before the turnover to Aho, Trouba was playing a great game. he was physical, active offensively (missed the net about 4 times though) and solid with his gap control with the speedy Canes forwards. Plus he was playing the "hard" minutes.
a turnover that results in a goal wipes it all away though.
Trouba is physical and gives up his body, but he becomes out of position because of it.
before the turnover to Aho, Trouba was playing a great game. he was physical, active offensively (missed the net about 4 times though) and solid with his gap control with the speedy Canes forwards. Plus he was playing the "hard" minutes.
a turnover that results in a goal wipes it all away though.
I actually thought Trouba had a strong series outside of that goal.
Trouba is a top pair shut down defenseman with some offensive skill who every night goes up against the other teams top lines.
Pionk, TDA, those guys are puck movers, with defensive liabilities and generally need to play sheltered minutes. Like a Torrey Krug. They get pushed around in the D zone by bigger forwards so they struggle in front of the net and with corner cycles. Though I will say Krug has gotten more out of his skill set than I thought he would.
In any event, IMO you're comparing the wrong players. Pionk vs TDA sure. Pionk vs Trouba? not apples to apples.
Henrik is cooked. He should retire, but he has a year left. IDK what the plan is. Will he be okay as a backup? Will the Rangers buy him out?
Trouba had an awful year and MUST rebound next year. With little cap space after we do our re-signings, we'll be relying on Trouba as our #1 RD with the real possibility that Smith will be his partner again.
I'd re-sign DeAngelo. He had an awful playoff series, but I'm not convinced he was healthy. He had a wonderful year offensively. Defensively...not as much.
Fox also had an awful playoff series, but he had such a great rookie season. Let's hope for no sophomore slump.
Trouba is a top pair shut down defenseman with some offensive skill who every night goes up against the other teams top lines.
Pionk, TDA, those guys are puck movers, with defensive liabilities and generally need to play sheltered minutes. Like a Torrey Krug. They get pushed around in the D zone by bigger forwards so they struggle in front of the net and with corner cycles. Though I will say Krug has gotten more out of his skill set than I thought he would.
In any event, IMO you're comparing the wrong players. Pionk vs TDA sure. Pionk vs Trouba? not apples to apples.
I'm not comparing Pionk and Trouba. I'm looking at the trade. They essentially let Pionk and Shattenkirk go in order to get Trouba. Pionk and Shattenkirk both had strong offensive seasons. Well, by any metric you look at Trouba had a poor season, especially when you consider what we're paying him for the next 7 years.
If we're comparing TDA with Pionk, it's a no-brainer. I'd rather TDA. TDA was absolutely fantastic offensively for us this year. He just was terrible in the playoffs.
And I doubt Quinn will get fired after this, but he was COMPLETELY
out-coached by Rod the Bod. It was truly embarrassing. He made little-to-no in-game adjustments and had no answers for anything Carolina was doing. Also, the PP all series was horrendous. Truly horrendous.
I can't imagine Quinn getting fired. This season went as well as expected overall. With that said, there are some really good coaches out there I'd love to have in his place.
I can't imagine Quinn getting fired. This season went as well as expected overall. With that said, there are some really good coaches out there I'd love to have in his place.
I mention the possibility of a firing because A) of how poorly Quinn did this series; B) JD didn't hire Quinn; and C) Rangers fired Torts after the Conference Semifinals
But still I'd really hesitate to make any rash decisions based on three games after a four month break. The Rangers pretty much met expectations this season, potentially exceeded them slightly. Played some very exciting hockey.
While I admit Quinn feels like the guy you fire before someone else gets you over the top, I think he did more good than bad this season. I'm not judging him off this series. Honestly it would not shock me if Carolina is in the finals this season. They're that deep and that well coached.
more as Trouba making Skjei expendable and Pionk was already expendable b/c of TDA. Trouba and Skjei are pretty redundant, but if I have that choice I'd take Trouba over Skjei all day. He's better in every facet.
What's bizarre is the number of American defenseman the Rangers have acquired over their recent history
more as Trouba making Skjei expendable and Pionk was already expendable b/c of TDA. Trouba and Skjei are pretty redundant, but if I have that choice I'd take Trouba over Skjei all day. He's better in every facet.
