I wonder what Krieder learned by watching the game from the press box last night. Hopefully nothing. - TheMessiah94
He learned that this team needs him back in the lineup, playing top six minutes. Although, despite the promise we all know he has, Kreider was playing poorly in the minors, during the lockout.
That was troublesome to find out, especially after the impact he made during last year's playoff.
Location: "I got mouths to feed", NY Joined: 08.14.2008
Jan 25 @ 7:45 AM ET
He learned that this team needs him back in the lineup, playing top six minutes. Although, despite the promise we all know he has, Kreider was playing poorly in the minors, during the lockout.
That was troublesome to find out, especially after the impact he made during last year's playoff. - MidnightMarauder
You know, I realise guys like Bickel & Rupp have to be in the lineup for games like last night, but man they are some bad hockey players right now. Rupp looks slower than Brashear did in his awful Ranger stint. Time to retire. Stu is a gamer but he sucks as a hockey player. We need some adrenaline right now. Taylor Pyatt should not be our best player.
Location: Hank For The Tank! , NY Joined: 06.14.2008
Jan 25 @ 8:45 AM ET
You know, I realise guys like Bickel & Rupp have to be in the lineup for games like last night, but man they are some bad hockey players right now. Rupp looks slower than Brashear did in his awful Ranger stint. Time to retire. Stu is a gamer but he sucks as a hockey player. We need some adrenaline right now. Taylor Pyatt should not be our best player. - B2B76
I feel like Rupp got way to much playing time last night. If I am torts I am trying these lines and keeping them together for a little while... Cally Richards Nash, Kreider Stepan Gaborik, Hagelin Boyle Pyatt. We just look so sluggish in all areas. I see a team that isn't forechecking like they did last season. The D-men aren't nearly as aggressive at pinching and keeping the puck in the zone. They look a step slow on every shift. A lot of standing around watching and waiting for something to happen instead of hustling and winning those battles in the dirty areas. What's so discouraging to me is I get this feeling that they think they can get by solely on skill alone. They look complacent in there own end with constant mental breakdowns. Hank looked much better but I haven't been impressed with how Strahlman, Girardi, Mcdonagh, DZ, and Eminger have played so far. Staal has been the only one that I feel has played much better. They used to be so smart in there own end and make the simple outlet pass but all I see is constant turnovers. They are better then this but the first thing they need to get back to is fundamentals. It's time they grind and cycle the puck and win those 1 on 1 battles. This is a very good team but they need to get it together. I won't give up on them because I know what they are capable of, they need to get back to what made them successful in the first place. They need to go back to dictating the pace of the game, playing more physical and aggressive. If they lose playing that way fine I can live with that but at least I am seeing the team that we all grew to love last season. I don't want to hear this bullshyt about Prust leaving and so on. There are plenty of character guys that can give you a little of what Prust did. Rangers need to find there game and quick because as of right now they look completely lost. All I hear coming out of there mouths is how hungry they are after last season well you could have fooled me with what they have showed me on the ice.
One last thing why the f*** is Stepan on the point on a 5V3?? Am I the only one who thinks that it would just be smart to go with 4 forwards and put DZ or Mcdonagh on the point? I just don't get it Stepan isn't going to scare anyone with his shot. Everyone in the building knows he is passing every time. This is the 2nd game in a row where I have seen short handed chances for the other team during a 5V3 for us. SMFH
I feel like Rupp got way to much playing time last night. If I am torts I am trying these lines and keeping them together for a little while... Cally Richards Nash, Kreider Stepan Gaborik, Hagelin Boyle Pyatt. We just look so sluggish in all areas. I see a team that isn't forechecking like they did last season. The D-men aren't nearly as aggressive at pinching and keeping the puck in the zone. They look a step slow on every shift. A lot of standing around watching and waiting for something to happen instead of hustling and winning those battles in the dirty areas. What's so discouraging to me is I get this feeling that they think they can get by solely on skill alone. They look complacent in there own end with constant mental breakdowns. Hank looked much better but I haven't been impressed with how Strahlman, Girardi, Mcdonagh, DZ, and Eminger have played so far. Staal has been the only one that I feel has played much better. They used to be so smart in there own end and make the simple outlet pass but all I see is constant turnovers. They are better then this but the first thing they need to get back to is fundamentals. It's time they grind and cycle the puck and win those 1 on 1 battles. This is a very good team but they need to get it together. I won't give up on them because I know what they are capable of, they need to get back to what made them successful in the first place. They need to go back to dictating the pace of the game, playing more physical and aggressive. If they lose playing that way fine I can live with that but at least I am seeing the team that we all grew to love last season. I don't want to hear this bullshyt about Prust leaving and so on. There are plenty of character guys that can give you a little of what Prust did. Rangers need to find there game and quick because as of right now they look completely lost. - adwolf130
Adam, you don't want to he hear the BS about Prust leaving, but the fact of the matter is that a substantial portion of core of that team that you loved last year is no longer here. Now, I am not saying that is a bad thing, but when you lose Prust, Dubinsky, Anisimov, Fedentenko, et., the team is not going to have the same exact personality that it had.
