Long time poster and big Ranger fan, though I do not participate in game threads. For my fellow fans, do you believe as currently constructed that the Rangers have a legitimate shot at a cup? I know lots of good teams in conference this year, but do you guys feel confident at this point in a best of 5, 7 series?
I’m starting feel over confident with Goalie. Almost 2014 vibes where Goalie can go on hot streak. Good times either way, and I think our window is just starting to open.
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I think NYR should have extended Buchnevich over Kreider.
I don't think the Rangers correctly valued Buchnevich internally.
I don't agree. The net-front presence that Kreider has found has been something they've lacked for years.
When he came up, everyone was so focused on what he would bring in terms of speed, and it manifested in the way he was used. He's finally found his groove and put it all together and it's incredibly effective.
I think you're right for the near-term, but I think the Rangers Cup contention years are 2-5 years from now when Kreider will be on the decline.
Brassard sucked, but that was no fault of the Senators. But that’s the type of deal that Drury should’ve sought.
Brassard didn't suck at least not with the Rangers. He wasn't great, but he didn't get the nickname Big Game Brass for nothing. At the time of the trade most people thought Brassard was a better player than Zibanejad.
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The Brassard/Zibanejad trade. Brassard was a productive, proven top-6 C and the Rangers wanted to shed his salary and get younger. Zibanejad was an up-and-coming talented C who was inexpensive.
Brassard sucked, but that was no fault of the Senators. But that’s the type of deal that Drury should’ve sought.
Brassard didn't suck at least not with the Rangers. He wasn't great, but he didn't get the nickname Big Game Brass for nothing. At the time of the trade most people thought Brassard was a better player than Zibanejad.
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That's my point
As for the OP, I tend to have lower expectations for the postseason with this group despite being ecstatic about the season. Like Colhow said, the top 6 for this team has a history of disappearing in big games and against physical opponents. I can’t say I feel much better about that despite Kreider’s newfound dirty work goal scoring prowess. However, you always have a chance when you have one of the sport’s 2-3 best goaltenders. But they would really have to limit mistakes if they wanted Shesty to carry them and there’s too much youth and inexperience to expect that.
I’m still not blaming Drury for Kravy pulling a bitch fit. Had he just put his head down and done what was asked of him, he might be solving some of the issues they have at RW now. Maybe I’m delirious, but I still holding onto hope that he comes to his senses.
Don’t care how much talent that guy has….he’s a loser at heart
the answer is clearly the Rangers.
You don't get nothing back from the #7 and #9 pick in the draft in back to back years and blame the player's immaturity.
this falls equally on the Rangers player development and player evaluation.
at least IMO.
Here is a pre-draft write-up for Kravtsov. Most were very similar to this one.
We just witnessed a player (another Russian player) with probably the same scouting report flame out famously -- Nail Yakupov. And Yakupov definitely did not lack talent.
Is an offensive dynamo with tremendous skill with the puck. Is also an extremely good skater with a very projectable (6-2) frame. Can be a game-breaking, offensive force when he is on the ice. His play when he does not have the puck still leaves something to be desired, so he needs to improve his defensive game in order to maximize output in North America. Must also get stronger.
Long Range Potential: Ultra-skilled, talented winger with major upside.
If your assessments and evaluations confirm this and you take the player you HAVE to have a plan for correcting the behavior and getting the player comfortable and unlocking that potential.
Some people may take a tough guy approach "playing time is earned" etc. but then don't take player who need nurturing.
However, at this point, how could any of the players ever trust this kid once they are in the thick of it in a playoff race? They can’t. He’s proven he isn’t willing to sacrifice and he wants it handed to him. Good riddance
Alexander Semin was supremely skilled as well….
However, at this point, how could any of the players ever trust this kid once they are in the thick of it in a playoff race? They can’t. He’s proven he isn’t willing to sacrifice and he wants it handed to him. Good riddance
Alexander Semin was supremely skilled as well….
that's actually a really good point. I never think of it from the teammate's perspective.
My knee jerk reaction to your comment is the players would welcome him with open arms. Players recognize talent in each other, even the lazy players, but I really don't know how they'd react. Maybe like you say they won't trust him.
Brassard sucked, but that was no fault of the Senators. But that’s the type of deal that Drury should’ve sought.
What part of "they shopped Buch all summer and this was the best deal they had" arent you understanding? No matter how you want to wish it so, the Rangers didnt have a better offer or they would have taken it
They didnt count on Kravtsov being a baby and not grabbing the opening in the top 6, then crying about being called on his behavior
Something changed under current GM, coach.