Ok, technically tied for first with Columbus who has a game in hand but a good diversion from the shit show the Giants have become. Quinn has the team playing hard. Nice victory tonight. Lundqvist is on point his last few games.
I watched the Ranger game other than the Giants shit show. They play hard and are well coached. They are fun to watch. And we just started the rebuild. Hopefully they keep improving.
Is that these 5 million dollar vets, such as Namestnikov and Spooner and Smith, are really bad investments.
There are young guys and career minor leaguers who are just as good and cost nothing. Vegas showed that last year, reaching the Finals with a bunch of Neil Poinks on their roster.
Pay for guys on their first contract, like Ziba and Kreider and then trade them, just like they did with McDonaugh.
LOve watching the young guys play this year
Chytil got his 1st and spent the rest of the 3rd putting on a show Â
You could tell the pressure popped ... listened to him in the postgame and while I couldn’t understand anything he said, it was obvious from his Cheshire Cat grin that he was happy as hell to get it behind him.
I left the rangers for dead weeks ago thinkin* this season was a full rebuild loss.
Glad to see this team is fighting.
Fighting and exciting. They make mistakes but the Rangers have not had this kind of jump n years. Chytil and Anderson are learning on the job. Both guys will be top 6. Howden already is top 6. Busch Was finally start to gain consistency
With Columbus winning, but this is remarkable. Yeah, the Rangers have relied on the shootout for some wins, but they have been competitive in every game and have played very well against some very good teams. This is the first game this year I did not watch even a minute of, but it’s great to see Chytil get his first goal. He’s deserved several more than that with how he has played, hopefully this gets him going. With Buchnevich on the shelf for the next month or more, it would be nice to have someone else to rely on other than Mika and Kreider. Now, can they finally get a win against the freaking Islanders?!?!?!
1. they can't possibly sustain this pace (13 out of a possible 14 points over the last 7 games)
2. the division isn't playing the best hockey so far (most have negative goal differentials) and all the teams are bunched together
So they have to fall back at some point - but they'll still be the same young guys providing fun entertainment.
You’re probably right, but when you have a goalie playing the way Henrik is and a group of guys playing with the energy and resilience the Rangers play with, there’s no telling what can happen. I do not think they are a Cup contender or anything, but I certainly think they can push for a playoff spot. Either way, I hope they are playing meaningful games in March, as I think that will give some of these young guys better experience. I do not agree with the “this winning is ruining the future” rhetoric because of what a crap shoot the NHL Draft is.
1. they can't possibly sustain this pace (13 out of a possible 14 points over the last 7 games)
2. the division isn't playing the best hockey so far (most have negative goal differentials) and all the teams are bunched together
So they have to fall back at some point - but they'll still be the same young guys providing fun entertainment.
You’re probably right, but when you have a goalie playing the way Henrik is and a group of guys playing with the energy and resilience the Rangers play with, there’s no telling what can happen. I do not think they are a Cup contender or anything, but I certainly think they can push for a playoff spot. Either way, I hope they are playing meaningful games in March, as I think that will give some of these young guys better experience. I do not agree with the “this winning is ruining the future” rhetoric because of what a crap shoot the NHL Draft is.
I don't disagree but they haven't played 20 games yet and it isn't possible to expect them to continue on a pace of 13 out of a possible 14 points for much longer.
I'm just saying that when they fall back to earth they will still be a fun team to watch... seeing these kids develop. As for "this winning is ruining the future" rhetoric, that's pretty silly stuff since I can't control what happens. All I can control is my reaction to it - and why wouldn't I enjoy watching them win? It isn't as though their future draft position is going to change if I got myself all emotional and angry about them winning... lol
Is that these 5 million dollar vets, such as Namestnikov and Spooner and Smith, are really bad investments.
There are young guys and career minor leaguers who are just as good and cost nothing. Vegas showed that last year, reaching the Finals with a bunch of Neil Poinks on their roster.
Pay for guys on their first contract, like Ziba and Kreider and then trade them, just like they did with McDonaugh.
LOve watching the young guys play this year
Smith was a terrible investment at any amount of money. Detroit was healthy scratching him the year we traded for him... and then one good playoff series against MTL gets him $20 million. It made no sense. Moving on.
For every Vegas... there are 5 Pittsburgh/Washington/Nashvilles, which arent a collection of rookies and no-names. Its a bit of both -- of course you need young talent in the pipeline, but you need to invest wisely in the best FA values every offseason. We have a spotty track record in that department.