Personally, I think this may be the perfect example of a team having to take a step back before it takes two steps forward. This is a different unit, and they are going to have to develop their own chemistry, and hopefully they find it quick enough to make the playoffs and be playing well at the right time. But, and I have said this many times, they need to find some depth upfront. They are real thin up there, and are playing some guys that don't bring much. A couple of key injuries can really put this team behind the eight ball.
One last note, and its just a small disagreement -- I think Del Zotto has played well, where I think Staal has been really uneven.
Adam, you don't want to he hear the BS about Prust leaving, but the fact of the matter is that a substantial portion of core of that team that you loved last year is no longer here. Now, I am not saying that is a bad thing, but when you lose Prust, Dubinsky, Anisimov, Fedentenko, et., the team is not going to have the same exact personality that it had.
Personally, I think this may be the perfect example of a team having to take a step back before it takes two steps forward. This is a different unit, and they are going to have to develop their own chemistry, and hopefully they find it quick enough to make the playoffs and be playing well at the right time. But, and I have said this many times, they need to find some depth upfront. They are real thin up there, and are playing some guys that don't bring much. A couple of key injuries can really put this team behind the eight ball.
One last note, and its just a small disagreement -- I think Del Zotto has played well, where I think Staal has been really uneven. - Pete V
Good, well somewhat good, morining after last night.
Been processing all the commnets and blog will be late tonight, have some major deliverables this AM to get done first at work.
The last few comments have been right on in terms of some of the issues on this team, which building their own identity and playing the Rangers way, which is different for all the new faces, two of them. The lack of depth is something we have highlighted before and need split up MDZ and Staal to play with their former d-pairings.
Adam, you don't want to he hear the BS about Prust leaving, but the fact of the matter is that a substantial portion of core of that team that you loved last year is no longer here. Now, I am not saying that is a bad thing, but when you lose Prust, Dubinsky, Anisimov, Fedentenko, et., the team is not going to have the same exact personality that it had.
Personally, I think this may be the perfect example of a team having to take a step back before it takes two steps forward. This is a different unit, and they are going to have to develop their own chemistry, and hopefully they find it quick enough to make the playoffs and be playing well at the right time. But, and I have said this many times, they need to find some depth upfront. They are real thin up there, and are playing some guys that don't bring much. A couple of key injuries can really put this team behind the eight ball.
One last note, and its just a small disagreement -- I think Del Zotto has played well, where I think Staal has been really uneven. - Pete V
I don't think Staal has played particularly well, MDZ has been the best dman so far. I remember reading somewhere that McDonagh returned to the states from the KHL because of a groin strain. Just wondering if it is still bothering him, he has not looked all that good, then again no one has looked all that good.
I will say, if Torts is not going to play Kreider as a matter of course, then Slats should send him to Hartford. Sitting in the stands is not going to help him. Even at his worst, he's automatically better than anyone on the 3rd and 4th lines, and if Torts thinks he's going to play this season rolling 2 lines, it's not gonna be pretty.
You know, I realise guys like Bickel & Rupp have to be in the lineup for games like last night, but man they are some bad hockey players right now. Rupp looks slower than Brashear did in his awful Ranger stint. Time to retire. Stu is a gamer but he sucks as a hockey player. We need some adrenaline right now. Taylor Pyatt should not be our best player. - B2B76
No training camp more than the loss of grinders is why this team looks so disjointed. Big roster turnover needed more time to gel than six days. Plus I don't think a lot of Rangers worked too hard during the lockout. Most look exhausted by the third period.
