in addition to being the Norris favorite. I know a defenseman hasn't won the Hart since 2000 (Chris Pronger) but Fox is unquestionably the Rangers MVP, ahead of Igor and Kreider. Fox probably is most of the reason why Kreider has so many PP goals
in addition to being the Norris favorite. I know a defenseman hasn't won the Hart since 2000 (Chris Pronger) but Fox is unquestionably the Rangers MVP, ahead of Igor and Kreider. Fox probably is most of the reason why Kreider has so many PP goals
Fox is great but I would not put him ahead of Igor. Best goalie in the league.
When Igor starts, the Rangers are allowing more than 1 goal LESS than expected based on his play.
There is one analytic around xga and shooting% that shows the impact of goaltending and scoring that shows those two combined changed the Rangers expected point total for the year by 19 points (most of that is Igor)
Igor is on another level right now.
Warms my heart to see Shesterkin ahead of Sorokin there
They have Kopitar, who outside of Patrice Bergeron might be the best two-way C in the league. Then Phillip Danault who might be the best defensive C in the league.
Then a bunch of young premium star potential players like Byfield (who is still only 19 years old until August - he was very young when drafted), Alex Turcotte, and a bunch of other prospects who are on the cusp.
That's deep for C IMO and it doesn't count players who could play C like Alex Iafallo or Rasmus Kupari (still just 21)
RE: RE: Warms my heart to see Shesterkin ahead of Sorokin there
Isles fans were so convinced that they had the better Russian goalie prospect. Sorokin's really good....Igor is better.
yep, Sorokin is really good, and getting better after a slow start to the season (he's been lights out in January), but Igor is better.
If I were NYI I'd go with less of a tandem and more of a Sorokin starter Varlamalov backup situation (if they haven't already).
I've been saying this most of the season. Both of them get better with more regular work. Sorokin started slow but was on fire playing almost every night. Then Varlamov came back and when they started alternating Sorokin's play dropped off and Varlamov has never gotten into a rhythm.
Shesterkin is playing really well, but I think a definitive conclusion on the better goalie is a little premature unless you are talking about this season is isolation.
I meant this season for Igor vs Ilya. goalies performance fluctuates. Look at Binnington right now (and about a hundred other goalies who caught a hot streak, rode it, then lost it).
As someone who hates the shootout, I have to say that last night's shootout was really entertaining. I thought it was awesome that Byfield and Lafreniere scored in the shootout back to back. Panarin mishandled the puck on his shootout attempt, I was shocked that he was able to re-gather it and beat Quick.
I continue to be concerned with their 5 on 5 play. The only line that really generated any 5 on 5 pressure last night was Panarin-Strome-Goodrow. Quick didn't have that difficult of a night, though that save on Trouba was remarkable. They did pretty well in the 3rd period, but a great 60 minute game 5 on 5 is very rare for the Rangers this year. But, they win games with great goaltending and enough skill to break through when they need to. Fox is a magician. I'm not going to get too much into the Fox/Makar debate, let's just say you can't go wrong with either. That said, I don't think I've ever seen someone process the game the way Fox does.
IMHO if the Rangers don’t start playing a full 60 minute game on 5v5
They will be a early out in the playoffs.
Right now they are depending too much on great goaltending and special teams.
Offensively, they are not deep enough in the 4 lines that play. They are depending way too much on 4 or 5 guys for their offense.
Having said all that I am really excited how far the Rangers have come in their total rebuild.
It’s been a fun year watching them play on my iPhone via ESPN +
Go Rangers
As someone who hates the shootout, I have to say that last night's shootout was really entertaining. I thought it was awesome that Byfield and Lafreniere scored in the shootout back to back. Panarin mishandled the puck on his shootout attempt, I was shocked that he was able to re-gather it and beat Quick.
I continue to be concerned with their 5 on 5 play. The only line that really generated any 5 on 5 pressure last night was Panarin-Strome-Goodrow. Quick didn't have that difficult of a night, though that save on Trouba was remarkable. They did pretty well in the 3rd period, but a great 60 minute game 5 on 5 is very rare for the Rangers this year. But, they win games with great goaltending and enough skill to break through when they need to. Fox is a magician. I'm not going to get too much into the Fox/Makar debate, let's just say you can't go wrong with either. That said, I don't think I've ever seen someone process the game the way Fox does.