I still think you need 1-2 generational superstars on your roster to win a Cup. Vegas may have got to the finals last year, but they got waxed once there... and most Cup winners have that HoF forward or two as well as a shutdown D-man who plays 25-30 minutes a night come playoff time.
I would use this hot start to sell off assets, including Henrik if he'd waive his NMC...
Even if the Rangers are playing above their talent (they are) Â
I still think this is reason to be very excited. Thus far the division looks like clearly the worst in the conference, and I think it's very possible a team with a point total in the low 90s can slip into the top 3.
If a team can string together two solid months of lucky/good play and coast around the 500 mark otherwise, they have a shot at a playoff spot in this division, IMO.
but as crazy as it sounds, this could be a tough team to eliminate if they do manage to find their way into the playoffs. They have played 17 games and you can argue that they have been in position to win every single one of these games. The worst loss was the Carolina game, which they led 5-4 in the third period. They lost 4-1 to Chicago, but that was a 2-1 game with a few minutes left. They aren't just beating up on bad teams, they are beating some very good teams. In fact, they have lost some of their games to struggling teams like Detroit and LA, while beating Columbus, Vancouver, San Jose (twice), Anaheim, Montreal, and Colorado. They seemed to have found the right coach for this roster, and as much as it is likely they sell off guys like Hayes, Zuc, and Shattenkirk, I hope they don't completely blow it up because there are a lot of good pieces on this team. I just wish JT Miller was not sent to TB in the McDonagh trade. The money he got in TB is comparable to the money Namestnikov has gotten here, and Miller is clearly a superior player to Namestnikov.
RE: Even if the Rangers are playing above their talent (they are) Â
If a team can string together two solid months of lucky/good play and coast around the 500 mark otherwise, they have a shot at a playoff spot in this division, IMO.
Squeaking in as a low seed is just about the worst thing that could happen with this franchise.
I don't expect this to last, but I can't bring myself to be upset or annoyed about it in the interim. Rangers hockey is fucking fun right now and I am rooting for them to win every game.
If a team can string together two solid months of lucky/good play and coast around the 500 mark otherwise, they have a shot at a playoff spot in this division, IMO.
Squeaking in as a low seed is just about the worst thing that could happen with this franchise.
I don't expect this to last, but I can't bring myself to be upset or annoyed about it in the interim. Rangers hockey is fucking fun right now and I am rooting for them to win every game.
Yep. The entertainment value has been phenomenal... after each game, I can't wait for the next game... last night at my place only the Rangers game had sound until the game was over!
if he wants 1C money we can't do it, but I would be up for extending him at 2C money. Something like what they gave Zibanejad, 5 years, 5.3 per (which is starting to look like a shrewd move)
I think Zibby has upside that Hayes doesn't have though Â
deadline for the next 30 years... I believe that is a big reason for why they find themselves where they do right now.
And I hope they are sellers regardless of where they are in the standings at the trade deadline this year. And I hope they get the #1 overall pick.
Meanwhile, I am cheering and enjoying every win and great play by this fun group to cheer for. My long term desires - and my cheering their play - has nothing to do with what ends up happening - so I'm going to enjoy myself, thank you very much.
He might not ever really reach it, but his abilities are beyond Hayes' if you ask me.
Zib has that cannon of a shot, and he looks to shoot first, something Hayes doesn't do. But I've been impressed with Hayes battle level this season. He's always had great hands, vision, but I feel like he's competing harder this season, physical on the puck, using his body to shield defenders. I like what I've seen.
just seem to like to make the unexpected play that results in a tap in goal rather than just firing to the net and hoping for some puck luck. Almost like if it's not a pretty goal, then it's no fun. Hayes definitely qualifies. When it doesn't work it's maddening. But it's sweet when it goes right. See the Kreider goal saturday night. He does have a good shot, wish he'd use it more. But I like the growth in other parts of his game I've seen this season
There are young guys and career minor leaguers who are just as good and cost nothing. Vegas showed that last year, reaching the Finals with a bunch of Neil Poinks on their roster.
Pay for guys on their first contract, like Ziba and Kreider and then trade them, just like they did with McDonaugh.
LOve watching the young guys play this year
Glad to see this team is fighting.
Glad to see this team is fighting.