What's bizarre is the number of American defenseman the Rangers have acquired over their recent history
and they pick in the 9 - 14 range they could get lucky and have Jake Sanderson (another American D) or Jamie Drysdale fall to them. Both project to be top pair D. I like Sanderson's size better, but he's not a star offensively.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
But still I'd really hesitate to make any rash decisions based on three games after a four month break. The Rangers pretty much met expectations this season, potentially exceeded them slightly. Played some very exciting hockey.
While I admit Quinn feels like the guy you fire before someone else gets you over the top, I think he did more good than bad this season. I'm not judging him off this series. Honestly it would not shock me if Carolina is in the finals this season. They're that deep and that well coached.
I agree. I think Quinn is still a question mark, but my criticisms of him are largely the same a fan has of every coach, such as loyalty to players who don’t deserve it (Howden).
I just look at Laviolette and Gallant and feel confident they are much better options.
I don’t think this series was Quinn’s fault. His stars disappeared, that’s not him.
We'll all look back on this and laugh when LaFreniere is a Ranger
I saw Trouba and TDA out there quite a bit today and they're both RD - a lot of D can play either side, some prefer off shot side
but my point was more about the role than the actual side he plays. top pair defensive D.
He wasn't paired with McDonagh. Skjei was paired with Shattenkirk and Pionk. Before, McDonagh was paired with Shattenkirk. IIRC, the only times Skjei was put on the right-side were the few times when he was paired with Staal and when Skeji was on Team USA.
TDA does prefer to play LD, his off-side, but he hasn't done that while he's been a Ranger.
And I expected Trouba to be A LOT better offensively. We're talking about a guy who hit 50 points before he came to the Rangers.
I've seen Brady Skjei play since the 2017 playoffs. I suspect he had a tad bit of motivation, but he laid several hits that I never saw him make once as a Ranger. Just a tad bit frustrating.
I think that was the right trade to make, but any hopes of winning a playoff series or two may have ended when it was made and our 4th line winger took his place on the blue line.
I've seen Brady Skjei play since the 2017 playoffs. I suspect he had a tad bit of motivation, but he laid several hits that I never saw him make once as a Ranger. Just a tad bit frustrating.
I think that was the right trade to make, but any hopes of winning a playoff series or two may have ended when it was made and our 4th line winger took his place on the blue line.
We became a worse team when we traded him. I said it at the time. And it wasn't like Skjei was a top-pair guy, but he was the only guy who at least could eat up big minutes. Lindgren? Maybe in time, but not at this stage. Smith? Staal?
It's nice to have a first rounder and it's nice that we ridded ourselves of his cap, but I agree, any chance of a run was gone once we traded him.
Gotta be the first time in history that a fourth line winger became a top-pair defenseman in one season.
Skjei and McDonagh were paired together in the playoffs at least a couple times Skjei's rookie year once McDonagh returned to the lineup.
Either way though, again, it's not about hand they shoot, but the role.
I also think the Rangers probably made a choice if they wanted to keep Kreider they had to clear space, and again, Trouba made Skjei an obvious candidate.
Skjei and McDonagh were paired together in the playoffs at least a couple times Skjei's rookie year once McDonagh returned to the lineup.
Either way though, again, it's not about hand they shoot, but the role.
I also think the Rangers probably made a choice if they wanted to keep Kreider they had to clear space, and again, Trouba made Skjei an obvious candidate.
That was exactly the choice. They extended Kreider (which I don't think was the smart move) instead of trading him and decided to trade Skjei to clear cap space.
But not entirely surprised. This is a very young Rangers team, and many of those players will have the benefit of this experience in the future. That being said, the veterans and the coaching staff left a lot to be desired.
Heading into next season, my hope is that Lundqvist retires and heads back to Frolunda to finish his career. The thought of him playing elsewhere doesnt seem likely with his contract and the cap being flat, and I cant see the team buying him out. Only way I see him back is if there is a robust trade market for Georgiev at the draft that allows the team to get some cap relief. The Caps actually provided a solid framework for a deal where they traded the last year of Orpik's deal with Grubbauer for a second rounder, I think a similar deal if they can find a trade partner would kill two birds with one stone (Pick one of Staal or Smith on the last year of their deals).
