:

In comment 13686075 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 13686073 arcarsenal said: Quote: Yeah, I'm hoping that PIT will run out of gas later in the year after the two Cup runs in a row. That shit can take a cumulative toll. But who knows. It's definitely way early. I was honestly just surprised to see the Rangers sitting where they were. I really don't look at standings much at all until after the new year - I was just curious so I took a look after the game. Obviously it's tough to tell what to make of a lot of teams at this point. I always feel like you start to get a clearer picture post-New Year's in the NHL. I know and I didn't mean to be a dick, I was really just busting your balls. LOL, I know - I didn't take it personally. I'm much more annoyed at these assholes who are going to games and yucking it up about not even inviting me. It's cool, guys... really.

Looks like they had a blast and you missed a hell of a time and lol that's not me in front of them.

#lgr

and 8 of 10 overall. Chicago has 4 total goals in its last 4 home games against us (only one of them started by Lundqvist -> MAB obligatory cheap shot)

#uselessstats #freeJoeMP

Not a more inconsistent team in the NHL year to date than the Blackhawks - two games under .500, basically trading quality wins (Minnesota, CBJ, Pitt, PhL) with bad losses (7 goals to Devils the other night, Vegas, 6 goals in Colorado) all year. So do we get the team that throttled Pittsburgh 10-1 tonight, or the shit team? Hopefully our guys bring the momentum from Edmonton into this one, though kinda sucks they had 4 days to sit on this... when playing well like this you prefer to be playing every other night.

we likely nearly lost this thread. Nice work, Brett

Who drinks beer through a straw? PJ, is that supposed to be Brett or MAB? Brett seems like the bougie type.

And one thing Brett is not is fat. Given how chubby the guy on the right is - I'll guess that's Greg.

Quote:

And one thing Brett is not is fat.

Real news.

😢

In comment 13693078 MetsAreBack said:

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And one thing Brett is not is fat. Given how chubby the guy on the right is - I'll guess that's Greg.

that might be Greg if he was standing on the seat, Greg is like 3 and a half feet tall.

It's Brett with the hat on he has a lot of layers on though making him look fat.

I was texting with Mook over the weekend while he was at the ND-Miami game. As you can imagine, he was really pleased with Brian Kelly during that one. He got a picture with Shockey at least.

I miss Mook on these game threads. Seems a lot of quality hockey posters don't post anymore - deej... FEKker... surprised the Devils fans haven't reemerged given their resurgence (fuckin' Braves/Devils fan Jay does though)... meanwhile, fuckin' pole smoker Fish is still around though. (note: Seth hasn't been around either, though I saw him saying it was fans fault for the Giants season on another thread this morning)(

I've never seen anyone so zealously defend everything the organization does, in every sport, the way he does.

and having a steady girlfriend has done the same. I miss being on the threads as well. LGR

only wears black so it cant be him

that BBI hockey threads come first, always.

he seems jovial.

In comment 13693098 Greg from LI said:

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I've never seen anyone so zealously defend everything the organization does, in every sport, the way he does.

True, but most company men don't put down the fans, and fellow posters, behind every straw man argument to do it. They just stay positive. I dont find Seth positive- I find him a miserable human who just posts here to personally attack fellow posters.

It's just amused me, though, that someone could so aggressively fight on behalf of:

-every incarnation of Knicks management

-Omar Minaya and the Wilpons

-Glen Sather

I mean, 3 out of his 4 favorite teams have been at least occasionally the very archetype of mismanagement, and yet he will fight in bad faith to death to carry their water.

In comment 13693147 MetsAreBack said:

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I find him a miserable human who just posts here to personally attack fellow posters.

Could not have said it better myself. I very much look forward to his 3AM diatribes on how we are all shitty fans.

Lots of Habs stuff today in 31 thoughts.
31 Thoughts - ( New Window )

you suck, Brett.

it, nothing interesting.

Lindgren looks like the real deal though. At worst a capable backup, which the Canadiens will need if Price proves to be this fragile all the time.

Give us a four paragraph response on why you like Lindgren.

In comment 13693208 BrettNYG10 said:

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Give us a four paragraph response on why you like Lindgren.

Can't say I scouted either, goalie evaluation is really not my strong suit.

Fucale may be a late bloomer, but from what I read is too inconsistent. Lindgren leap-frogged him on the depth chart. Lindgren as a college FA is also older than Fucale.

Lindgren from what I see is very athletic, not just a big fundamentally elite goalie like Price, but very athletic.

And he's American, so naturally I like him more.

Quote:

Is four years in the neighborhood of $5-to-$5.5 million per unrealistic? Is it unrealistic for the Rangers to make that commitment when J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Vesey and Brady Skjei are all due new contracts this summer as restricted free agents? Would it be foolish for the Rangers to extend Nash before knowing whether they are contenders or pretenders at the deadline?