I don't think Staal has played particularly well, MDZ has been the best dman so far. I remember reading somewhere that McDonagh returned to the states from the KHL because of a groin strain. Just wondering if it is still bothering him, he has not looked all that good, then again no one has looked all that good.
I will say, if Torts is not going to play Kreider as a matter of course, then Slats should send him to Hartford. Sitting in the stands is not going to help him. Even at his worst, he's automatically better than anyone on the 3rd and 4th lines, and if Torts thinks he's going to play this season rolling 2 lines, it's not gonna be pretty. - OLDSCHOOL#6
I thought the enitre D core was not good last night and haven't been with exception of the game against Boston at the garden.
No training camp more than the loss of grinders is why this team looks so disjointed. Big roster turnover needed more time to gel than six days. Plus I don't think a lot of Rangers worked too hard during the lockout. Most look exhausted by the third period. - MidnightMarauder
Especially in the second of the back to back games. The flyers and pens just pined in the defensive zone and wouldn't let them out. I know its early but the issues are their and they are glaring.
On the power play, will there ever come a point where the Torts would consider hiring another coach to try to get this unit going? Since he has been here (and even before) the PP has sucked despite having good talent, and in the case of this year, excellent talent, to throw out there on the power play. The current coaches aren't getting it done with respect to this power play, and maybe they need to be accountable for that in much the same way they ask their players to be accountable.
On the power play, will there ever come a point where the Torts would consider hiring another coach to try to get this unit going? Since he has been here (and even before) the PP has sucked despite having good talent, and in the case of this year, excellent talent, to throw out there on the power play. The current coaches aren't getting it done with respect to this power play, and maybe they need to be accountable for that in much the same way they ask their players to be accountable. - Pete V
That's Mike Sullivan at his finest. I was beyond furious last night when they stood around for for a majority of the 5 on 3. When they weren't standing around, they were chasing the flyers while the lone Flyer forechecker pined the rangers in their own zone.
Especially in the second of the back to back games. The flyers and pens just pined in the defensive zone and wouldn't let them out. I know its early but the issues are their and they are glaring. - tomburton99
Biggest issue so far looks like lack of team cohesion. Nothing they do out there looks unified and in synch. The talent of Nash, Richards and Gaborik is apparent and can mask true chemistry at times but none of the lines have been consistent, on a shift by shift basis, and their legs just aren't there late in games.
Not to single anyone out--because this has been a collective failing effort thus far--but why does coach have such a long rope with Boyle? He has been absolutely invisible. If he wasn't so large physically, I wouldn't even know if he is in the game or a healthy scratch.
Biggest issue so far looks like lack of team cohesion. Nothing they do out there looks unified and in synch. The talent of Nash, Richards and Gaborik is apparent and can mask true chemistry at times but none of the lines have been consistent, on a shift by shift basis, and their legs just aren't there late in games.
Not to single anyone out--because this has been a collective failing effort thus far--but why does coach have such a long rope with Boyle? He has been absolutely invisible. If he wasn't so large physically, I wouldn't even know if he is in the game or a healthy scratch. - MidnightMarauder
To answer your question about Boyle, MM, I think almost every player on this team is going to be given a significant amount of rope, because there are simply no options. As Oldschool said, what is Torts going to do? Roll out two lines out there? It's not as if Jeff Halpern would be a better option at third line center.
To answer your question about Boyle, MM, I think almost every player on this team is going to be given a significant amount of rope, because there are simply no options. As Oldschool said, what is Torts going to do? Roll out two lines out there? It's not as if Jeff Halpern would be a better option at third line center. - Pete V
You insist Miller isn't ready but I have to disagree with you on this. The real issue is that coach doesn't trust the kids, it's that simple. A lot of teams, around the league, are good with youngsters, I really think the Rangers should give Kreider and Miller a chance here. How bad does it hurt to give a kid, who has played all year and has fresh legs, an opportunity to pump some life into this dead lineup?
You insist Miller isn't ready but I have to disagree with you on this. The real issue is that coach doesn't trust the kids, it's that simple. A lot of teams, around the league, are good with youngsters, I really think the Rangers should give Kreider and Miller a chance here. How bad does it hurt to give a kid, who has played all year and has fresh legs, an opportunity to pump some life into this dead lineup? - MidnightMarauder
I am fine with giving Miller a chance, but I am pretty sure that when you see him for 3-5 games up with the big club you will be quickly disabused of the notion that he's ready. It is not as if he has dominated the AHL.
