just thought I'd start an NHL discussion thread - non-Rangers specific, but people can discuss any team (including the Rangers).
A lot of things to discuss:
1. Eichel activity picking up (LAK, NYR and LVG the rumored landing spots) I read yesterday it's beyond medicals at this point and the teams involved have seen them and are comfortable they have a treatment plan.
2. Two week pause in February for Olympics
3. Rule changes: not much, mainly just stricter enforcement of cross checking. Not sure how it will manifest, but my guess is two places - along the boards and in front of the net where cross checking has become almost an accepted method of play will become a penalty - early in the season expect a lot of those calls
4. Obviously COVID protocols, and cross border. The NHL has a lot of protocols for unvaccinated and fines or suspensions for missing those protocols, I'm not clear on all of them yet, but I do know in Canada if you are not vaccinated you cannot leave the team hotel for anything except team activities. Not sure if that's true in the US too.
Predictions? Expectations?
Always fun to watch a new team...welcome Seattle.
Good luck to the rival Rangers with a top notch new coach (Not too much good luck)
Hope the Devils are a bit more competitive for their local fans
LGI
Hey pj, this is not meant to upset you because I root for your team because of my brother (I want him happy too)….but I have a bad feeling losing Weber is going to be bigger than your team imagined. He was a large body who cleared the front of the net and kept opposing teams from getting too frisky. I’m afraid the league is going to try to take out your two smallish stars to be-Suzuki and Caufield- and the Habs really don’t have a bona fide goon to protect them. I hope I’m wrong for yours and my brothers sake.
Anyhow, looking forward to your threads and expert analysis again this year.
And it’s so nice to have a coaching staff that knows what it’s doing. I had that epiphany last night after we called a TO when we got a 5-on-3. Mike Kelly draws up a play and we score almost instantly. With Quinn and Oliver, we’d be passing the puck around and not pulling the trigger.
Habs are not going to be good this year, but I do hope they get some good experience for Caufield, continued development from Suzuki, etc.
Weber is a huge loss. Price is coming off surgery and seems rushed, Danault is a bigger loss than people realize, and losing Kotkaniemi - while the right move - was unfortunate - though I do think Christian Dvorak is better in 2021-2022 than Kotkaniemi.
Out of all the locals, the Islanders have the most to look forward to. The Devils look to have improved. The Rangers do need some luck. I am not sure the roster moves improved them in a significant manner. They are relying on their youngsters improving. I am really bummed about Reaves.
I can see a massive improvement just with coaching and I do believe in their off-season additions, but I think SC is ambitious.
And it’s so nice to have a coaching staff that knows what it’s doing. I had that epiphany last night after we called a TO when we got a 5-on-3. Mike Kelly draws up a play and we score almost instantly. With Quinn and Oliver, we’d be passing the puck around and not pulling the trigger.
Here’s hoping Reeves is okay. I too am looking forward to seeing what Tom Wilson is going to do now…
I can see a massive improvement just with coaching and I do believe in their off-season additions, but I think SC is ambitious.
I mean that would be great obviously, but I agree with you, PJ. I think right now we’re a fringe playoff team that COULD make a run, but probably still need more seasoning. I would say our window really opens next year. Right now, it’s ajar.
But it’s been pretty evident thus far that Gallant is head and shoulders above Quinn. I liked Quinn as a person, but he really seemed to be over his head. Gallant is more hands-off and more of an old school guy.
I can see a massive improvement just with coaching and I do believe in their off-season additions, but I think SC is ambitious.
Rangers hater. They're winning it all.
Before everyone jumps on this - I think most Ranger fans would agree the above prediction is not realistic.
Habs are not going to be good this year, but I do hope they get some good experience for Caufield, continued development from Suzuki, etc.
Weber is a huge loss. Price is coming off surgery and seems rushed, Danault is a bigger loss than people realize, and losing Kotkaniemi - while the right move - was unfortunate - though I do think Christian Dvorak is better in 2021-2022 than Kotkaniemi.