Then you didnt see Brian Leetch, who did it in a much more physically demanding era
has been very impressive in his short time with the big club, and in my opinion, deserves to remain up. Hell, Hajek even acquitted himself nicely in last night's game. Teams can do a lot worse than Hajek for a 7th defensemen, as we let Nils continue to get comfortable in the AHL. I thought Barron bounced back nicely in the 2nd half of the game, especially in the OT.
Great to continue to stack points as we're a little banged up with Kakko and Chytil out. 4 more games between now and 2/1, and then we don't play again until 2/15.
As someone who hates the shootout, I have to say that last night's shootout was really entertaining. I thought it was awesome that Byfield and Lafreniere scored in the shootout back to back. Panarin mishandled the puck on his shootout attempt, I was shocked that he was able to re-gather it and beat Quick.
I continue to be concerned with their 5 on 5 play. The only line that really generated any 5 on 5 pressure last night was Panarin-Strome-Goodrow. Quick didn't have that difficult of a night, though that save on Trouba was remarkable. They did pretty well in the 3rd period, but a great 60 minute game 5 on 5 is very rare for the Rangers this year. But, they win games with great goaltending and enough skill to break through when they need to. Fox is a magician. I'm not going to get too much into the Fox/Makar debate, let's just say you can't go wrong with either. That said, I don't think I've ever seen someone process the game the way Fox does.
Then you didnt see Brian Leetch, who did it in a much more physically demanding era
I saw Leetch, I think he was a more physically gifted player than Fox, I'm talking more about Fox's subtle motions, patience, etc. Leetch is my all-time favorite Ranger, I'm not saying Fox is better or anything. I'm talking more from a hockey IQ standpoint.
RE: IMHO if the Rangers don’t start playing a full 60 minute game on 5v5
They will be a early out in the playoffs.
Right now they are depending too much on great goaltending and special teams.
Offensively, they are not deep enough in the 4 lines that play. They are depending way too much on 4 or 5 guys for their offense.
Having said all that I am really excited how far the Rangers have come in their total rebuild.
It’s been a fun year watching them play on my iPhone via ESPN +
Go Rangers
Pretty much spot on, imo, Rick. I'd add that, outside Fox, Trouba, and pretty much steady Eddie Lindgren, still questions in my mind about the proper pairings (I posted late after Friday's game on d-men, incl. JT's terrific season), focused on KAM. It would not be easy to break up 2nd pairing as JT and he have worked together for 1.5 seasons now, but it would be in my mind to move #45 up.
Vanzetti, it would surprise the hell out of me if the Rangers made it to SCF. You can't ignore the bad losses to good teams.
Rangers have a great team. Lots of talent out there.
I think the Kings are a couple years away from another deep run in the playoffs. But would be fun to have a. 2014 rematch to be sure!
How does Byefield look? That could make a big difference. You already have a number one center with Kopitar.
Way too early to know. He looks good to my untrained scouting eye in what little I’ve seen of him, but he hasn’t made a major impact yet (hasn’t played very much due to a variety of circumstances). As someone above said, he’s still super young. Him and Turcotte both look good but haven’t been the kind of players that come and light up the team in year 1. The Kings are doing well this year because of a truly unexpected renaissance from Doughty and Quick, and to a lesser extent Kopitar (though Doughty and Quick are more “returning to their old form” while Kopitar has been pretty good all along).
was entertaining as hell. It was funny when GG was asked about, 'why Fox? How did you come up with him?' And coach said, 'Foxy told me early in the season he doesn't like it, but with how he played in the OT and running down our list, I asked him and he said ok.'
Lindgren was grinning like a cheshire cat when he came out to hug Fox, nice chemistry.
I knew in my bones that neither Kreider (it's just not his game to come in close to crease and stickhandle--take your good wrist shot) nor Strome was going to beat Quick. I was scared shitless that Lay would not, as someone above said, after QB scored, the gauntlet was laid down.
One thing about Igor I've noticed this season, to my eyes: I don't think his glove hand is quite as sharp and quick as it was peak last season. He's become a better keeper, so calm and steady and quick. But when he is beaten, as often as not (not counting when d-men leave an empty net for the opponent) it's high on the glove side. That's where Kopitar went on his sharp wrister. Byfield went high to the stick (his right) side across to the far post, pretty nifty shot. So I'm happy when opponents try to deke and shovel in close.
haven't all the good teams had some questionable moments this season? I would think they all have, especially since the Rangers are near the top in terms of pts. They can't be that much worse or more concerning than any other good team.
