Can this guy just be named the starter and we figure out where to go from there with the other 2? Last night he put on yet another dazzling performance, where the only goal he allowed it looked like he slipped going side to side. I say let him start the majority of the games going forward, it's a win win, either they ride him to a potential playoff spot, or he has a few rough patches in a season that playoffs would've only been a bonus anyway. In a season that has already featured watching Fox, Chytil, Lindgren, DeAngelo take huge steps in their development, Igor has added another fun element to watching the Rangers this year, even though it does seem like they will come up short in the playoff race.
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must have been in those practice sessions and told Lindy Ruff how to coach the D.
because Trouba and Skjei look so much better with Shesterkin in net.
They've given up more than 3 goals 3 times in 2020.
pj, I mentioned a couple of times last week and before, I think a lot of the improved play of back line has to do with the switch of pairings, moving Trouba alongside Lindberg, d'Angelo with Staal, Fox and Skjei, much better blending of their styles of play. Shesty does't hurt (:
who did trouba play with last night? I don't follow as much as you guys, but I saw Trouba was back with Skjei after the initial change.
it's not that I don't believe adjusting partners can make a difference, of course it can. players all have different strengths and styles, my main point was just a jab at the "Lindy Ruff must go" crowd. I just always felt like most of us (me included) really doesn't know exactly what the role of the assistant coach for the D does. So he was being scapegoated. I have no love for Lindy Ruff, and I wouldn't hire him as a HC, just not sure he was to blame for the defensive woes.
I think you're right. If you're not confident in your goalie's ability to handle the puck and clear the zone, you won't be as aggressive at the blue line to break up possessions before they start. Opposing forwards, I imagine, are less likely to just dump the puck in with Shesterkin in net because he can easily get it back out. Lundqvist has never been able to do that very well, so the defensemen in front of him don't play that way.
Honestly, this goes back a ways. I can remember when Talbot and Raanta were standing out as Lundqvist's backups, and people would note that they seemed to get better defensive play in front of them than he ever did. Seems like a pattern to me.
Kadri's injury could make them consider it.
They have some good young D.
Alex Newhook would be a good target too for a F.
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I wonder if the Avalanche may be so desperate as to dangle Bowen Byram for Chris Kreider
Kadri's injury could make them consider it.
They have some good young D.
Alex Newhook would be a good target too for a F.
Byram would be a huge get. He was the third best prospect in the 2019 Draft behind Kakko and Hughes. Doubt the Avalanche go for it, but they are desperate...
Mostly because you don't play any defense yourself...
Tanner Glass>>>>Nick Lidstrom
Tanner Glass>>>>Nick Lidstrom
+/- still matters to me, dammit