Looking forward, the team has $6M in dead cap space as result of the Shattenkirk buy out, and another 1-2M from Girardi, which will limit the team this offseason in FA.I am really looking forward to Keandre Miller stepping in on the left side, though I can see them in the market for another low cost veteran on the left side if they feel Hajek isnt going to develop (and Staal is gone). I imagine that Fast will price himself out and Kravtsov will be expected to step into the top 9 to replace him. Assuming that Strome will be back on a bridge deal, and that DeAngelo will as well via arbitration.
Living in Texas I saw the Rangers play less than 6 games during the season but was impressed with the young players development.
Getting to watch every second of the 3 game series against the Canes causes me to question what I saw during the season.
I think they are set at goalie with Igor. My question is why was he unfit to play in first 2 games?
They lacked big time on the blue line. Their defense was not physical and turned the puck over numerous times. Didn’t see that in regular season. What happened?
Forwards found no space due to Canes superior forecheck and backchecking.
Star players were a non factor. I thought Kreisler played well in game 3.
The youngster Kalló tries very hard but does he have elite offensive skills?
Not sure but maybe he has a breakout second year.
They need for sure 2 defensive studs on blue line who will take the body out on their opponents and clear the front of the goal.
So for the Ranger super fans : what the hell happened?
Rangers fans can address the bulk of your post, but two comments:
1. Kakko is 19 years old. It is rare a 19-year old has success against NHL players, I thought Kakko showed a lot of the reason why he was the #2 overall pick. He will be a star IMO.
2. The D needs work, like 2 top 4 D's need to be added. When you have physically limited players like Staal and Smith logging significant minutes that's what you get. And then other players like DeAngelo are one dimensional. Valuable for that one dimension, but for example you try and avoid having DeAngelo on the ice with Aho for a reason. The level of play is exactly what I saw during the season and some people tried to blame Ruff, but I always thought it was a talent/d-pairing issue.
With Nils Lundqvist (one more year in Sweden) and K'Andre Miller on the cusp there are reinforcements on the way but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rangers use at least 1 of their 2 first round picks on a D (if they don't win the lottery). Maybe they'll even trade Lias Andersson for a D prospect of similar stature.
It looked to me that Carolina was a much better team from a talent point of view. I dont think it was coaching; it was a better and deeper team with experience against a team not nearly as good.
It looked to me that Carolina was a much better team from a talent point of view. I dont think it was coaching; it was a better and deeper team with experience against a team not nearly as good.
The Rangers went 4 - 0 vs CAR this year. I do like CAR talent more overall, but mostly because of the D. And CAR was without 2 of their top 6 D. I think in net NYR should have had an advantage but once Igor was unfit to play they lost that.
I'm not a huge Quinn fan yet (pretty neutral on him so far), but when you get completely outclassed like they did by a team you swept in the regular season, questioning the coaching preparation is probably appropriate.
Carolina is a good team and definitely deeper, but there's no way they're THAT much better. Rangers got their doors blown the hell off in that series. It was embarrassing.
and they pick in the 9 - 14 range they could get lucky and have Jake Sanderson (another American D) or Jamie Drysdale fall to them. Both project to be top pair D. I like Sanderson's size better, but he's not a star offensively.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
From Uncle Larry:
"And: 3) The defeat gives the organization a 12.5 percent chance of becoming the luckiest loser in NHL history by coming away with the first overall pick in the 2020 draft when the second round of the lottery is conducted Aug. 10, and by the way, maybe the talented winger out of Rimouski would not be the slam-dunk selection with that big center from Sudbury there for the taking."
Assuming the Rangers win the Lottery: If the Rangers aren't high Lafreniere (which I don't know how they could not be), perhaps they trade him to Ottawa for #3 and #5 and take Byfield at #3 (assuming Steutzle goes to the Kings at #2) and Drysdale or Sanderson at #5.
And BTW, how is Phase II in 5 days? Will the SCQ be over by then?
the Rangers were destroyed by Carolina backchecking and never produced an answer. The Rangers never got clean breaks in transition. The Hurricanes out hustled for those 50/50 pucks and were more physical in front of the net on offense and defense. The Rangers never found a solution.