I'd re-sign him if he gets an Eric Staal type deal. $5-5.5 is too much for four years.
NY Post - ( New Window )

may like this.

I actually kind of agree with this stat (which includes Corsi), and it highlights a little of why I think Corsi is non-predictive of standings.


Link - ( New Window )

Marleau getting $19mil over 3 years from Toronto probably sets expectations at 6 x 4 for Nash though (who is still only 33). We may be forced to move on.

Conversely, again see how this season ends... but I'd be willing to sign and trade (or trade if we're not in the hunt this March) Hayes, opening the 2C/3C for the two first round picks next year... and keeping Nash a few more years too.

Lot of season left though to see where this goes.

looks like Brendan Smith out again tonight.

So glad the GM and head coach were on the same page with that $19 million investment.

I should have known after his two-fight game that Veeenyo's dumb ass would never take him out of the lineup again.

by the Islanders contingent. Cant say i blame them - i miss some of those fucks (except 12th man)

opportunities early on but we've let Crawford off the hook. Fresh legs are obvious after the break.

In comment 13693413 MetsAreBack said:

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by the Islanders contingent. Cant say i blame them - i miss some of those fucks (except 12th man)

Shoot me an email one of these days, dude. Would love to catch up. I miss some of you guys, too. But this landscape has changed, and not for the better. I'll have to keep an eye on things here, though. B talked a good game about getting together at MSG for a game, and I wanna see that stool softener keep his word.

What a fucking pass by Kreider.

by Kreids!

In comment 13693467 pganut said:

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In comment 13693413 MetsAreBack said: Quote: by the Islanders contingent. Cant say i blame them - i miss some of those fucks (except 12th man) Shoot me an email one of these days, dude. Would love to catch up. I miss some of you guys, too. But this landscape has changed, and not for the better. I'll have to keep an eye on things here, though. B talked a good game about getting together at MSG for a game, and I wanna see that stool softener keep his word.

Just had the suite for Dead And Co last night champ. 12 tickets. Had two extra tickets too. Haven't seen you post your nonsensical isles fan boy horseshit, so I'll be damned of I invite you after not seeing you call out these fucking nitwits on bbi lately. Thought we were on the same page homes.

In comment 13693473 B in ALB said:

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Just had the suite for Dead And Co last night champ. 12 tickets. Had two extra tickets too. Haven't seen you post your nonsensical isles fan boy horseshit, so I'll be damned of I invite you after not seeing you call out these fucking nitwits on bbi lately. Thought we were on the same page homes.

Hey man, I just took this shit to a whole 'nuther level by changing the game, ese. Admit it, the only reason you went was to feel your clit moisten by staring longingly at John Mayer's sleeve tat. But I'm still not letting you off the hook.

moist and swollen before dream boat stepped on stage. You should know that by now.

In comment 13693276 MetsAreBack said:

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Marleau getting $19mil over 3 years from Toronto probably sets expectations at 6 x 4 for Nash though (who is still only 33). We may be forced to move on. Conversely, again see how this season ends... but I'd be willing to sign and trade (or trade if we're not in the hunt this March) Hayes, opening the 2C/3C for the two first round picks next year... and keeping Nash a few more years too. Lot of season left though to see where this goes.

I would absolutely let Rick Nash walk. Rangers aren't that far away from a rebuild anyway with Henrik aging. No use to keep older forwards like Nash in that situation. Sign the younger players up for contracts

for a center because we absolutely need another center (haven't really replaced Stepan)

Ouch Henrik.

Just shit that puck into the net.

He was having a hell of a game

another goal with under a minute in the period. Should be stopped 100% of the time.

.

But he's the reason we weren't trailing 4-1 already. Bounce back Hank.

Need to tilt the ice back in the third

I haven't been focused on Kampfer and Staal but not surprised. AV decided a $19 million investment was a sunk cost 10 games into the contract!! Hopefully he's just a superstitious guy and this ludicrous Kampfer experiment ends when the win streak does.

Completely overmatched.

What a shift by Nash but couldn't finish

Brutal defense

2-1 bad guys.

Wheels came off. Way to go.

early in the game when they were playing well. Power play was poor, too many odd man rushes without a shot on net

It's a shame since the Rangers usually play pretty well in Chicago and the Blackhawks are not exactly elite this year.

low and getting beaten to pucks. Shatty not moving his feet and just trying to use his stick on that last one.

if they are going to make this season interesting, they can't afford many back to back losses the rest of the way

out in front and no one was interested in bodying him up. Lots of puck watching with this group.

