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NFT: No Rangers thread last night, but WOW!

ShockNRoll : 10/19/2021 8:16 am
That overtime period was one of the best overtimes I think I've ever seen in the 3 on 3 format. If Igor wasn't already on the radar as one of the top goalies in the league, this game might have done it. He absolutely stole this one after the Rangers really got dominated most of the game, especially in the faceoff circle. Great to see Panarin get the game winner after what was kind of a down performance for him. I will also say that I am surprised just how physical this team is. Obviously that was a goal in the offseason, and they've lived up to the expectations. Last night was a hard hitting game, and don't look now, but the Rangers currently lead the league in hits (they've also played the most games of anyone).
Igor stood on his freakin’ head  
Anakim : 10/19/2021 8:22 am : link
One of his best games
OT Hockey  
Br00klyn : 10/19/2021 8:34 am : link
is the most exciting thing in sports. Both goalies were absolutely ridiculous last night. I was way too hyped up for the 4th regular season game of the year lol
Not all rosey, but good start  
George from PA : 10/19/2021 8:35 am : link
The young guys are growing up. Need Kakko back
.  
Kyle in NY : 10/19/2021 8:40 am : link
Bank as many points as you can to start the season. Given a new coach plus injuries and some turnover (and drama) in the forward group, I'm not going to worry too much about style points. In this division they can't afford to fall behind early like they did last season. Toronto is probably a top 5 team, so they had to hold on for dear life last night and rely on Igor.

That said, it's looking like we'll again have one of the league's best goalies ready to enter his prime. Please, Rangers management, do not repeat the mistakes of the Henrik era and confuse a goalie consistently standing on his head for good overall hockey.
OT hockey  
Peter from NH (formerly CT) : 10/19/2021 8:42 am : link
is a totally different game. Fun to watch but with whole strategies of its own.

Both teams passed the puck back to their goalie last night in OT to make a change. Wouldn't see that at 5 on 5.
Crazy fun, entertaining  
ColHowPepper : 10/19/2021 8:44 am : link
3 or 4 times I looked at Toronto's setting up in front wide open net or Igor having vacated his net, by like 35 feet, and muttered, 'it's over'. Standing on his head in this case doesn't do Igor justice. TOR keeper pretty good himself. Wild

Here's a look for those who missed it, hope it plays:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1450412816733777921
RE: .  
ColHowPepper : 10/19/2021 8:48 am : link
In comment 15420815 Kyle in NY said:
Quote:
...Toronto is probably a top 5 team, so they had to hold on for dear life last night and rely on Igor.

That said, it's looking like we'll again have one of the league's best goalies ready to enter his prime. Please, Rangers management, do not repeat the mistakes of the Henrik era and confuse a goalie consistently standing on his head for good overall hockey.
Kyle, agree; I've asserted/worried that Igor is fragile in GK terms because he's not built big or thick, and teams are trying imo to take advantage by shoving our d-men into him, crashing the net, playing for injury. I hope, I think, GG is seeing this and has told his defense corps you get there fast and take those mo-fos out and off, cuz I've seen increased alertness to that.
I missed the game, so I watched the highlights this morning. I hope  
Ira : 10/19/2021 9:00 am : link
Igor will be this kind of goalie over time.
I keep hoping Laf will break out  
Anakim : 10/19/2021 9:04 am : link
But it hasn’t happened yet. He’s certainly had opportunities to.


BTW, that second PP unit is all kinds of awful. Troubadour, Lundkvist, Blasi, Dryden Hunt and Chytil. Yikes.
Some crazy sequences in OT last night  
Peter from NH (formerly CT) : 10/19/2021 9:10 am : link
fo' sure
Vally on Igor's play last night  
Mad Mike : 10/19/2021 9:15 am : link
*
link - ( New Window )
RE: Vally on Igor's play last night  
Anakim : 10/19/2021 9:27 am : link
In comment 15420868 Mad Mike said:
Quote:
* link - ( New Window )


Hahahahaha
RE: I keep hoping Laf will break out  
ShockNRoll : 10/19/2021 9:43 am : link
In comment 15420846 Anakim said:
Quote:
But it hasn’t happened yet. He’s certainly had opportunities to.


BTW, that second PP unit is all kinds of awful. Troubadour, Lundkvist, Blasi, Dryden Hunt and Chytil. Yikes.