The playoffs are months away. We all wanted this team to come bust out of the gates and win a lot of games and now they have. They are very good, no matter how scared some might be. Talk to me in May. It's early.
Do you think Dallas trades Pavelski? They're currently in WC contention. Not saying they can't be sellers, but he is their leading scorer and plays on their top line.
Meanwhile, the Rangers need to pick it up. Losing 2-1 and getting outshot.
There were 3 of them. Quick is really good in shootouts so Panarin, Lafreniere and Fox all did amazing
Doughty gives them that puck moving dman
And Quick can really rise to the occasion.
Fox is great but I would not put him ahead of Igor. Best goalie in the league.
lol, contrarian. If you poll 32 GM's on who they'd take Makar or Fox and you had to pick one of those 2, 20+ of them are taking Makar IMO.
And this is not a slight on Fox. He's a fantastic player. Makar is better. Like I said it's like Peyton vs Brady, there is no loser in the contest.
And I hardly think feeling Makar is a better player is a contrarian view.
and yes, it's an opinion and people are free to have their own and I don't think mine is better than anyone else's (but it probably is lol).
When Igor starts, the Rangers are allowing more than 1 goal LESS than expected based on his play.
There is one analytic around xga and shooting% that shows the impact of goaltending and scoring that shows those two combined changed the Rangers expected point total for the year by 19 points (most of that is Igor)
Igor is on another level right now.
yep, Sorokin is really good, and getting better after a slow start to the season (he's been lights out in January), but Igor is better.
If I were NYI I'd go with less of a tandem and more of a Sorokin starter Varlamalov backup situation (if they haven't already).
I think the Kings are a couple years away from another deep run in the playoffs. But would be fun to have a. 2014 rematch to be sure!
Meanwhile, the Rangers need to pick it up. Losing 2-1 and getting outshot.
You mean ask a piece of doo doo about a piece of doo doo?
I think the Kings are a couple years away from another deep run in the playoffs. But would be fun to have a. 2014 rematch to be sure!
How does Byefield look? That could make a big difference. You already have a number one center with Kopitar.
They have Kopitar, who outside of Patrice Bergeron might be the best two-way C in the league. Then Phillip Danault who might be the best defensive C in the league.
Then a bunch of young premium star potential players like Byfield (who is still only 19 years old until August - he was very young when drafted), Alex Turcotte, and a bunch of other prospects who are on the cusp.
That's deep for C IMO and it doesn't count players who could play C like Alex Iafallo or Rasmus Kupari (still just 21)
Quote:
Isles fans were so convinced that they had the better Russian goalie prospect. Sorokin's really good....Igor is better.
yep, Sorokin is really good, and getting better after a slow start to the season (he's been lights out in January), but Igor is better.
If I were NYI I'd go with less of a tandem and more of a Sorokin starter Varlamalov backup situation (if they haven't already).
I've been saying this most of the season. Both of them get better with more regular work. Sorokin started slow but was on fire playing almost every night. Then Varlamov came back and when they started alternating Sorokin's play dropped off and Varlamov has never gotten into a rhythm.
Shesterkin is playing really well, but I think a definitive conclusion on the better goalie is a little premature unless you are talking about this season is isolation.
Link - ( New Window )
I continue to be concerned with their 5 on 5 play. The only line that really generated any 5 on 5 pressure last night was Panarin-Strome-Goodrow. Quick didn't have that difficult of a night, though that save on Trouba was remarkable. They did pretty well in the 3rd period, but a great 60 minute game 5 on 5 is very rare for the Rangers this year. But, they win games with great goaltending and enough skill to break through when they need to. Fox is a magician. I'm not going to get too much into the Fox/Makar debate, let's just say you can't go wrong with either. That said, I don't think I've ever seen someone process the game the way Fox does.
Right now they are depending too much on great goaltending and special teams.
Offensively, they are not deep enough in the 4 lines that play. They are depending way too much on 4 or 5 guys for their offense.
Having said all that I am really excited how far the Rangers have come in their total rebuild.