I’m wondering if adding Savard to replace Weber was the right move. He seems a lot like that Dman you added who you are still paying for after you cut him 2 years ago- another slow mover. I forgot his name, but I’m sure you know. I’d like to hear your thoughts on Savard.
Out of all the locals, the Islanders have the most to look forward to.
Maybe this year, but the Rangers and Devils have a much brighter future. Those two teams have some of the best young players in the game and have two of the deepest and prospect systems. Islanders…not so much.
But with Barry Trotz, who knows? He can make chocolate mousse out of shit.
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expert analysis.
Habs are not going to be good this year, but I do hope they get some good experience for Caufield, continued development from Suzuki, etc.
Weber is a huge loss. Price is coming off surgery and seems rushed, Danault is a bigger loss than people realize, and losing Kotkaniemi - while the right move - was unfortunate - though I do think Christian Dvorak is better in 2021-2022 than Kotkaniemi.
I’m wondering if adding Savard to replace Weber was the right move. He seems a lot like that Dman you added who you are still paying for after you cut him 2 years ago- another slow mover. I forgot his name, but I’m sure you know. I’d like to hear your thoughts on Savard.
Alzner?
Savard makes half now of what Alzner did 4 years ago.
Savard is not a good defenseman, wasn't really signed to replace Weber, but it's a low level contract ($3.5M per year for 4 years). I'd have preferred shorter term, but that's not a killer contract.
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or at least online personalities have predicted the NYR will the stanley cup.
Before everyone jumps on this - I think most Ranger fans would agree the above prediction is not realistic.
I know, and I didn't mean to stir shit, just showing the optimism for success outside the fan base.
and 4 solid starting lines,
We do miss Reaves and Ranger fans will warm up to him quickly. He hits anything in sight and backs up all his teamates
and 4 solid starting lines,
We do miss Reaves and Ranger fans will warm up to him quickly. He hits anything in sight and backs up all his teamates
They will go as far IMO as Lehner takes them, and I like Lehner, seems like a good person and he's clearly goalie who has all the potential in the world, but I'd be nervous about him for a variety of reasons.
The disappearing act in the playoffs by Stone would also concern me. Dominated by Philip Danault.
@reporterchris
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6m
Finland's first three players for the Beijing Olympics: Sebastian Aho, Aleksander Barkov and Mikko Rantanen.
@CompleteHkyNews
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Oct 4
Team Sweden has named Victor Hedman, Mika Zibanejad and Gabriel Landeskog as the first three members of their 2022 Olympic roster.
Very happy to see Boston leave the division. Hopefully someone can knock Tampa out early for once this year.
I'm very excited to see the Devils this season even if they are probably a year away from contending for a playoff spot.
I think both Mercer and Holtz are locks to start in NJ as both have had great camps and preseasons. The Sharangovich Hughes and Holtz line in the preseason has been outstanding and I would like to see them together to open the season. As for Graves and Hamilton I would prefer to split them up. I am hoping that Smith plays with Hamilton with Graves moving to the second line to team with Severson.
I agree the only problem is that would leave just Walsh as the only RD ready to step in. I would rather keep Subban early on since it won't be easy to move him because of his cap number. Regardless this will be the last year that Subban is a Devil.
For the NYI im ridiculously overexcited about Chara back. imo he's still a massive presence even if he's not nearly what he was in terms of minutes and hockey impact. They are going to lose some speed/offense with Leddy but he was up and down. Chara should be a really good partner for Dobson and make them even more of a pain to play against.
It will also be interesting to see if Parise has anything left. the PP has been the NYI biggest weakness. even incremental improvement there will have an impact.
For the NYI im ridiculously overexcited about Chara back. imo he's still a massive presence even if he's not nearly what he was in terms of minutes and hockey impact. They are going to lose some speed/offense with Leddy but he was up and down. Chara should be a really good partner for Dobson and make them even more of a pain to play against.
It will also be interesting to see if Parise has anything left. the PP has been the NYI biggest weakness. even incremental improvement there will have an impact.
I’ve heard that the Isles are internally very optimistic with what they’ve seen from Parise in camp, so we’ll see. Wahlstrom hasn’t had the best camp and there’s a possibility he starts in AHL, but hopefully they are just trying to motivate him.
