Guess you were'nt watching last year? If Okposo is a three month wonder what do you call Stepan?
- Cptmjl

Okposo scored 4 times last. 4 goals in 48 games while attempting 101 shots. If Stepan is a 3 month wonder than Kyle Okposo is a flash in the pan. Not to mention Okposo has been part of 3 years at the worlds. In 23 world championship games, he has 11 points. In Stepan's only WC appearance he was PPG player.

Neither should have made it, but Okposo should not have even been mentioned.

Okposo seems to be having a similar year that Brad Boyes had last year, hmmmmm, wonder why
- jimbro83

Um no he's not. Brad Boyes wasn't resigned for a reason. Guy was terrible. Okposo scored four goals last season but the guy was arguably one of our best players the second half of last season and has playing that way since. Honestly I'd rather Capuano play him on the second line.

Guess you were'nt watching last year? If Okposo is a three month wonder what do you call Stepan?
- Cptmjl

I call him a 23 year old player that in his four years on the league has been a +44 on a low scoring team, scored 45 points his rookie year, 51 as a sophmore, and 44 points in 48 games last year. I realize that you are responding to an inflamattory post, but Stepan is more than a 3 month wonder.

I think the fact that Okposo didn't appear to be seriously considered was wrong. But, Okposo and Stepan weren't really fighting for the same spot. If anyone were going to knock Stepan off the team it would have been Dubinsky, whereas Okposo was competing with the Wheelers/Paccioretty's of the world for a spot on the wing.

Um no he's not. Brad Boyes wasn't resigned for a reason. Guy was terrible. Okposo scored four goals last season but the guy was arguably one of our best players the second half of last season and has playing that way since. Honestly I'd rather Capuano play him on the second line.
- Cptmjl

Okposo would not be piling on the points like he is if he wasn't playing with Tavares. It's actually about time he is playing with Tavares.

I call him a 23 year old player that in his four years on the league has been a +44 on a low scoring team, scored 45 points his rookie year, 51 as a sophmore, and 44 points in 48 games last year. I realize that you are responding to an inflamattory post, but Stepan is more than a 3 month wonder.

I think the fact that Okposo didn't appear to be seriously considered was wrong. But, Okposo and Stepan weren't really fighting for the same spot. If anyone were going to knock Stepan off the team it would have been Dubinsky, whereas Okposo was competing with the Wheelers/Paccioretty's of the world for a spot on the wing.
- Pete V

shhhhhh, don't tell them this isn't a "Ranger-Islander" thing

Okposo scored 4 times last. 4 goals in 48 games while attempting 101 shots. If Stepan is a 3 month wonder than Kyle Okposo is a flash in the pan. Not to mention Okposo has been part of 3 years at the worlds. In 23 world championship games, he has 11 points. In Stepan's only WC appearance he was PPG player.

Neither should have made it, but Okposo should not have even been mentioned.
- tomburton99

I don't care either way. I can care less about the Olympics but i don't agree and it has nothing to do with me being an Islander fan. If you watched us at all last year in the second half you would know that Okposo was one of if not our best player and was a large reason we even made the playoffs. That play has translated into this year.

I don't care either way. I can care less about the Olympics but i don't agree and it has nothing to do with me being an Islander fan. If you watched us at all last year in the second half you would know that Okposo was one of if not our best player and was a large reason we even made the playoffs. That play has translated into this year.
- Cptmjl

in November, Okposo went through a 10 game stretch and had 0 goals and 3 assists and every Islander fan I know talked about getting rid of him because of his streaky play. Now it's a travesty and the world is against the Islanders because he isn't one of the wingers on the US Olympic team

‏@seangentille 7m
Bobby Ryan calls back Brian Burke, literally spells "intensity," hangs up.

I laughed at this.
- tomburton99

I don't care either way. I can care less about the Olympics but i don't agree and it has nothing to do with me being an Islander fan. If you watched us at all last year in the second half you would know that Okposo was one of if not our best player and was a large reason we even made the playoffs. That play has translated into this year.
- Cptmjl

Stepan had a full year last year not just 20 solid games. Yeah Okposo is finally showing a glimpse of why he was a top 10 pick. But this is his first consistent start to a season. Again. he's been given a chance at 3 separate WC's and he's failed.