Yes a bad game is going to happen after 6 nice wins in a row ... but giving up 4 goals in 6 minutes ... is concerning to say the least

Beasting Staal easily down low. Pathetic.

In comment 13693574 MetsAreBack said:

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Yes a bad game is going to happen after 6 nice wins in a row ... but giving up 4 goals in 6 minutes ... is concerning to say the least

Nobody thinks of .500 your way. 20 out of a possible 38 points. Above .500!

Get the right people in defensively next game. And get back to throwing pucks on net. Too much extra passing tonight.

more soft play below the faceoff circles and around the net which has been a hallmark of this team.

Nice to see Staal get physical around the net albeit after the whistle.

Shaping up to be a nice finish.

Lol

.

gliding in all alone!

But Pavelec is just so thoroughly unimpressive. Good thing we paid him above market.

Doesn't give me a ton of confidence he'll be coming out of the lineup. Wish I had a clue what AV values in defensemen

In comment 13693600 MetsAreBack said:

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But Pavelec is just so thoroughly unimpressive. Good thing we paid him above market.

He was practically in his own net when the shot was taken. He stinks, always has

This guy looked like one of the greatest trade steals ever in his 2nd to 3rd seasons. Appeared to becoming a perennial Norris candidate with elite skating, shut down defense, improving offense and physical play. "McTruck" seemed like the right moniker.

I know Kampfer, Holden, and Staal are the main problems right now on D, but the guy playing the most minutes and wearing the C looks like a shell of himself the last 2 seasons to my eye.

But holy hell, Staal and Kampfer (image comes in too big to paste so click the link, then avert your eyes).

I actually don't think Staal has been bad this season. But Kampfer has got to go. Not an NHL caliber player
Link - ( New Window )

Veenyo will always have a talentless hump in the lineup. Glass is gone, so now we get the Steven Kampfer Experience.

I think McDonagh's hurt - he looks awful and he's been taking maintenance days very frequently for this early in the season.

Its too early to bring the Russian over here - i see that as more of a 2019-2020 move to be "1B" that year and make 35 starts behind Hank...

but i'm pretty sure we're going to want to upgrade our backup G position in the back half of the year when that player gets more work. From what I've seen from Pavelec, he's not NHL quality.

but AV continues to play him with 7th Dmen (Holden, Kampfen)... so its tough to tell.

15-1-3, .941 sv%, 1.55 GAA, with the usual caveat that he plays for St. Petersburg SKA, the dominant team of the KHL.

put this thread out of its misery?

and he was telling me how the Hawks were doing this year since I barely even follow the Rangers anymore. The one thing I told him he could be sure of was that Lundqvist would give up a soft goal late in the 2nd or 3rd period. Sure enough I flip on the game and shockingly like clockwork mr clutch comes through again. Great guy that King, great Ranger but it is what it is at this point.

Well it sure shows with a post like that

had a good old fashioned hockey brawl last night (not quite a line brawl, but massive brawl).

141 minutes in penalties and I'm sure there will be suspensions.

In comment 13694366 pjcas18 said:

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had a good old fashioned hockey brawl last night (not quite a line brawl, but massive brawl). 141 minutes in penalties and I'm sure there will be suspensions.

link below if anyone is interested
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 13693795 Greg from LI said:

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15-1-3, .941 sv%, 1.55 GAA, with the usual caveat that he plays for St. Petersburg SKA, the dominant team of the KHL.

So what is the chance he comes over next year? I admit I am not familiar with his current KHL deal.

In comment 13694266 Stufftherun said:

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put this thread out of its misery?

I don't know about the thread, but imo tomorrow night's game is critically important to whether the Rangers have truly turned their season around.

In comment 13694374 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13694366 pjcas18 said: Quote: had a good old fashioned hockey brawl last night (not quite a line brawl, but massive brawl). 141 minutes in penalties and I'm sure there will be suspensions. link below if anyone is interested Link - ( New Window )

Flames were right to be upset there at the beginning.

Sucks for Hamonic that the door was still open.

Tkachuk is a punk but he’s a tough son of a bitch and I’d love to have him on my team.

He's under contract with SKA for 18-19 and would require what I imagine is a sizeable buyout.

Blue Seat Blogs asked a group of scouts and writers, many of then Russian, for their takes on him. This is from May so I don't know how/if their answers might be different after how he's played so far this season. Common themes:

Athletically gifted, very quick with explosive reflexes

Makes a lot of spectacular saves but sometimes allows some real softies

Sometimes loses his focus and composure when things aren't going his way

Unorthodox technique...sounds like working with Allaire could be a real boost for

Needs to be stronger, can get overpowered when there's traffic in the

overall, a very high ceiling but still a work in progress

Link - ( New Window )

I had no idea that this one would last so long when I started it 2 weeks ago, that's for sure.