Trouba doesn't belong anywhere near the PP unit. Remember when he came to the Rangers as a 50 point, ascending defenseman who was thought to potentially be a Norris candidate one day? Not saying he can't be a big part of this team's success going forward, but certainly not the player I thought we were getting, and at that price. Chytil belongs on there, but without Strome and Kakko, with Buchnevich gone and with no hope of anything working out with Kravtsov, I'm concerned we're starting to see a lack of options beyond the top 6 for scoring depth. Blais and Hunt are nice players for their roles, not to be taking the ice on a PP.
Fun win  
ManningLobsItBurressAlone : 10/19/2021 10:00 am : link
even though we were thoroughly outplayed. Little bit of my .02:

One thing that seems to be a yearly issue; when will someone in this organization learn to win faceoffs consistently? It has been a major problem of ours for years. The only reason I was interested in Danault was for that purpose. It killed our ability to set up on the power play (which was miserable all night), and it allowed an absolutely lethal power play immediate structure all night. Toronto won 41 of 54 total faceoffs, that's insane.

Give Nils time, I thought he had some flashes last night, where he took some great angles in pursuit, made some heady plays with clearing the puck, and that shot where he hit the post was an absolute laser. As the NHL game slows down for him, he can be a major asset on the PP behind Fox, and allow us to take Trouba off the PP for good hopefully.

Agreed with an above poster about the 2nd PP unit. I know we're behind the 8ball early on with Strome/Kakko out, and Krav out of the picture currently, but Hunt/Blais? I think I'd prefer Gauthier there, and would love to see Barron get a shot with the club while we're a little short.

All in all, can't complain with 4 points in a tough Canada trip.
RE: Fun win  
ColHowPepper : 10/19/2021 10:29 am : link
In comment 15420971 ManningLobsItBurressAlone said:
Quote:
...Give Nils time, I thought he had some flashes last night, where he took some great angles in pursuit, made some heady plays with clearing the puck, and that shot where he hit the post was an absolute laser. As the NHL game slows down for him, he can be a major asset on the PP behind Fox, and allow us to take Trouba off the PP for good hopefully.
Agree, exactly what I said on Sunday when a poster said team should move him (in package for Eichel!). He also had some good moments in defensive end vs Montreal, tying up a C (don't recall) who was at top of the slot. Having sent Td'A packing, Lundkvist is an asset on PP and will grow as d-man. Most of his points in SHL were from where Panarin likes to set up, bit higher above the left circle.

Yep, that 2nd unit is like wtf? Barron is with the club in Canada.
Shesterkin is the goods  
Greg from LI : 10/19/2021 10:43 am : link
As long as he stays healthy, goaltending is in good hands. Need to find a better backup though - Georgiev was a nice story a few years ago, but he's stunk bad for a while.

It was a stolen win, but a win nonetheless against one of the league's most talented teams. Can't complain about that.
RE: RE: Fun win  
ShockNRoll : 10/19/2021 10:52 am : link
In comment 15421043 ColHowPepper said:
Quote:
In comment 15420971 ManningLobsItBurressAlone said:


Quote:


...Give Nils time, I thought he had some flashes last night, where he took some great angles in pursuit, made some heady plays with clearing the puck, and that shot where he hit the post was an absolute laser. As the NHL game slows down for him, he can be a major asset on the PP behind Fox, and allow us to take Trouba off the PP for good hopefully.

Agree, exactly what I said on Sunday when a poster said team should move him (in package for Eichel!). He also had some good moments in defensive end vs Montreal, tying up a C (don't recall) who was at top of the slot. Having sent Td'A packing, Lundkvist is an asset on PP and will grow as d-man. Most of his points in SHL were from where Panarin likes to set up, bit higher above the left circle.

Yep, that 2nd unit is like wtf? Barron is with the club in Canada.


Dammit, you used the E word!!! Honestly, the Rangers could really use him. If they brought in another legit C, they could move Chytil to W where he is better (though I do think he has played very well so far), and where there is more of a void with Kravtsov moving on. With Barkov signing a long term deal in Florida, the Rangers' best bet without a trade for Eichel is likely to pay Strome. Potential UFA's are Hertl, Trocheck, or some much older guys like Malkin, Bergeron, Pavelski, but those guys are all going to cost significantly more than Strome will. Hertl is the one I'd be most interested in, and maybe Kravtsov can be part of a trade for him at the deadline. Rangers can do what the Islanders did with Pageau or what the Knights did with Stone if I'm remembering correctly. Still, Hertl is going to cost probably in the $8M range, where Strome will probably be more in the $6M range.

Why did you have to bring up Eichel!?!?!?
I was going to start one  
bluesince56 : 10/19/2021 10:55 am : link
Got so involved in the game I forgot. Was one of the best game I ever saw. Igor stood on his head last night. They stole that game
it's only 4 games in  
Greg from LI : 10/19/2021 11:00 am : link
but I've already seen all I ever want to see of Dryden Hunt
RE: Crazy fun, entertaining  
BrettNYG10 : 10/19/2021 11:01 am : link
In comment 15420819 ColHowPepper said:
Quote:
3 or 4 times I looked at Toronto's setting up in front wide open net or Igor having vacated his net, by like 35 feet, and muttered, 'it's over'. Standing on his head in this case doesn't do Igor justice. TOR keeper pretty good himself. Wild

Here's a look for those who missed it, hope it plays:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1450412816733777921


Thanks for posting. I missed the game due to a headache.