Trailing for all but 3:06 in Game 3 is an embarrassing The entire return from the break, from the exhibition game (with the exception of the 1st period in game 3) against the Islanders to the 3d period of the game last night was painful to watch.
or anyone over Lafreniere would be gutsy and trading the pick would be pretty gutsy too. Not saying stupid or bad since the draft is loaded with risk.
no one is a sure thing and there have been plenty of high profile draft failures all over the NHL draft since you're drafting 18 year olds, but Lafreniere is as sure thing as there has been since probably McDavid.
then Byfield and Stutzle. I can see cases for either of them over the other. Byfield could be Lindros 2.0 (but healthy) or he could take a couple years to grow into his body and then doubts creep in.
Stutzle is insanely skilled, best skater in the draft, but struggles defensively at times (which won't get him endeared to NHL coaches) and is more of a playmaker than a pure scorer (but he scores too).
If Byfield sticks at C he's a guy you can see as your #1C for the next decade.
then there is maybe 10 to 12 players all basically interchangeable (including Askarov the goalie) so I wouldn't be surprised if there is a lot of teams looking to move back in the first.
Still most underrated prospect IMO is Jan Mysak. If he gets past 15 or so he's a steal.
and they pick in the 9 - 14 range they could get lucky and have Jake Sanderson (another American D) or Jamie Drysdale fall to them. Both project to be top pair D. I like Sanderson's size better, but he's not a star offensively.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
From Uncle Larry:
"And: 3) The defeat gives the organization a 12.5 percent chance of becoming the luckiest loser in NHL history by coming away with the first overall pick in the 2020 draft when the second round of the lottery is conducted Aug. 10, and by the way, maybe the talented winger out of Rimouski would not be the slam-dunk selection with that big center from Sudbury there for the taking."
Assuming the Rangers win the Lottery: If the Rangers aren't high Lafreniere (which I don't know how they could not be), perhaps they trade him to Ottawa for #3 and #5 and take Byfield at #3 (assuming Steutzle goes to the Kings at #2) and Drysdale or Sanderson at #5.
And BTW, how is Phase II in 5 days? Will the SCQ be over by then?
Qualifying Round and the Seeding Round Robin games conclude on Aug. 9th, so the second lottery is on the 10th.
and they pick in the 9 - 14 range they could get lucky and have Jake Sanderson (another American D) or Jamie Drysdale fall to them. Both project to be top pair D. I like Sanderson's size better, but he's not a star offensively.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
From Uncle Larry:
"And: 3) The defeat gives the organization a 12.5 percent chance of becoming the luckiest loser in NHL history by coming away with the first overall pick in the 2020 draft when the second round of the lottery is conducted Aug. 10, and by the way, maybe the talented winger out of Rimouski would not be the slam-dunk selection with that big center from Sudbury there for the taking."
Assuming the Rangers win the Lottery: If the Rangers aren't high Lafreniere (which I don't know how they could not be), perhaps they trade him to Ottawa for #3 and #5 and take Byfield at #3 (assuming Steutzle goes to the Kings at #2) and Drysdale or Sanderson at #5.
And BTW, how is Phase II in 5 days? Will the SCQ be over by then?
Qualifying Round and the Seeding Round Robin games conclude on Aug. 9th, so the second lottery is on the 10th.
Crazy. They really packed the games close together.
I am stunned we swept you guys, but NYR has a bright future.
Sorry dudes.
You are never welcomed here, has nothing to do with the Canes winning.
:(
Haha, the Canes have turned into a really exciting team to watch. I remember a few years ago they were okay but sort of boring. I think Svechnkikov is one of my favorite players to watch.
Knocked the defending champion Capitals out of the playoffs last season, then followed that up by sweeping the Islanders, they are a battle tested talented group, then we lost Fast to injury right away, and he was targeted, we didn't have Lemieux the first 2 games, didn't have Shesterkin the first 2 games, traded Skjei to Carolina which I am certain really helped Carolina in knowing certain weaknesses that could be exploited and I am certain were, again, taking Fast out lead to the Rangers breaking up the top 2 lines, it exposed Quinn's weaknesses and inexperience as a head coach, it seemed that Carolina was all over the Rangers. The Rangers played a good game last night, with Shesterkin in the net the defense magically move the puck out of the zone a lot better, they got bailed out by great goaltending last night, for the Rangers it was too little too late, the team never really got going, and Hank letting in a soft goal right out of the gate was a bad start for this young team that is just starting.