Unless I can start a vulgar, nasty, and most likely offensive and disgusting thread to get the train back on the tracks.

In comment 13694518 B in ALB said:

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Unless I can start a vulgar, nasty, and most likely offensive and disgusting thread to get the train back on the tracks.

Yes please

In comment 13694518 B in ALB said:

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Unless I can start a vulgar, nasty, and most likely offensive and disgusting thread to get the train back on the tracks.

+1. Always liked the way you think, B.

when will we see him

what the game plan was gping into this one. Just a free 60 minute skate around the rink, don’t over extend yourself and we get to go home after? Hank left alone out there. Showed next to nothing until it was too late!

that the Rangers have been shutout. Not fun.

I'm starting a new thread for Sunday night against Ottawa. Enough.

The road trip Was an important measuring stick for the team and they failed badly. I'm left wondering if the win streak was more about 13 home games to 5 road games to start the year and having more energy.

Lundqvist was good on the trip too - no defense at all in either game. What a waste - he's been asked to start 17 of 20 games now.

We need a big performance from B on Sunday night.

Just a thought

In comment 13695450 Greg from LI said:

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Just a thought

They started smith over kampfen tonight and smith was on the ice for the one even strength goal.

He had probably one of our 2-3 quality shots tonight - Bob stoned him

but that was one of the best goalie games I've seen all year. Bob is a ridiculous regular season goalie - maybe the best in the league right now. some of his saves were unreal and Hank kept the Rangers in the game with a vintage Hank performance.

For the Rangers the PP was the problem if you ask me, it seemed like CBJ had better SH quality opportunities than the Rangers did on the PP.

I've read "American" Thanksgiving is a measuring point for NHL GM's, and if you're not in striking distance of a PO spot changes get made. Luckily for the Rangers other than TB no one is dominating in the East and it may not take 95 points (or .600 hockey the rest of the way) to make the playoffs.

In comment 13695681 pjcas18 said:

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but that was one of the best goalie games I've seen all year. ...

Just before the first goal, I was thinking what a great game it was ... play had opened up and both teams were getting chances and there were wild saves at both ends ...

But - what I noticed more than anything else - was that the Rangers would get one shot and Columbus would quickly take possession ... Columbus played terrific defense and the Rangers had little sustained puck possession. I was really impressed with Columbus' game.

Having said that, it doesn't change the fact that the Rangers are now approaching game 3 of a new streak.

In comment 13695690 baadbill said:

Quote:

In comment 13695681 pjcas18 said: Quote: but that was one of the best goalie games I've seen all year. ... Just before the first goal, I was thinking what a great game it was ... play had opened up and both teams were getting chances and there were wild saves at both ends ... But - what I noticed more than anything else - was that the Rangers would get one shot and Columbus would quickly take possession ... Columbus played terrific defense and the Rangers had little sustained puck possession. I was really impressed with Columbus' game. Having said that, it doesn't change the fact that the Rangers are now approaching game 3 of a new streak.

that was true against Werenski and Jones, which may be the best D pair in the league (both solid 2 way D-men and actually beyond solid, stars), but against Johnson and Carlsson (?) and Murray and Nutivarra I thought the Rangers were able to forecheck better.

as a hockey fan Zach Werenski is fun to watch.

With a sweet hat trick tonight against Ottawa.

They've whooped sf Louis and Tampa on the road on the past 7 days. This division is stacked.

Rangers are middling ... and that's not going to cut it in the metro.

We need a big performance from B tomorrow night. Despite the feel good 6 game stretch, we are still at the bottom of this juggernaut division with the flyers on a points per game basis.

I'll give it a go tomorrow night.

Enough is enough.

Can't find it. Don't understand this call on Smith. A little.

In comment 13698371 MetsAreBack said:

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Can't find it. Don't understand this call on Smith. A little.

Clearly a reactionary call based on how awful the result looked.

I think I’m with Rosen on this one; I could live w a penalty on that, but that isn’t a major/misconduct.

That wasn't even a penalty, let alone a GMC. Bullshit call as a result of Russian Whatsisname getting shouldered like a bitch.

one early on with their extra skater and 2:30 left. Good bounce back effort.

Of the first, but that’s as solid of an all-around effort as I’ve seen from NYR this season.

Just the way you want it — Hank didn’t get a ton of work but looked sharp when he had to

And while clearly not a 5 minute major, why wouldn’t that have been a legitimate interference call?

with an ab strain. So we get to look forward to more Kampfer traffic cone highlights.

The fact that they ruled him out already can't be good.

He's taken a ton of maintenance days, doesn't look great,etc.

On the road against a tough up and coming team.