Igor's great.
RE: it's only 4 games in  
ShockNRoll : 10/19/2021 11:18 am : link
In comment 15421103 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
but I've already seen all I ever want to see of Dryden Hunt


Hunt is not the problem, in my opinion. Hunt on the 2nd PP unit is though. As a 4th liner, he serves his purpose. Reaves, Hunt, Blais, Goodrow have all done exactly what the Rangers wanted when they brought them in (though no one punched Tom Wilson in the face). Now we need the top 6 to generate more offense, as they have 9 goals in 4 games, one of which was an empty netter, another a 3 on 3 in OT, and while 2 are on the PP, the PP has been a disaster so far (especially last night).
Breadman...  
dannysection 313 : 10/19/2021 11:20 am : link
Most likeable Ranger I can remember since the Captain...maybe I'm forgetting someone (Hank or Ryan McDonough?).

What a great signing...
RE: RE: RE: Fun win  
ColHowPepper : 10/19/2021 12:21 pm : link
In comment 15421093 ShockNRoll said:
Quote:
Dammit, you used the E word!!!
Sorry, SNR (: But, honestly, Hertl is the guy I'd want too. The E has so much baggage (and has BUF FO said it doesn't want to send him to Metro?), and the injury history: it would be like DG spending mega bucks for Gollaway and Jackson, shocker they're missing time.

But no doubt, a legit #1/2 C would give the club a lot of optionality, depending on who's left.
Why would BUF  
pjcas18 : 10/19/2021 12:23 pm : link
not want to send Eichel out of division to the Metro?

lol, they want him in the Atlantic so they can face him more?
RE: Why would BUF  
ColHowPepper : 10/19/2021 1:28 pm : link
In comment 15421288 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
not want to send Eichel out of division to the Metro?

lol, they want him in the Atlantic so they can face him more?
Read it in a hockey guy's twtr tweet, where else? Don't recall who, and did caveat the statement w/ ??
RE: Why would BUF  
jv : 10/19/2021 2:01 pm : link
In comment 15421288 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
not want to send Eichel out of division to the Metro?

lol, they want him in the Atlantic so they can face him more?

I think it's likely they meant Buffalo would like to send Eichel to a Western Conference Team.
RE: RE: Why would BUF  
ShockNRoll : 10/19/2021 4:20 pm : link
In comment 15421560 jv said:
Quote:
In comment 15421288 pjcas18 said:


Quote:


not want to send Eichel out of division to the Metro?

lol, they want him in the Atlantic so they can face him more?


I think it's likely they meant Buffalo would like to send Eichel to a Western Conference Team.


Yeah, Buffalo wants to send Eichel out west, which makes sense. I think Vegas will wind up making a deal for him, even though they're right up on the cap (I believe they literally have $0 in cap space), but if they trade for him, say at the deadline, his prorated salary will be under $5M for this year, if they can agree to even half that with Buffalo and/or send salary back to Buffalo, they can get it done. Vegas is under a ton of pressure this year, and while they figure to be in the playoffs due to that division being atrocious, they have a lot of injuries right now, and Lehner is a downgrade from MAF. They're going to need to do something if they're going to contend with Colorado or even teams like Minnesota, Edmonton, or Dallas and St. Louis who look like they could potentially have resurgences.
RE: RE: it's only 4 games in  
BC Eagles94 : 10/20/2021 8:45 am : link
In comment 15421131 ShockNRoll said:
Quote:
In comment 15421103 Greg from LI said:


Quote:


but I've already seen all I ever want to see of Dryden Hunt



Hunt is not the problem, in my opinion. Hunt on the 2nd PP unit is though. As a 4th liner, he serves his purpose. Reaves, Hunt, Blais, Goodrow have all done exactly what the Rangers wanted when they brought them in (though no one punched Tom Wilson in the face). Now we need the top 6 to generate more offense, as they have 9 goals in 4 games, one of which was an empty netter, another a 3 on 3 in OT, and while 2 are on the PP, the PP has been a disaster so far (especially last night).


If Greg didn't have players to comain about he wouldn't even post on Rangers threads. Add Hunt to his whipping boy list. Yes, Hunt is certainly not the problem. He is a 4th line/extra grit forward. He serves his purpose and is on a minimum deal.
The Rangers don't have the kind of top 6 scoring  
Greg from LI : 10/20/2021 10:07 am : link
That would allow them to give a lot of minutes to minimal skill players like Hunt and Reaves. Blais at least can handle the puck a bit. Hunt treats the puck as though it were a live hand grenade.