Neither should be on the team, but Okposo shouldn't even be considered.

I call him a 23 year old player that in his four years on the league has been a +44 on a low scoring team, scored 45 points his rookie year, 51 as a sophmore, and 44 points in 48 games last year. I realize that you are responding to an inflamattory post, but Stepan is more than a 3 month wonder.

I think the fact that Okposo didn't appear to be seriously considered was wrong. But, Okposo and Stepan weren't really fighting for the same spot. If anyone were going to knock Stepan off the team it would have been Dubinsky, whereas Okposo was competing with the Wheelers/Paccioretty's of the world for a spot on the wing.
- Pete V

I agree here. I also think they considered how a player is with certain linemates. If one player is excelling due to being on aother players line vs how others play when paired with this individual; meaning is this guy better playing with player(s) X OR are players X better when playing with this guy.

in November, Okposo went through a 10 game stretch and had 0 goals and 3 assists and every Islander fan I know talked about getting rid of him because of his streaky play. Now it's a travesty and the world is against the Islanders because he isn't one of the wingers on the US Olympic team
- jimbro83

Yeah, because that's what I said . Like i said from the second half on the guy has been an absolute horse. I was one of his biggest critics but the guy has been one of our best players through the time I've mentioned as well as consistent. Think maybe you're being a bit hypersensitive with the whole islander thing? I did mention I can care less about the Olympics I'd rather there not be a break so I could watch NHL games instead of the Olympics. I'm not losing sleep that Okposo didn't make the team but I'd take him and Ryan over Callahan and Stepan any day of the week and I'm not saying that bcs I'm an Islander fan or Ottawa fan I'm saying that because they're better players IMO but again, I can give a rats a$$.

Stepan had a full year last year not just 20 solid games. Yeah Okposo is finally showing a glimpse of why he was a top 10 pick. But this is his first consistent start to a season. Again. he's been given a chance at 3 separate WC's and he's failed.

Neither should be on the team, but Okposo shouldn't even be considered.
- tomburton99

OK

the Rangers have the 5th best penalty killing in the NHL, and you can't really get a better penalty killing pair than Stepan and Callahan as far as forwards go.

I am sure that's how the Team USA brass envisions them being used

Yeah, because that's what I said . Like i said from the second half on the guy has been an absolute horse. I was one of his biggest critics but the guy has been one of our best players through the time I've mentioned as well as consistent. Think maybe you're being a bit hypersensitive with the whole islander thing? I did mention I can care less about the Olympics I'd rather there not be a break so can watch NHL games instead of the Olympics. I'm not losing sleep that Okposo didn't make the team but I'd take him and Ryan over Callahan and Stepan any day of the week and I'm not saying that bcs I'm an Islander fan or Ottawa fan I'm saying that because they're better players IMO but again, I can give a rats a$$.
- Cptmjl

I think you guys are always looking for something so you can complain that the world hates you for being Islander fans.

‏@seangentille 7m
Bobby Ryan calls back Brian Burke, literally spells "intensity," hangs up.

I laughed at this.
- tomburton99

I don't follow enough players on twitter. I didn't realize Martin is a huge dooch unless he is sarcastic... there his a whole convo of him and Letang discussing Team USA which is kinda funny... Martin says how he doesn't like Yandle so he could careless, and how the fans can stop watching if they don't like that he's on there, and how Letang was saying how it's him vs. Subban for team Canada which sucks cause he hates Subban. I wonder if its all in good fun or if these morons have a legit public convo about other players.

I think you guys are always looking for something so you can complain that the world hates you for being Islander fans.
- jimbro83

Absolutely.

Yeah, because that's what I said . Like i said from the second half on the guy has been an absolute horse. I was one of his biggest critics but the guy has been one of our best players through the time I've mentioned as well as consistent. Think maybe you're being a bit hypersensitive with the whole islander thing? I did mention I can care less about the Olympics I'd rather there not be a break so I could watch NHL games instead of the Olympics. I'm not losing sleep that Okposo didn't make the team but I'd take him and Ryan over Callahan and Stepan any day of the week and I'm not saying that bcs I'm an Islander fan or Ottawa fan I'm saying that because they're better players IMO but again, I can give a rats a$$.
- Cptmjl

Do you really believe that Okposo is a better player than Ryan Callahan? Putting age and contract status aside, how many GMs do you think would rather have Kyle Okposo on their team than Ryan Callahan?