And Smith did their best, but in a short series they eventually get exposed, defensemen are the most critical part of a team, you can not win with bad defensemen that can't move the puck, even if they are young and make mistakes, if they can move the puck out of the zone quickly, the team can win with them, again this is why Shesterkin bursted onto the scene and the team played so much better with him. As bad as DeAngelo is defensively, you can win with because he can move the puck. Look at what Brodeur did for the Devils, it is the huge difference between Brodeur and Hank.
The Canes have been on the upswing since the day Tom Dundon bought
the team 2+ years ago ... Brind’Amour is a solid coach who relates well to his players and gets the most out of them. He preaches throw back hockey and the team has grit and talent ... I’m biased because Ive lived in Raleigh for 27 years but I grew up listening to Marv Albert, Jim Gordon Jim Chadwick and Sal (red light) Messina. I’m glad this series is over so I can get back to undivided loyalties
The backpage of tomorrow's Post is entitled, "Hanks for the Memories" as apparently Henrik is done in NY. Uncle Larry also said that Jesper Fast is expected to walk in free agency.
Also, Uncle Larry confirmed that Igor Shesterkin suffered a groin injury during the exhibition game against the Islanders on July 29 that flared up at the team’s July 31 practice.
And perhaps most notably, Tony DeAngelo played through a debilitating hamstring issue against Carolina. Link - ( New Window )
It is a different series, a close series the Rangers still lose. Rangers need more grit, and need to decide about Quinn, is he going to be the right choice for next season, Strome came up small and will cost 4-5 mil, but I am not sold on Chytil as a top 6 center, I see a power forward that is a spot duty center at best, a JT Miller type, although now at 27 Miller is now a top 6 center, Chytil at 20 is simply not close to that, but I would look to move Strome, if you no good offers, save him for the deadline, 1 more year with Strome may give Chytil that year he needs, another player that must be moved is Buchnevich, he needed to step and was poor, JD needs to make smart moves now, Buchnevich is no top line right wing, but counting on Kakko to make a huge jump is risky, so we may be stuck with Buchnevich for one year.We need Hank to retire, to buy out Staal, we are probably stuck with Smith one more year, then let Hajek and Miller fight it out, maybe both will step up, that would be the best scenerio for the Rangers, but a longshot, like the lottery.
a turnover that results in a goal wipes it all away though.
Trouba is physical and gives up his body, but he becomes out of position because of it.
a turnover that results in a goal wipes it all away though.
I actually thought Trouba had a strong series outside of that goal.
TDA, who I'm a fan of, has been brutal.
Trouba is a top pair shut down defenseman with some offensive skill who every night goes up against the other teams top lines.
Pionk, TDA, those guys are puck movers, with defensive liabilities and generally need to play sheltered minutes. Like a Torrey Krug. They get pushed around in the D zone by bigger forwards so they struggle in front of the net and with corner cycles. Though I will say Krug has gotten more out of his skill set than I thought he would.
In any event, IMO you're comparing the wrong players. Pionk vs TDA sure. Pionk vs Trouba? not apples to apples.
Trouba had an awful year and MUST rebound next year. With little cap space after we do our re-signings, we'll be relying on Trouba as our #1 RD with the real possibility that Smith will be his partner again.
I'd re-sign DeAngelo. He had an awful playoff series, but I'm not convinced he was healthy. He had a wonderful year offensively. Defensively...not as much.
Fox also had an awful playoff series, but he had such a great rookie season. Let's hope for no sophomore slump.
Looking forward to next season already. Maybe we get some more lottery luck
Trouba is a top pair shut down defenseman with some offensive skill who every night goes up against the other teams top lines.
Pionk, TDA, those guys are puck movers, with defensive liabilities and generally need to play sheltered minutes. Like a Torrey Krug. They get pushed around in the D zone by bigger forwards so they struggle in front of the net and with corner cycles. Though I will say Krug has gotten more out of his skill set than I thought he would.
In any event, IMO you're comparing the wrong players. Pionk vs TDA sure. Pionk vs Trouba? not apples to apples.
I'm not comparing Pionk and Trouba. I'm looking at the trade. They essentially let Pionk and Shattenkirk go in order to get Trouba. Pionk and Shattenkirk both had strong offensive seasons. Well, by any metric you look at Trouba had a poor season, especially when you consider what we're paying him for the next 7 years.