Man getting the next goal feels important though - game has the feel of last year where we took advantage of a few opportunities in a game and held onto our seats the rest of the night

to 3 was huge! The PK has been very goid but wish they would stop tempting fate and just stay out of the box

that should just about do it.

one timer by Quickie!

A rare easy win - impressive performance tonight by the blue shirts. Nice way to kick off the weekend

Does he still post here? I can't keep track with all the bannings and 'personal decisions'

is noteworthy. Nice road effort.

In comment 13701773 MetsAreBack said:

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A rare easy win - impressive performance tonight by the blue shirts. Nice way to kick off the weekend

8 wins out of 10 for the blueshirts...should start moving up the standings soon

.

In comment 13702048 BestFeature said:

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.

I was about to say the same thing...either that or they play Tampa 80 games per year.

Things turned around when we stuck to this thread - so we're staying here for the long-haul. Or at least until we hit a real rut.

Happy Thanksgiving, boys! #LGR

Suck it, Jints.

after the loss the other night, but f that noise. Winning games, this thread stays.

...last year. Better D, better Lundqvist, better Mika, Buch, and Hayes. Worse Kreider and worse depth up front, but with Miller at center the center depth isn't laughable.

not talent, was the issue for the horrible start.

I asked him which Rangers were in the top 50 players in the NHL ... answer = none.

I asked him if he could keep only 5 players from the current roster moving forward, he immediately named Skjei, Buch, Zib and Miller without any hesitation ... then he paused for an obvious internal debate and finally went with Kreider.

At the conclusion of the exercise ... I think I made my point that the talent level of the NYR isn’t really anything to write home about ... and left me feeling irritated when I had been excited after Wed 6-1 shellacking ... so I thought I’d come here and spread the joy.

Happy Thanksgiving.

You're underrating the quality of the Rangers depth.

McDonagh is also a top 50 player when healthy. Zibanejad might be there now. I think Lundqvist is still there but I'm a bit biased.

This has enough talent to be a playoff team at a minimum and maybe even a serious contender. I absolutely think coaching was partly, maybe even mostly, to blame for the slow start - his teams have historically been slow starters and the outlier year was because Lundqvist was incredible.

I'll give him credit for the turnaround as well.

Brett, Zib might turn out to be top 50 but right now that’s more projection than demonstrative ... neither McD or Hank top 50 right now ... my eyes tell me they’ve been one (if not the) best teams in hockey for the life of this thread ... but my brain can’t explain to me why or how... lol

Yeah, I agree with that, although Lundqvist's been pretty good the past ten games or so.

I think the Rangers have five guys who can play on an average team's first line (Zucc/Buch/Zibanejad/Nash/Kreider, and maybe even Miller). Not elite players or anything, but that sort of depth is really valuable. With the defense looking better, I think the team can make noise in the playoffs if this continues.

whether the Rangers do or don't have any top 50 players is certainly debatable but representative of absolutely nothing.

The Stars have several the Canadiens have a few, the Sabres, Coyotes, Wild, all have at least one and other poor (in the standings) teams do too.

The Rangers of the Lundqvist/AV era have always been about forward depth, system, and their goalie (IMO). If they don't have any top 50 players, so what, almost none of their top 9/top 6 would be below 150/200 in a ranked list.

and that model has generated success (to an extent).

The Canadiens have 3 top 50 players (per the latest NHL network list which is one data point) and there are very few teams in the league who would trade rosters with the Canadiens right now (or places in the standings).

During my conversation yesterday with my brother-in-law, I threw out top 50 without much thought ... my point was not so much superstar talent but elite talent ... in other words, maybe I’d be more interested in comparing levels of top 100 (maybe even 125) talent/depth than top 25 level talent.

In comment 13703951 baadbill said:

Quote:

During my conversation yesterday with my brother-in-law, I threw out top 50 without much thought ... my point was not so much superstar talent but elite talent ... in other words, maybe I’d be more interested in comparing levels of top 100 (maybe even 125) talent/depth than top 25 level talent.

Agree, they may not have elite talent (today), but top 9 forward depth, there is probably no one in their league.

and that's how they've won in the past.

forward depth, system, and goalie.

and some people (me) argue their system prevents certain players from being considered elite (which is another topic).

And at Citi field for a 'road' game. Lol. I love these small market teams that give up their home games against us just for extra gate revenues (see devils and islanders stadium series!)

How many reg season games will Hank have to start this season ... and how will that affect him in the playoffs?

It's a tough division and conference.

Thank you for a brilliant first from 30. Rest of team - particularly Brendon Smith - need to wake the fuck up. Maybe Smith wants to go back into hibernation for another couple weeks? What a pathetic display.

This teams inconsistency night to night is maddening

and they went into the locker room 0-0.