I've already made my opinions about Bobby Ryan known, but at to the issue of whether Okposo and Ryan should be on the team over Stepan and Callahan -- first, I find it interesting that you singled out the two Rangers forwards, rather than some other forwards that made the team. And second, they are putting together a hockey team to try to win a tournament, not an all-star team. Stepan and Callahan bring different skill sets than either of those guys, and perhaps the Poile saw those skill sets as more valuable than what Okposo and Ryan bring.

Do you really believe that Okposo is a better player than Ryan Callahan? Putting age and contract status aside, how many GMs do you think would rather have Kyle Okposo on their team than Ryan Callahan?

I've already made my opinions about Bobby Ryan known, but at to the issue of whether Okposo and Ryan should be on the team over Stepan and Callahan -- first, I find it interesting that you singled out the two Rangers forwards, rather than some other forwards that made the team. And second, they are putting together a hockey team to try to win a tournament, not an all-star team. Stepan and Callahan bring different skill sets than either of those guys, and perhaps the Poile saw those skill sets as more valuable than what Okposo and Ryan bring.
- Pete V

I don't know? I really don't think Callahan is that great. I'm entitled to my opinion and it has nothing to do with him being a Ranger. I'll tell you Macdonagh is awesome and anyone else for that matter. I think Callahan takes stupid penalties and at times is inconsistent. 3/4's of this thread was saying the same thing and I'd say about half of you guys don't want to resign him because of cap restraints. Now all of a sudden Callahan is awesome? You guys trying to justify it makes this all the more evident IMO. I can care less about Okposo making the team I just think he would've been a better fit. It's funny how the rest of the hockey world agrees with me yet every Ranger fan on here is trying to justify it? I can care less either way. Also, I think there are quite a few NHL GM's that would chose Okposo over Callahan. Completely fooling yourself with that one. Kind of shocked you said that?

I don't follow enough players on twitter. I didn't realize Martin is a huge dooch unless he is sarcastic... there his a whole convo of him and Letang discussing Team USA which is kinda funny... Martin says how he doesn't like Yandle so he could careless, and how the fans can stop watching if they don't like that he's on there, and how Letang was saying how it's him vs. Subban for team Canada which sucks cause he hates Subban. I wonder if its all in good fun or if these morons have a legit public convo about other players.
- mrhattrick27

I'm guessing it's probably the latter. Players have been getting themselves into trouble on twitter since it existed.

I don't know? I really don't think Callahan is that great. I'm entitled to my opinion and it has nothing to do with him being a Ranger. I'll tell you Macdonagh is awesome and anyone else for that matter. I think Callahan takes stupid penalties and at times is inconsistent. 3/4's of this thread was saying the same thing and I'd say about half of you guys don't want to resign him because of cap restraints. You guys trying to justify it makes this all the more evident IMO. I can care less about Okposo making the team I just think he would've been a better fit. It's funny how the rest of the hockey world agrees with me yet every Ranger fan on here is trying to justify it? I can care less either way.
- Cptmjl

Have I ever told you that you are not entitled to your opinion? I love the debate on here.

But, on Callahan, there was never even a question that he would make team USA. He was a virtual lock, and I haven't seen too many legitimate people in the hockey world questioning his selection. They are not putting him on the team to score goals. They are putting him on the team to hit, create energy, kill penalties, block shots, et. The question of whether he should be re-signed or not has nothing to do with whether people like Ryan Callahan or not. It is an issue of whether the Rangers should be paying a heart and soul winger that has suffered some injuries, and 50 point offensive upside $6 million a year. Team USA can careless about those issues.