It’s been a fun year watching them play on my iPhone via ESPN +
Go Rangers
I continue to be concerned with their 5 on 5 play. The only line that really generated any 5 on 5 pressure last night was Panarin-Strome-Goodrow. Quick didn't have that difficult of a night, though that save on Trouba was remarkable. They did pretty well in the 3rd period, but a great 60 minute game 5 on 5 is very rare for the Rangers this year. But, they win games with great goaltending and enough skill to break through when they need to. Fox is a magician. I'm not going to get too much into the Fox/Makar debate, let's just say you can't go wrong with either. That said, I don't think I've ever seen someone process the game the way Fox does.
Then you didnt see Brian Leetch, who did it in a much more physically demanding era
Great to continue to stack points as we're a little banged up with Kakko and Chytil out. 4 more games between now and 2/1, and then we don't play again until 2/15.
Quote:
As someone who hates the shootout, I have to say that last night's shootout was really entertaining. I thought it was awesome that Byfield and Lafreniere scored in the shootout back to back. Panarin mishandled the puck on his shootout attempt, I was shocked that he was able to re-gather it and beat Quick.
I continue to be concerned with their 5 on 5 play. The only line that really generated any 5 on 5 pressure last night was Panarin-Strome-Goodrow. Quick didn't have that difficult of a night, though that save on Trouba was remarkable. They did pretty well in the 3rd period, but a great 60 minute game 5 on 5 is very rare for the Rangers this year. But, they win games with great goaltending and enough skill to break through when they need to. Fox is a magician. I'm not going to get too much into the Fox/Makar debate, let's just say you can't go wrong with either. That said, I don't think I've ever seen someone process the game the way Fox does.
Then you didnt see Brian Leetch, who did it in a much more physically demanding era
I saw Leetch, I think he was a more physically gifted player than Fox, I'm talking more about Fox's subtle motions, patience, etc. Leetch is my all-time favorite Ranger, I'm not saying Fox is better or anything. I'm talking more from a hockey IQ standpoint.
Right now they are depending too much on great goaltending and special teams.
Offensively, they are not deep enough in the 4 lines that play. They are depending way too much on 4 or 5 guys for their offense.
Having said all that I am really excited how far the Rangers have come in their total rebuild.
It’s been a fun year watching them play on my iPhone via ESPN +
Go Rangers
Vanzetti, it would surprise the hell out of me if the Rangers made it to SCF. You can't ignore the bad losses to good teams.
Quote:
Rangers have a great team. Lots of talent out there.
I think the Kings are a couple years away from another deep run in the playoffs. But would be fun to have a. 2014 rematch to be sure!
How does Byefield look? That could make a big difference. You already have a number one center with Kopitar.
Way too early to know. He looks good to my untrained scouting eye in what little I’ve seen of him, but he hasn’t made a major impact yet (hasn’t played very much due to a variety of circumstances). As someone above said, he’s still super young. Him and Turcotte both look good but haven’t been the kind of players that come and light up the team in year 1. The Kings are doing well this year because of a truly unexpected renaissance from Doughty and Quick, and to a lesser extent Kopitar (though Doughty and Quick are more “returning to their old form” while Kopitar has been pretty good all along).
Lindgren was grinning like a cheshire cat when he came out to hug Fox, nice chemistry.
I knew in my bones that neither Kreider (it's just not his game to come in close to crease and stickhandle--take your good wrist shot) nor Strome was going to beat Quick. I was scared shitless that Lay would not, as someone above said, after QB scored, the gauntlet was laid down.
One thing about Igor I've noticed this season, to my eyes: I don't think his glove hand is quite as sharp and quick as it was peak last season. He's become a better keeper, so calm and steady and quick. But when he is beaten, as often as not (not counting when d-men leave an empty net for the opponent) it's high on the glove side. That's where Kopitar went on his sharp wrister. Byfield went high to the stick (his right) side across to the far post, pretty nifty shot. So I'm happy when opponents try to deke and shovel in close.
The playoffs are months away. We all wanted this team to come bust out of the gates and win a lot of games and now they have. They are very good, no matter how scared some might be. Talk to me in May. It's early.
Asshat info?
No to JT Miller
Do you think Dallas trades Pavelski? They're currently in WC contention. Not saying they can't be sellers, but he is their leading scorer and plays on their top line.
Same here. Though both are top 6 players.
Now, at what price? That I can't say.
I am a casual Rangers fan. Really glad to see them doing well this year.
First time seeing Fox speak. He has a real Eli vibe to his speech pattern.