If we're comparing TDA with Pionk, it's a no-brainer. I'd rather TDA. TDA was absolutely fantastic offensively for us this year. He just was terrible in the playoffs.
I mention the possibility of a firing because A) of how poorly Quinn did this series; B) JD didn't hire Quinn; and C) Rangers fired Torts after the Conference Semifinals
While I admit Quinn feels like the guy you fire before someone else gets you over the top, I think he did more good than bad this season. I'm not judging him off this series. Honestly it would not shock me if Carolina is in the finals this season. They're that deep and that well coached.
What's bizarre is the number of American defenseman the Rangers have acquired over their recent history
McDonagh
Shattenkirk
Yandle
Skjei
Trouba
Pionk
TDA
Fox
Lindgren
Kampfer
O'Gara
Clendening
off the top of my head. I kind of wonder if it's somehow intentional. It's weird if it's not.
What's bizarre is the number of American defenseman the Rangers have acquired over their recent history
McDonagh
Shattenkirk
Yandle
Skjei
Trouba
Pionk
TDA
Fox
Lindgren
Kampfer
O'Gara
Clendening
off the top of my head. I kind of wonder if it's somehow intentional. It's weird if it's not.
How did Trouba make Skjei redundant? They were our first pair for most of the year. One is a RD; the other is a LD.
Yes, DeAngelo made Pionk expendable (and Pionk blew for the most part of when he was a Ranger) and Fox made Shattenkirk expendable.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
While I admit Quinn feels like the guy you fire before someone else gets you over the top, I think he did more good than bad this season. I'm not judging him off this series. Honestly it would not shock me if Carolina is in the finals this season. They're that deep and that well coached.
I agree. I think Quinn is still a question mark, but my criticisms of him are largely the same a fan has of every coach, such as loyalty to players who don’t deserve it (Howden).
I just look at Laviolette and Gallant and feel confident they are much better options.
I don’t think this series was Quinn’s fault. His stars disappeared, that’s not him.
I saw Trouba and TDA out there quite a bit today and they're both RD - a lot of D can play either side, some prefer off shot side
but my point was more about the role than the actual side he plays. top pair defensive D.
Yes, definitely.
I saw Trouba and TDA out there quite a bit today and they're both RD - a lot of D can play either side, some prefer off shot side
but my point was more about the role than the actual side he plays. top pair defensive D.
He wasn't paired with McDonagh. Skjei was paired with Shattenkirk and Pionk. Before, McDonagh was paired with Shattenkirk. IIRC, the only times Skjei was put on the right-side were the few times when he was paired with Staal and when Skeji was on Team USA.
TDA does prefer to play LD, his off-side, but he hasn't done that while he's been a Ranger.
And I expected Trouba to be A LOT better offensively. We're talking about a guy who hit 50 points before he came to the Rangers.
I think that was the right trade to make, but any hopes of winning a playoff series or two may have ended when it was made and our 4th line winger took his place on the blue line.
I think that was the right trade to make, but any hopes of winning a playoff series or two may have ended when it was made and our 4th line winger took his place on the blue line.
We became a worse team when we traded him. I said it at the time. And it wasn't like Skjei was a top-pair guy, but he was the only guy who at least could eat up big minutes. Lindgren? Maybe in time, but not at this stage. Smith? Staal?
It's nice to have a first rounder and it's nice that we ridded ourselves of his cap, but I agree, any chance of a run was gone once we traded him.
Gotta be the first time in history that a fourth line winger became a top-pair defenseman in one season.
Either way though, again, it's not about hand they shoot, but the role.
I also think the Rangers probably made a choice if they wanted to keep Kreider they had to clear space, and again, Trouba made Skjei an obvious candidate.
Either way though, again, it's not about hand they shoot, but the role.
I also think the Rangers probably made a choice if they wanted to keep Kreider they had to clear space, and again, Trouba made Skjei an obvious candidate.
That was exactly the choice. They extended Kreider (which I don't think was the smart move) instead of trading him and decided to trade Skjei to clear cap space.