On Stepan, I realize that he was a debateable selection, but I tend to think higher of the guy that alot of people on this board do. I think last year, I think his performance created unrealistic expectations, and I think this year, people are being unnecessarily harsh on him. Truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

I don't know? I really don't think Callahan is that great. I'm entitled to my opinion and it has nothing to do with him being a Ranger. I'll tell you Macdonagh is awesome and anyone else for that matter. I think Callahan takes stupid penalties and at times is inconsistent. 3/4's of this thread was saying the same thing and I'd say about half of you guys don't want to resign him because of cap restraints. Now all of a sudden Callahan is awesome? You guys trying to justify it makes this all the more evident IMO. I can care less about Okposo making the team I just think he would've been a better fit. It's funny how the rest of the hockey world agrees with me yet every Ranger fan on here is trying to justify it? I can care less either way. Also, I think there are quite a few NHL GM's that would chose Okposo over Callahan. Completely fooling yourself with that one. Kind of shocked you said that?
- Cptmjl

Ryan Callahan has captained a team that won three game 7's in the playoffs the last two years.

Callahan has thrown over 1000 bodychecks in his career and actually stays out of the box and doesn't take dumb penalties ever.

he kills penalties, blocks shots and has something called intangibles.

Do you really believe that Okposo is a better player than Ryan Callahan? Putting age and contract status aside, how many GMs do you think would rather have Kyle Okposo on their team than Ryan Callahan?

I've already made my opinions about Bobby Ryan known, but at to the issue of whether Okposo and Ryan should be on the team over Stepan and Callahan -- first, I find it interesting that you singled out the two Rangers forwards, rather than some other forwards that made the team. And second, they are putting together a hockey team to try to win a tournament, not an all-star team. Stepan and Callahan bring different skill sets than either of those guys, and perhaps the Poile saw those skill sets as more valuable than what Okposo and Ryan bring.
- Pete V

Usa followed a similar formula when picking the team last tournament and we were successful. Okposo and ryan don't bridge the gap in offensive talent between us and teams like canada and russia but guys like stepan and cally bring defensive prowess, some history of exceeding in national play, and experience and leadership with cally.

I don't know? I really don't think Callahan is that great. I'm entitled to my opinion and it has nothing to do with him being a Ranger. I'll tell you Macdonagh is awesome and anyone else for that matter. I think Callahan takes stupid penalties and at times is inconsistent. 3/4's of this thread was saying the same thing and I'd say about half of you guys don't want to resign him because of cap restraints. Now all of a sudden Callahan is awesome? You guys trying to justify it makes this all the more evident IMO. I can care less about Okposo making the team I just think he would've been a better fit. It's funny how the rest of the hockey world agrees with me yet every Ranger fan on here is trying to justify it? I can care less either way. Also, I think there are quite a few NHL GM's that would chose Okposo over Callahan. Completely fooling yourself with that one. Kind of shocked you said that?
- Cptmjl

Yeah, the same GMs that would trade Mac truck for Scott Gomez. You just stating this little piece of genius shows exactly how skewed your thinking is.

Have I ever told you that you are not entitled to your opinion? I love the debate on here.

But, on Callahan, there was never even a question that he would make team USA. He was a virtual lock, and I haven't seen too many legitimate people in the hockey world questioning his selection. They are not putting him on the team to score goals. They are putting him on the team to hit, create energy, kill penalties, block shots, et. The question of whether he should be re-signed or not has nothing to do with whether people like Ryan Callahan or not. It is an issue of whether the Rangers should be paying a heart and soul winger that has suffered some injuries, and 50 point offensive upside $6 million a year. Team USA can careless about those issues.

On Stepan, I realize that he was a debateable selection, but I tend to think higher of the guy that alot of people on this board do. I think last year, I think his performance created unrealistic expectations, and I think this year, people are being unnecessarily harsh on him. Truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
- Pete V

I just have issues with him being selected. He's playing up to the level at which he played last year. However, he's still the best center for the Rangers. The issues with I have with Stepan being selected to play at an Olympics being played on a big ice. Stepan has speed issues and isn't a high quality guy. He probably won't play and if he does he'll be used as the 13th forward.

I just have issues with him being selected. He's playing up to the level at which he played last year. However, he's still the best center for the Rangers. The issues with I have with Stepan being selected to play at an Olympics being played on a big ice. Stepan has speed issues and isn't a high quality guy. He probably won't play and if he does he'll be used as the 13th forward.
- tomburton99

this is probably true, which makes everyone going ape poop about him being added even more