But, let's for argument sake say that their is a 50/50 shot that Miller would be ready if called upon. Do we really want to entrust the depth of this team, and perhaps its prospects to this season, on the hopes that a 20 year old kid that has placed approximately 30 games of AHL hockey is ready? And not to mention, he is only one guy. Even if he's ready, they still need more depth. Is anybody other than Miller (or the retreads like Newbury that we have already seen), ready to make the jump?
I am fine with giving Miller a chance, but I am pretty sure that when you see him for 3-5 games up with the big club you will be quickly disabused of the notion that he's ready. It is not as if he has dominated the AHL.
But, let's for argument sake say that their is a 50/50 shot that Miller would be ready if called upon. Do we really want to entrust the depth of this team, and perhaps its prospects to this season, on the hopes that a 20 year old kid that has placed approximately 30 games of AHL hockey is ready? And not to mention, he is only one guy. Even if he's ready, they still need more depth. Is anybody other than Miller (or the retreads like Newbury that we have already seen), ready to make the jump? - Pete V
That lack of depth is key. Would we be better off with Prust and Feds, of course. But cap issues, even though I don't fully buy that, resulted in their departure. The players brought in, save for Pyatt, have done little but Sather etc. did not bring enough depth to enable changes to be made when needed. Someone like Knuble wouldn't have been a bad third liner, same with Arnott. I still think a trade will be made at the deadline, especially if Hagelin and Kreider continue to struggle.
That lack of depth is key. Would we be better off with Prust and Feds, of course. But cap issues, even though I don't fully buy that, resulted in their departure. The players brought in, save for Pyatt, have done little but Sather etc. did not bring enough depth to enable changes to be made when needed. Someone like Knuble wouldn't have been a bad third liner, same with Arnott. I still think a trade will be made at the deadline, especially if Hagelin and Kreider continue to struggle. - airjan23
I think Glen Sather should sit down with Dave Nonis on his trip to New York this weekend, and work out a deal where the Rangers take Tim Connolly off his hands for a third round pick. Of course, such a deal would require the Leafs to keep approximately 60% of Connolly's cap hit.
I think Glen Sather should sit down with Dave Nonis on his trip to New York this weekend, and work out a deal where the Rangers take Tim Connolly off his hands for a third round pick. Of course, such a deal would require the Leafs to keep approximately 60% of Connolly's cap hit. - Pete V
I don't know about that. Connolly certainly has skill, but he hasn't been a tough player to play against in recent memory.
I don't know about that. Connolly certainly has skill, but he hasn't been a tough player to play against in recent memory. - tomburton99
With the skank they are rolling out there in the bottom six right now, they need guys that can play. Connolly would have the added plus of guarding of providing insurance against a Richards or Stepan injury.
At this point of the season, the options for the Rangers aren't really plentiful. You either hit the remaining free agent market like the Flyers did last night with Knuble, or you trade for a guy that has fallen out of favor and needs a change of scenery. Unless, of course, we want to continue to see Mike Rupp play on the third line, and Taylor Pyatt (who has played great), play on the second. Rupp on the thid line and Pyatt on the second is not a recipe for long term success.
I am fine with giving Miller a chance, but I am pretty sure that when you see him for 3-5 games up with the big club you will be quickly disabused of the notion that he's ready. It is not as if he has dominated the AHL.
But, let's for argument sake say that their is a 50/50 shot that Miller would be ready if called upon. Do we really want to entrust the depth of this team, and perhaps its prospects to this season, on the hopes that a 20 year old kid that has placed approximately 30 games of AHL hockey is ready? And not to mention, he is only one guy. Even if he's ready, they still need more depth. Is anybody other than Miller (or the retreads like Newbury that we have already seen), ready to make the jump? - Pete V
We are already dependent on kids put people don't seem to look at it that way. Stepan, DZ, Kreider, Hags and McD are kids. If they faulter so does the entire team. I think we forget they are all 22/23 or younger and are a huge part of our team and the team having success. We seem to forget how young they are. I know people are critical of these players (not McD) but we all forget they are still extremely young. They just came into the league pretty quickly. Is Miller ready? I don't know. But is he so out of place with this group they they can't try it?
EDIT: I know we all want to win now but the core of this team is going to go through growing pains and we have to deal with it. Taht is unless sather brings in soem forward depth to take some of the pressure off.