In comment 13703991 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

Canadiens centennial classic jerseys are pretty classy looking and remind me of me.

agree rangers jerseys are hideous.

Jesus he loves playing here

In comment 13704307 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 13703991 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: Canadiens centennial classic jerseys are pretty classy looking and remind me of me. agree rangers jerseys are hideous.

Yeah, those are great.

.

Plenty of golden opportunities with nothing to show for it. At least Henrik is sharp.

They are almost at 40 shots on our net lots high quality with 12
Minutes left.

Howard has been great for them but this is an unacceptable effort. Jesus

Again.

.

Skjei with another great game.

Another comeback.

In comment 13704362 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

They are almost at 40 shots on our net lots high quality with 12 Minutes left. Howard has been great for them but this is an unacceptable effort. Jesus

I don't get the complaint - they had a bad first period, had some great chances in the second. It was a pretty even game.

Lundqvist looks great. I'd keep riding him.

In comment 13704418 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

In comment 13704362 MetsAreBack said: Quote: They are almost at 40 shots on our net lots high quality with 12 Minutes left. Howard has been great for them but this is an unacceptable effort. Jesus I don't get the complaint - they had a bad first period, had some great chances in the second. It was a pretty even game. Lundqvist looks great. I'd keep riding him.

I bet you would, fecal freak.

Crowd was fantastic. One of the louder non playoff ranger crowds I've heard.

Defense a bit shaky without McD but damn Hank was so good. Vintage performance

Above average goalie turns elite at MSG. Some of his saves in the second period were ridiculous

In comment 13704418 BrettNYG10 said:

Quote:

I don't get the complaint - they had a bad first period, had some great chances in the second. It was a pretty even game. Lundqvist looks great. I'd keep riding him.

Not really a criticism, just frustration to being down 1-0 midway through the 3rd period and giving up 40 shots on net to a marginal opponent. The players admitted as much after the game that maybe some guys had too much turkey thursday, it happens.

Glad they found a way. Once again MAB calls them out a bit and they respond. I like their resilience.. and my motivational skills.

11 games into Kyle and MAB turning the season around now. Brett had already bailed... now he wants to have sex with Lundqvist. Unreal.

I thought the looked unbelievable in the second period. There were stretches of the game where the OZ cycle at 5v5 looked like a power play.

KZB line had some really dynamic shifts. They are a handful to defend.

In comment 13704462 MetsAreBack said:

Quote:

In comment 13704418 BrettNYG10 said: Quote: I don't get the complaint - they had a bad first period, had some great chances in the second. It was a pretty even game. Lundqvist looks great. I'd keep riding him. Not really a criticism, just frustration to being down 1-0 midway through the 3rd period and giving up 40 shots on net to a marginal opponent. The players admitted as much after the game that maybe some guys had too much turkey thursday, it happens. Glad they found a way. Once again MAB calls them out a bit and they respond. I like their resilience.. and my motivational skills. 11 games into Kyle and MAB turning the season around now. Brett had already bailed... now he wants to have sex with Lundqvist. Unreal.

Got it, I didn't check the time of your post.

They have three easy games coming up. Need to win at least two. The team's looking much better defensively.

At 5v5 the Wolf Pack have been a 68 GF% team with Chytil on the ice (+13/-6) and a 13 GF% team with him off (+3/-20).

Lundqvist has a 97.something save percentage last 4 games. It's making others look a lot better than they've played and it's unsustainable of course.

But I also remain convinced that AVs system puts a lot more pressure on our goalies and defense than most systems. Doesn't mean it's bad system - but forwards will look better and D worse than they probably are.

Also missing our number 1 dman last few games or 1'b' at least if you prefer skjei.

On detroits goal, we got another staal special by the way where instead of skating the puck out of the zone he treats it like a grenade and gives it right back to them at the blue line.

Rangers erase a 2-0 deficit and win 4-3 in a 7-round shootout.

.

Twice. Very unusual for home team to go last but good perseverance. Lundqvist used to lock it down on these shootouts - I want to say he's been beaten 60% on about 15 tries this season (including the vegas penalty shot)

But he was saving at a .975 clip last 4 games before tonight so obviously no complaints. Guys are picking each other up right now and that's three straight without our best or at least second best dman.

I'd give pavelec a look Tuesday vs Florida. Hank showed some fatigue today - can't blame him he had to be exhausted after Friday's heroic performance - and at some point you have to give pavelec some burn and see if he's worth keeping once the schedule heats up

Watching the abbreviated replay again, hank had no shot on all 3 goals. Some pretty lazy play in our own zone. Still he needs a mental breather imo and Florida seems like a good spot for one.

Don't love the way we've played last 2 games but keep winning and move on to the next one

save the good luck thread!