Heading into next season, my hope is that Lundqvist retires and heads back to Frolunda to finish his career. The thought of him playing elsewhere doesnt seem likely with his contract and the cap being flat, and I cant see the team buying him out. Only way I see him back is if there is a robust trade market for Georgiev at the draft that allows the team to get some cap relief. The Caps actually provided a solid framework for a deal where they traded the last year of Orpik's deal with Grubbauer for a second rounder, I think a similar deal if they can find a trade partner would kill two birds with one stone (Pick one of Staal or Smith on the last year of their deals).
Looking forward, the team has $6M in dead cap space as result of the Shattenkirk buy out, and another 1-2M from Girardi, which will limit the team this offseason in FA.I am really looking forward to Keandre Miller stepping in on the left side, though I can see them in the market for another low cost veteran on the left side if they feel Hajek isnt going to develop (and Staal is gone). I imagine that Fast will price himself out and Kravtsov will be expected to step into the top 9 to replace him. Assuming that Strome will be back on a bridge deal, and that DeAngelo will as well via arbitration.
That leaves the following going forward:
Panarin - Strome - Kakko
Buchnevich - Zibanejad - Kreider
Gauthier - Chytil - Kravtsov
xxxxxx - Howden - xxxxxx
Lindgren - Fox
Staal/Smith - Trouba
Miller - TDA
Hajek
Shesterkin
Lundqvist/Georgiev/Wall
Getting to watch every second of the 3 game series against the Canes causes me to question what I saw during the season.
I think they are set at goalie with Igor. My question is why was he unfit to play in first 2 games?
They lacked big time on the blue line. Their defense was not physical and turned the puck over numerous times. Didn’t see that in regular season. What happened?
Forwards found no space due to Canes superior forecheck and backchecking.
Star players were a non factor. I thought Kreisler played well in game 3.
The youngster Kalló tries very hard but does he have elite offensive skills?
Not sure but maybe he has a breakout second year.
They need for sure 2 defensive studs on blue line who will take the body out on their opponents and clear the front of the goal.
So for the Ranger super fans : what the hell happened?
1. Kakko is 19 years old. It is rare a 19-year old has success against NHL players, I thought Kakko showed a lot of the reason why he was the #2 overall pick. He will be a star IMO.
2. The D needs work, like 2 top 4 D's need to be added. When you have physically limited players like Staal and Smith logging significant minutes that's what you get. And then other players like DeAngelo are one dimensional. Valuable for that one dimension, but for example you try and avoid having DeAngelo on the ice with Aho for a reason. The level of play is exactly what I saw during the season and some people tried to blame Ruff, but I always thought it was a talent/d-pairing issue.
With Nils Lundqvist (one more year in Sweden) and K'Andre Miller on the cusp there are reinforcements on the way but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rangers use at least 1 of their 2 first round picks on a D (if they don't win the lottery). Maybe they'll even trade Lias Andersson for a D prospect of similar stature.
Sorry dudes.
The Rangers went 4 - 0 vs CAR this year. I do like CAR talent more overall, but mostly because of the D. And CAR was without 2 of their top 6 D. I think in net NYR should have had an advantage but once Igor was unfit to play they lost that.
I'm not a huge Quinn fan yet (pretty neutral on him so far), but when you get completely outclassed like they did by a team you swept in the regular season, questioning the coaching preparation is probably appropriate.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
From Uncle Larry:
"And: 3) The defeat gives the organization a 12.5 percent chance of becoming the luckiest loser in NHL history by coming away with the first overall pick in the 2020 draft when the second round of the lottery is conducted Aug. 10, and by the way, maybe the talented winger out of Rimouski would not be the slam-dunk selection with that big center from Sudbury there for the taking."
Assuming the Rangers win the Lottery: If the Rangers aren't high Lafreniere (which I don't know how they could not be), perhaps they trade him to Ottawa for #3 and #5 and take Byfield at #3 (assuming Steutzle goes to the Kings at #2) and Drysdale or Sanderson at #5.
And BTW, how is Phase II in 5 days? Will the SCQ be over by then?
Trailing for all but 3:06 in Game 3 is an embarrassing The entire return from the break, from the exhibition game (with the exception of the 1st period in game 3) against the Islanders to the 3d period of the game last night was painful to watch.
Sorry dudes.