I truly believe the Islanders have a real shot at the Cup this year, which is something I have not seen since I was in high school and Billy Smith was terrorizing Wayne Gretzky.
Let's drop the puck and get going!
I'd love him to shake loose somehow, but doubt it. You never know with OTT though. The list of top 6 forwards and top 4 D they've traded is lengthy.
Both Tkachuk's IMO are the type of player I'd build around.
Yea, that wouldn’t surprise me. Maybe give Bellows a chance to start the year. Isles are apparently worried Johnston would be claimed on waivers, so expect to see him make the team.
Gustaffson has had a nice camp too and is dynamite on the power play. Issues are that isles would need to sign him which adds to the cap and Trotz might not want to carry a power play specialist.
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
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5m
#NHL and #NHLPA announce Carey Price is on leave from the #Habs while entering the Player Assistance Program.
Hope he gets the help he needs.
I truly believe the Islanders have a real shot at the Cup this year, which is something I have not seen since I was in high school and Billy Smith was terrorizing Wayne Gretzky.
Let's drop the puck and get going!
This is the third year in a row that the Isles are a legit cup contender and IMO the window should be open for a while.
They’ve just had the unfortunate luck to run a dynasty in the ECF back to back years. They are only short by a goal last year. Have to think they’d have won it all if the captain wasn’t hurt.
Kessel
Gaudreau (why? - no idea)
Filip Forsberg
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
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5m
#NHL and #NHLPA announce Carey Price is on leave from the #Habs while entering the Player Assistance Program.
Hope he gets the help he needs.
damn, get well Carey.
Bruins winger David Pastrnak, Lightning forward Ondrej Palat and Blue Jackets forward Jakub Voracek are the Czech Republic's first three selections for 2022.
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Out of all the locals, the Islanders have the most to look forward to.
Maybe this year, but the Rangers and Devils have a much brighter future. Those two teams have some of the best young players in the game and have two of the deepest and prospect systems. Islanders…not so much.
But with Barry Trotz, who knows? He can make chocolate mousse out of shit.
As an Islander fan, I will take that all day. I’d prefer to be a top team with the window open as opposed to hoping to reach that level soon.
The Rangers and Devils have a ton of young talent, but that is only one piece of a larger puzzle. For the Rangers, the you likely have a three year window with Gallant before he is gone. Getting from non-playoff team to SC Champion in 3 years is a tall order and will require a lot more than Kakko and Laf playing up to potential.
I can see a massive improvement just with coaching and I do believe in their off-season additions, but I think SC is ambitious.
hahaha. The cup? Who the hell are you seeing predicting the Rangers to win the cup?
Pens and Caps are teetering close to edge of possible quick decline soon. Caps are getting some age in key spots and having trouble with getting enough depth/young talent coming up. Same with Pens and its looking more like Malkins not a guy who can play a full physical game and last late into the season. They've both had great runs, but the bottom is going to fall out on them at some point and probably quickly.
Isles have been in a window now couple years. I think this is really a set of make or break years this season and next for them to get to the mountaintop. They still have solid talent in place, but Lou's made it clear they are a win now club and fans have to be ready for a possible rough/extended retool period coming in future years.
They could. All I ask for is some exciting and consistently competitive hockey after the last three seasons where, outside of a game here or there, or excitement with a young player making debut, it's been hard to watch.
Pelech/Pulock are each 27. Dobson will likely be 3rd in mpg on D and he's 21. They actually have a decent pipeline of D at bridgeport too.
Sorokin is 26 and signed for 3 years.
any team trying to contend is going to have some veterans they need to recycle over time but the oldest players in the top 6 for the isles are Bailey (32) and Lee (31). The few really old players on the roster are on 1 year vet minimum deals (Parise, Greene, Chara).
the most important NYI is 59 and as long as he's behind the bench they will likely be competitive for the playoffs. The guy has made the playoffs like 20 of the last 21 years with all sorts of different rosters.