In comment 13707951 Kyle in NY said:

Quote:

save the good luck thread!

Save the Clock Tower!

Maybe i'm reading too much into this and its just AV going with the hot hand as long as it will take him.. but starting a 35 year old 35 games in a row?

Pavelec must look Awful in practice. You have to wonder if they'll cut him once we have to start playing more games/week and back-to-backs.

it is absolutely crazy in giants world right now

Something happened during warm-ups, apparently. Not good.

Apparently they're just as traumatized about Eli as the rest of us.

Zib is out. Explains some things. Wonderful day.

This thread died with Hanks consecutive game streak tonight. Didn't help that Reimer has played like Jimmy Howard tonight either

So of course he stones us in the first while Hank is giving up goals to Michael Haley, quite possibly the worst forward in the league.

Didn't think they played that badly to be honest. Game isn't over

My seats are even with the red line hank defends and he looked exhausted from the opening bell. Hard to believe after the max effort he put out Friday and Sunday that the coaches didn't have a feel to rest him up tonight for Friday tonight. It's one of those things the media will never question, but should have been obvious.

Could they come back yet again? Sure. But winning against any team in the NHL is tough without both your best forward and your best defender. My guess is I'm taking an early train home tonight.

Hopefully Zib and Mac are back Friday. I really don't like the way we've played the last 3 games.

That's humiliating

Holy shit can Buch play

If only tanner glass weren't so indispensable last spring we might have given him some confidence up 10 games for a wild card and got something going come playoff time

obviously.

To Kreider. Holy fuck what a play.

No quit in these boys.

#LGR

When I say it's like we sat Tarasenko for Glass in last years quarters. AV has to be embarrassed at least right?

Cmon, he got fucking pushed into Reimer and he stayed out of the paint.

I'm sure we'll get hosed. What's the point of blue paint if a goalie can claim contact outside it. Awful fucking rule.

And this was less contact than what they had on their fourth goal. Or at least the same

Not gonna overturn though.

No surprise, we don't get the call from Toronto. When do we fucking ever?

Clockwork

But that's interference? What a joke, Nash never touched the blue

launched himself ... pretty piss poor acting on his part ... lol

On kreider

Then missing a hooking call in our own end which directly leads to a scoring chance for them. Finally Nash was leg whipped which they had no choice to call.

Buchnevich throwing some blows after the period but hope he's not penalized. We need him for the third.

I'm not one to criticize officiating but tonight's has been really fishy.

Should get a third man penalty for that shit.

Butcher what a few nice right hands there

LOL, he landed TWO punches. I didn't see who he hit first, but he caught Bjugstad with a good one at the end too. Good man.

Have we figured out what a crease is yet since a goalie can apparently be interfered with elsewhere too? (Even if player is pushed into him). As with a lot of NHL rules I'm thoroughly confused.

69.4 Contact Outside the Goal Crease - If an attacking player initiates
any contact with a goalkeeper, other than incidental contact, while the
goalkeeper is outside his goal crease, and a goal is scored, the goal
will be disallowed.
A goalkeeper is not “fair game” just because he is outside the goal
crease. The appropriate penalty should be assessed in every case
where an attacking player makes unnecessary contact with the
goalkeeper. However, incidental contact will be permitted when the
goalkeeper is in the act of playing the puck outside his goal crease
provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid
such unnecessary contact.
When a goalkeeper has played the puck outside of his crease and
is then prevented from returning to his crease area due to the
deliberate actions of an attacking player, such player may be
penalized for goalkeeper interference. Similarly, the goalkeeper may
be penalized, if by his actions outside of his crease he deliberately
interferes with an attacking player who is attempting to play the puck
or an opponent.

If you want to see more. Basically, it's the referees' discretion, which as we know, is terrible.
2017-2018-NHL-rulebook - ( New Window )

on contact from a defensive player:

"If an attacking player has been pushed, shoved, or fouled by a
defending player so as to cause him to come into contact with the
goalkeeper, such contact will not be deemed contact initiated by the
attacking player for purposes of this rule, provided the attacking player
has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact."

He made effort to get out of the way once he did.. and most importantly the shot wasn't fired for another second or two after the contact

At no time was Nash in the crease either.

So in other words the league just makes shit up as it goes. Was a bang bang play so I can't get on the ice officials I guess but Jesus that should have been overturned

Love this kid

that the review doesn't go to the league office. If it's the ref who made the call reviewing it he's naturally going to favor the call he made on the ice

"YES!!!!"

-Sam Rosen

That was fucking incredible.

Or last few years have we been in a ton of crazy games with this team. No lead ever seems safe and I'm nervous these last 4 minutes - especially with Pavelec in net

These most certainly are not the Torts Rangers anymore... that's for sure.