Yes, I know they don't have much choice right now due to injuries.
....  
BrettNYG10 : 10/20/2021 10:10 am : link
Too bad they don't have a highly skilled top ten draft pick in the wings.

Also a shame they didn't have a PPG forward under contract.
...  
BrettNYG10 : 10/20/2021 10:10 am : link
Quote:
Sources say that when Kravtsov went to retrieve his gear and say his goodbyes to Wolfpack teammates and staff, Drury told Kravtsov that he’d “quit” on the team.

Kravtsov would ultimately return to the organization and to Hartford less than two months later after a mediocre KHL stint. He joined the Rangers in the Toronto bubble for the team’s brief 2020 playoff appearance and there was, again according to multiple sources, an incident between Kravtsov and Drury in which the young forward was dressed down by the then-assistant GM for not working hard enough. That happened on the ice in full view of teammates.


Chris Drury sucks.
The Athletic - ( New Window )
I'm conflicted on this  
Greg from LI : 10/20/2021 10:18 am : link
On the one hand, I feel pretty confident that Kravtsov is a mentally weak brat.

On the other hand, if you're not going to trade him, why keep trying the same harass approach that already didn't work? Either quietly deal him in the off-season or change your methods. It's simply to maximize your assets. Now you have a kid who publicly refuses to play for you, leaving you with little leverage in a deal.
That was hardass not harass  
Greg from LI : 10/20/2021 10:19 am : link
.
Greg  
pjcas18 : 10/20/2021 10:23 am : link
I don't disagree with you, but I kind of view it as Kravtsov is the prototpyical Euro (or maybe Russian) diva.

This was likely not unknown when he was drafted.

But when you make an investment in talent you should do so with the understanding that it's an investment and you as an organization only benefit from that investment if that player produces for you at the NHL level.

Twice now, in the past couple years the Rangers have failed in this area with two very highly regarded prospects.

I think they may want to rethink their approach with integrating and developing prospects - or don't draft these types of players (though I never heard anything about Lias like this).

You don't draft a round peg and then get pissed at the round peg when it doesn't fit in the square hole.

Not absolving the players, just saying they don't stand to lose as much as the team does by their failure.
That is not something I wanted to read  
arniefez : 10/20/2021 10:29 am : link
Drury was someone I always liked. But now it's easier to understand why Dolan fired JD and Gordon and made him GM. That is classic by the book Dolan/MSG management style. Sadly it seems like a terrible way to run a hockey team.

The whole not naming a captain after you made a big deal in the media that you were going to name a captain thing smelled bad too. It just had that rotten MSG management stink on it. Smells like Drury/Management didn't sign off on Gallant's choice.

I know none of you were ok with trading Buchnevich. I thought it made sense for cap reasons and I like Blais. I think he adds something that was missing but all of you were right he isn't close to equal value for Buchnevich. I didn't anticipate that the Rangers would lose Kravtsov too out of their own stupidity. Now it seems like maybe there was more than just hockey to it? Does Drury think he's Don Cherry's kid?
I hope fans  
pjcas18 : 10/20/2021 10:41 am : link
don't sour on Blais b/c he was in the Buch trade.

He's such a good role player. He's a freight train on ice and he's not completely without skill.

In other circumstances he'd be a fan favorite - he's the kind of player you love when he plays for your team, but he's never been a douche bag-type so he's maybe not as hated as a Wilson type. but STL is kind of anonymous hockey town even with winning a cup.

Bruins fans saw enough of him in 2019 during the SCF.

He had 70 hits in 15 playoff games with just 11+ min ATOI. No one who had more hits in the playoffs played less than him.

....  
BrettNYG10 : 10/20/2021 10:45 am : link
Kravtsov might be a dick, but:

1. There are now 2 top ten picks that were under Drury's watch that asked out. Something's rotten in Hartford.

2. You had multiple incidents suggesting he might not be a cultural fit. Deal with it earlier and maximize value.

3. The TDA contract extension/buyout further suggests they have no idea how to properly handle/evaluate problematic assets.
Personally, I 100% believe that Drury is nothing more  
Greg from LI : 10/20/2021 11:13 am : link
than Sather's puppet
RE: Personally, I 100% believe that Drury is nothing more  
BrettNYG10 : 10/20/2021 11:16 am : link
In comment 15422602 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
than Sather's puppet


I think you're right.
How much more 'mature' is Drury than, supposedly  
ColHowPepper : 10/20/2021 1:40 pm : link
'immature' Kravtsov, pretty similar in my book.

There was another tweet yesterday that GG reached out to Vitaly directly asking him to consider returning...as in Kravtsov hates the GM so much he wouldn't have taken the call.

Wonder if somewhere, many wheres, Slats resented Gorts' drafting acumen, even if a re-balance was needed
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