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Sooner rather than later. I'd much rather that spot on the 3rd pairing go to Bahl or Walsh or Sieganthaler. Don't get me wrong I like him he's a good guy and provides leadership and upside as a 3rd pairing guy I just would rather see a young guy get the chance. If we are out of it by the deadline PK is a goner then any way as an expiring.
I agree the only problem is that would leave just Walsh as the only RD ready to step in. I would rather keep Subban early on since it won't be easy to move him because of his cap number. Regardless this will be the last year that Subban is a Devil.
Cap# is no issue. We can recapture any money we want of his salary in a deal. We're still way under the cap in fact I'd welcome it because it's only this season and it will better the return.
The tuna (tatar) is so underrated, and Dougie Hamilton other than being scared of Ovi is about as solid as you get as a two-way defenseman. And Graves was disappointing in the PO's but otherwise he's been very steady.
Blackwood needs to be better and Bernier needs to prove he can be consistently reliable or not much of it matters.
The tuna (tatar) is so underrated, and Dougie Hamilton other than being scared of Ovi is about as solid as you get as a two-way defenseman. And Graves was disappointing in the PO's but otherwise he's been very steady.
Blackwood needs to be better and Bernier needs to prove he can be consistently reliable or not much of it matters.
Yep I completely agree on the goaltending. I feel Blackwood has it in him to be a #1 on a winning team, he started out hot last year but then got Covid and wasn't the same afterwards. Was it Covid? Fatigue? Or simply coming back to earth. Bottom line he has to prove it for a full season. I think the metro area here has some exciting times ahead with the Isles being a solid cup contender and the young talent of the Rangers and Devils. I would hope Pitt and Washington would fall off at some point but I'll believe it when I see it. Ovi seems capable of scoring 50 forever and just when you count the Pens out, they had a great regular season last year.
Yep I completely agree on the goaltending. I feel Blackwood has it in him to be a #1 on a winning team, he started out hot last year but then got Covid and wasn't the same afterwards. Was it Covid? Fatigue? Or simply coming back to earth. Bottom line he has to prove it for a full season. I think the metro area here has some exciting times ahead with the Isles being a solid cup contender and the young talent of the Rangers and Devils. I would hope Pitt and Washington would fall off at some point but I'll believe it when I see it. Ovi seems capable of scoring 50 forever and just when you count the Pens out, they had a great regular season last year.
Blackwood was one of the best goaltenders in hockey prior to COVID. When he came back he was absolutely awful until later in the season when he began to turn around again. He is the key to the Devils success this season. I like Bernier but I don't want him playing 45+ games. Blackwood isn't vaccinated which is going to be a major issue when the team travels to Canada.
I think WAS, PIT, NYR, PHI all comparable and will finish within a couple points of each other - and this is where coaching (Gallant) can make a difference. Even CAR has goalie issues that can sink a season.
but I also think the top 3 teams in the Atlantic (TBL, TOR, and BOS) are better than the best teams in the Metro with BOS main question being common theme around the league....goalie. I might even put FLA above the Metro teams.
The Atlantic is stacked (at the top) this year (on paper).
Pelech/Pulock are each 27. Dobson will likely be 3rd in mpg on D and he's 21. They actually have a decent pipeline of D at bridgeport too.
Sorokin is 26 and signed for 3 years.
any team trying to contend is going to have some veterans they need to recycle over time but the oldest players in the top 6 for the isles are Bailey (32) and Lee (31). The few really old players on the roster are on 1 year vet minimum deals (Parise, Greene, Chara).
the most important NYI is 59 and as long as he's behind the bench they will likely be competitive for the playoffs. The guy has made the playoffs like 20 of the last 21 years with all sorts of different rosters.
Very good post. The Isles are a veteran team, but the perception that their core is 30 years old and about to decline is inaccurate.
Their talent pipeline on the offensive side is not great, but as you mentioned, their scoring is largely coming from guys in their mid-to-late 20s. Lee, Nelson and Bailey are between 30 and 32 and none rely on speed/skating as a big part of their game.
The 4th line is getting up there, but I have no doubt Lou and Barry can handle a transition on that line over the next couple of years.