Fighting and exciting. They make mistakes but the Rangers have not had this kind of jump n years. Chytil and Anderson are learning on the job. Both guys will be top 6. Howden already is top 6. Busch Was finally start to gain consistency
2. the division isn't playing the best hockey so far (most have negative goal differentials) and all the teams are bunched together
So they have to fall back at some point - but they'll still be the same young guys providing fun entertainment.
2. the division isn't playing the best hockey so far (most have negative goal differentials) and all the teams are bunched together
So they have to fall back at some point - but they'll still be the same young guys providing fun entertainment.
You’re probably right, but when you have a goalie playing the way Henrik is and a group of guys playing with the energy and resilience the Rangers play with, there’s no telling what can happen. I do not think they are a Cup contender or anything, but I certainly think they can push for a playoff spot. Either way, I hope they are playing meaningful games in March, as I think that will give some of these young guys better experience. I do not agree with the “this winning is ruining the future” rhetoric because of what a crap shoot the NHL Draft is.
Quote:
1. they can't possibly sustain this pace (13 out of a possible 14 points over the last 7 games)
2. the division isn't playing the best hockey so far (most have negative goal differentials) and all the teams are bunched together
So they have to fall back at some point - but they'll still be the same young guys providing fun entertainment.
You’re probably right, but when you have a goalie playing the way Henrik is and a group of guys playing with the energy and resilience the Rangers play with, there’s no telling what can happen. I do not think they are a Cup contender or anything, but I certainly think they can push for a playoff spot. Either way, I hope they are playing meaningful games in March, as I think that will give some of these young guys better experience. I do not agree with the “this winning is ruining the future” rhetoric because of what a crap shoot the NHL Draft is.
I don't disagree but they haven't played 20 games yet and it isn't possible to expect them to continue on a pace of 13 out of a possible 14 points for much longer.
I'm just saying that when they fall back to earth they will still be a fun team to watch... seeing these kids develop. As for "this winning is ruining the future" rhetoric, that's pretty silly stuff since I can't control what happens. All I can control is my reaction to it - and why wouldn't I enjoy watching them win? It isn't as though their future draft position is going to change if I got myself all emotional and angry about them winning... lol
There are young guys and career minor leaguers who are just as good and cost nothing. Vegas showed that last year, reaching the Finals with a bunch of Neil Poinks on their roster.
Pay for guys on their first contract, like Ziba and Kreider and then trade them, just like they did with McDonaugh.
LOve watching the young guys play this year
Smith was a terrible investment at any amount of money. Detroit was healthy scratching him the year we traded for him... and then one good playoff series against MTL gets him $20 million. It made no sense. Moving on.
For every Vegas... there are 5 Pittsburgh/Washington/Nashvilles, which arent a collection of rookies and no-names. Its a bit of both -- of course you need young talent in the pipeline, but you need to invest wisely in the best FA values every offseason. We have a spotty track record in that department.
I still think you need 1-2 generational superstars on your roster to win a Cup. Vegas may have got to the finals last year, but they got waxed once there... and most Cup winners have that HoF forward or two as well as a shutdown D-man who plays 25-30 minutes a night come playoff time.
I would use this hot start to sell off assets, including Henrik if he'd waive his NMC...
If a team can string together two solid months of lucky/good play and coast around the 500 mark otherwise, they have a shot at a playoff spot in this division, IMO.
Squeaking in as a low seed is just about the worst thing that could happen with this franchise.
Quote:
If a team can string together two solid months of lucky/good play and coast around the 500 mark otherwise, they have a shot at a playoff spot in this division, IMO.
Squeaking in as a low seed is just about the worst thing that could happen with this franchise.
Yep. The entertainment value has been phenomenal... after each game, I can't wait for the next game... last night at my place only the Rangers game had sound until the game was over!
And I hope they are sellers regardless of where they are in the standings at the trade deadline this year. And I hope they get the #1 overall pick.
Meanwhile, I am cheering and enjoying every win and great play by this fun group to cheer for. My long term desires - and my cheering their play - has nothing to do with what ends up happening - so I'm going to enjoy myself, thank you very much.
Zib has that cannon of a shot, and he looks to shoot first, something Hayes doesn't do. But I've been impressed with Hayes battle level this season. He's always had great hands, vision, but I feel like he's competing harder this season, physical on the puck, using his body to shield defenders. I like what I've seen.
Just in response to your nonsense.