I don't think anyone wants to face you guys in the playoffs. Going to be a really hard out. Hoping Mrazek/Reimer implode
no one is a sure thing and there have been plenty of high profile draft failures all over the NHL draft since you're drafting 18 year olds, but Lafreniere is as sure thing as there has been since probably McDavid.
IMO
Lafreniere by himself, clear cut #1
then Byfield and Stutzle. I can see cases for either of them over the other. Byfield could be Lindros 2.0 (but healthy) or he could take a couple years to grow into his body and then doubts creep in.
Stutzle is insanely skilled, best skater in the draft, but struggles defensively at times (which won't get him endeared to NHL coaches) and is more of a playmaker than a pure scorer (but he scores too).
If Byfield sticks at C he's a guy you can see as your #1C for the next decade.
then there is maybe 10 to 12 players all basically interchangeable (including Askarov the goalie) so I wouldn't be surprised if there is a lot of teams looking to move back in the first.
Still most underrated prospect IMO is Jan Mysak. If he gets past 15 or so he's a steal.
Sorry dudes.
You are never welcomed here, has nothing to do with the Canes winning.
Quote:
and they pick in the 9 - 14 range they could get lucky and have Jake Sanderson (another American D) or Jamie Drysdale fall to them. Both project to be top pair D. I like Sanderson's size better, but he's not a star offensively.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
From Uncle Larry:
"And: 3) The defeat gives the organization a 12.5 percent chance of becoming the luckiest loser in NHL history by coming away with the first overall pick in the 2020 draft when the second round of the lottery is conducted Aug. 10, and by the way, maybe the talented winger out of Rimouski would not be the slam-dunk selection with that big center from Sudbury there for the taking."
Assuming the Rangers win the Lottery: If the Rangers aren't high Lafreniere (which I don't know how they could not be), perhaps they trade him to Ottawa for #3 and #5 and take Byfield at #3 (assuming Steutzle goes to the Kings at #2) and Drysdale or Sanderson at #5.
And BTW, how is Phase II in 5 days? Will the SCQ be over by then?
Qualifying Round and the Seeding Round Robin games conclude on Aug. 9th, so the second lottery is on the 10th.
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In comment 14944089 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
and they pick in the 9 - 14 range they could get lucky and have Jake Sanderson (another American D) or Jamie Drysdale fall to them. Both project to be top pair D. I like Sanderson's size better, but he's not a star offensively.
Fans today see Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar and want every D to skate like that. It's rare. and man, if I had the choice of Rasmus Dahlin or Hughes/Makar I think I'd run to the podium to take Dahlin.
From Uncle Larry:
"And: 3) The defeat gives the organization a 12.5 percent chance of becoming the luckiest loser in NHL history by coming away with the first overall pick in the 2020 draft when the second round of the lottery is conducted Aug. 10, and by the way, maybe the talented winger out of Rimouski would not be the slam-dunk selection with that big center from Sudbury there for the taking."
Assuming the Rangers win the Lottery: If the Rangers aren't high Lafreniere (which I don't know how they could not be), perhaps they trade him to Ottawa for #3 and #5 and take Byfield at #3 (assuming Steutzle goes to the Kings at #2) and Drysdale or Sanderson at #5.
And BTW, how is Phase II in 5 days? Will the SCQ be over by then?
Qualifying Round and the Seeding Round Robin games conclude on Aug. 9th, so the second lottery is on the 10th.
Crazy. They really packed the games close together.
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I am stunned we swept you guys, but NYR has a bright future.
Sorry dudes.
You are never welcomed here, has nothing to do with the Canes winning.
:(
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In comment 14944177 Jints in Carolina said:
Quote:
I am stunned we swept you guys, but NYR has a bright future.
Sorry dudes.
You are never welcomed here, has nothing to do with the Canes winning.
:(
Haha, the Canes have turned into a really exciting team to watch. I remember a few years ago they were okay but sort of boring. I think Svechnkikov is one of my favorite players to watch.
You didn't have to teach TDA that move he used on Aho.
Who we wanted: Arcarsenal
Who we got: Davisian
This fucking sucks.
Also, Uncle Larry confirmed that Igor Shesterkin suffered a groin injury during the exhibition game against the Islanders on July 29 that flared up at the team’s July 31 practice.
And perhaps most notably, Tony DeAngelo played through a debilitating hamstring issue against Carolina.
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