I hate shitty defense but I think I enjoy watching these types of games much more than the "get a 1 goal lead and hold your breath" games of the past that usually ended 2-1.

That was a TERRIBLE giveaway by Holden. What the fuck is he doing?

Jesus

And as an added bonus, he screens his own goalie!

Glad he's still getting ice time in crunch time. Clearly a good guy to have out there.

The turnover and the screen, Greta play moron!

Holy fucking shit

It’s unbelievable

Not acceptable!

That’s a pisser of a regulation loss after clawing back

Forwards busted their ass without Zib, and then Holden does that. Absolutely furious

Misses the pass in offensive zone and dogs it down the ice..

Why do he and Staal treat the puck like a grenade late and clutch?

That is one or the more deflating games I have ever attended

This is one of those losses where you look around the room for like 10 minutes after and say "wait... what happened now?"

What a shitty fucking loss.

Feels like that Eagles game from Week 3. Get off to really bad start, come roaring back with a vengeance; and then all the air fucking comes right out of the balloon at the gun and we lose.

One of those games you just feel convinced they're not losing.. and then they lose. Guh.

but every single one of Florida's goals was garbage. Either a bad play by the defense or the goaltender. I think it's time to retire this thread.

When ward scored with 2 ticks left. You get to overtime even if they score 5 seconds in you feel good about the comeback.

Why is this team so fucking aggressive late and tied?? I like this style the first 50 minutes but the last 5-10 is torture because this culture refuses to play defense first late in tie games

I really have absolutely no idea what Nick Holden was doing there. You literally cannot possibly have a worse shift than that.

Mind boggling.

Probably not. He has time and space, could skate it back behind the net and kill time, or fire it off the boards out of the zone in the air. Instead he tosses it weakly. WTF!?

That is absolutely inexcusable after all the team did to come back

Hopefully Friday. He tried to play hurt for a while - hopefully the 12 day break has him better because I'm so sick of Holden Staal kampfen logging these minutes

But I'm really pissed off - what's Pavelecs save percentage now? Haven't seen that guy make one save all year.
/end rant

to start it all as well. Just dump it in and play for the point. Then he blocks a shot that the goalie would have easily and takes himself out of the play.

Valiquette with good points in the postgame. The way these guys defend is completely idiotic. Going to block every single shot unnecessarily, screening your own goalie, going to the ice and taking yourself out of the play. It's unnecessary. Stay on your feet, move your feet, use your stick, play the body. It doesn't always have to be such a damn fire drill out there

Pavelec is just a crappy goalie. I hated that signing. I think they got a bit too comfortable with the goalie carousel behind Hank thinking they could make it work with just about anyone after Talbot and Raanta did so well here.

I'd love to see Valiquette get a shot at coaching one day - he's extremely bright and his analysis is usually dead on. Doesn't mean he'd necessarily be a great coach, I'm not even sure if he'd want to be one, but I'd love to see him get a chance.

Not saying much, but those goals aren't on him.

Nah, you're right - the last one especially wasn't. He kept us in it after Hank laid an egg and hit the showers. I just don't think much of him in general and didn't like signing him, but I certainly don't blame him for this shitty loss. Not his fault.

They were playing their third game in 4 days. They were happy to take the point once we tied it. Their entire 3rd period plan in fact was to dump and chase and sit back.

How do these defenders not know the situation? Why is the puck treated like a fucking grenade? I swear this team is so fucked up mentally in late and close games. It was a problem all of last year, it ended out season in the postseason and it's at least three this year now (Pitt Florida and Florida) -- with a fourth against the islanders too if not for two spectular hank saves with a few ticks left.

He faced two high quality shots in two periods tonight and let both in

Agree it wasn't on him - but I guess we are spoiled in the past our backup goalies actually bailed out teammates once in a while

We're all annoyed but be fair

We need Mac badly on Friday. We've got three defensemen playing that I have no faith in during late game situations. Wasn't all that surprising to see what happened after watching this team the last few years.

Obviously that could turn into a major problem.
lonk - ( New Window )

just by virtue of its construction... that we couldnt afford to lose. Lundqvist too i guess considering Pavelec's 89% save percentage this year (if you believe that will hold)

Sure enough - this is the Rangers.

Only bright spot is we only play 3 games here in 12 days... so maybe he'll just miss another game or two. Division games of course though.

Adam Cracknell to the Habs for Peter Holland to add a depth center. Both players currently in the A, but if Zibanejad is out for any length of time we could see Holland. Former Ducks first round pick.

(briefly, but was on the team for their playoff run to the SCF I believe) Derek Dorsett forced to retire with a chronic neck/spinal injury.

I liked him for what he did, solid grit guy.