Majority of the defense issues are people all alone in front of the net/slot. Need to adjust there. Have the fwds not so high up for an easier breakout. The defenseman aren’t good enough on this team to be left on an island
- nyrangers2

That's for sure. The D zone awareness is atrocious and most of our D are more offensive minded.

Exactly. Too late in the season to make those adjustments. Going to have to see how the new players mesh.
- Fenrir

Last bit. By my estimation we have:

- 4 games against outright tanking teams
- 4 against middling teams
- 11 against competing teams of varying degrees


Good news as everyone has mentioned is the time off. Gotta blow the doors of MTL when we come back

Last bit. By my estimation we have:

- 4 games against outright tanking teams
- 4 against middling teams
- 11 against competing teams of varying degrees


Good news as everyone has mentioned is the time off. Gotta blow the doors of MTL when we come back
- picklerick

Definitely need a strong game against the Habs to set the tone for the rest of the season. They've not been playing very hard lately. Maybe the TDL was in their heads.

The rangers currently are a collection of talent. They need to become a team with an identity. Hopefully the next 6 weeks is enough time. They can become dangerous if so

That's for sure. The D zone awareness is atrocious and most of our D are more offensive minded.
- Fenrir

That also includes Fox's play at times, though it makes you wonder the effect it has had, & could likely still have for now on his game both ways when not having Lindgren as his back line partner. His chances taken without Lindgren simultaneously on the ice can expose his defensive zone shortcomings, due mainly to being the one relied upon to help lead the rush up ice to create improved offensive chances.

That also includes Fox's play at times, though it makes you wonder the effect it has had, & could likely still have for now on his game both ways when not having Lindgren as his back line partner. His chances taken without Lindgren simultaneously on the ice can expose his defensive zone shortcomings, due mainly to being the one relied upon to help lead the rush up ice to create improved offensive chances.
- RangerSaver

Fox has been playing 30 minutes per game. Aside from him and Lindgren nobody else is an avg defender on the team in their own zone. He’s over compensating

That also includes Fox's play at times, though it makes you wonder the effect it has had, & could likely still have for now on his game both ways when not having Lindgren as his back line partner. His chances taken without Lindgren simultaneously on the ice can expose his defensive zone shortcomings, due mainly to being the one relied upon to help lead the rush up ice to create improved offensive chances.
- RangerSaver

Lindy and Fox are the new Leetch and Beuk. Not worried about that pairing at all. Sure Fox is always on the rush and eats minutes, but he's also mostly responsible. Team D is the problem. So far I like Mikkola's game. I think he'll settle in after some practice time and a full roster.

If theres one positive I take from this game its that we hung in it and it was winnable.

Our demise in the 3rd came on turnovers and an inability to get the puck out of our own end. Playing a man down and without 2 of our top defensemen can do that to ya.

If theres one positive I take from this game its that we hung in it and it was winnable.

Our demise in the 3rd came on turnovers and an inability to get the puck out of our own end. Playing a man down and without 2 of our top defensemen can do that to ya.
- aecliptic

They are 3rd in the league in turnovers. Been the same issue under GG as last year. The play in their zone has to be cleaned up

Each and every game is very meaningful from here on in, no matter the opposition with 21 games or fewer remaining for nearly all.

The Panthers did the Rangers a favor earlier this evening with their 4-1 win over the visiting Penguins, in outshooting them 42-32.
That Pens loss kept them in the 2nd Wild Card spot 8 points behind the Rangers, but now having just 1 Game In Hand, along with their 3 head to head matchups remaining against them within 7 days starting next Sunday at Pit., and ending with the final two at MSG 2 days apart, with the last one being two Sat's. from today.

In addition, there is now a FOUR TEAM TIE at 68 points each among the first 4 runners up for the 2nd Wild Card spot in the East. All 4 teams (in standings order per tiebreakers' order; BUF., OTT., FLA., & WSH.) trail the 2nd Wild Card spot Penguins by just 3 points each, and the 1st Wild Card Isles by 4 pts. each.

Even with their loss to the Isles today, DET., though a longshot, is also actually still in the hunt, despite making some selling moves by the deadline. They trail the 4 above runners up by just 3 pts. with they among 4 teams including PIT having played 61 or 62 games, FLA & WSH 64 each, and the Isles the most in the entire NHL with 65 games played.

I’m not saying don’t get anyone, I just wouldn’t have gotten Kane.
- nyrangers9479

Kane was a good add for the price, we just have to see more from his line. Once they Pan, Kane and Tro get going all the pressure will be off. I just hope they play better, playing better doesnt mean putting up points but rather play smart hockey not give aways and throwing the puck away.

They are 3rd in the league in turnovers. Been the same issue under GG as last year. The play in their zone has to be cleaned up
- nyrangers2

My biggest pet peeve, Im like a broken record on this topic, is their play through the middle of the ice. This is where I feel a good chunk of their turnovers occur. The transition game through center ice is hot garbage, even prior to Kane getting here, theyre constantly making all these cross ice passes at center ice which get picked off. I dont get it. We have plenty of talented guys and decent puck movers, yet we have such a hard time getting a clean entry into the offensive zone.

Kane was a good add for the price, we just have to see more from his line. Once they Pan, Kane and Tro get going all the pressure will be off. I just hope they play better, playing better doesnt mean putting up points but rather play smart hockey not give aways and throwing the puck away.
- Brukie

Personally, I feel they need to swap Kane and Tarasenko for line balance, atleast for now since were playing short a man and 2 defensemen.

Fox has been playing 30 minutes per game. Aside from him and Lindgren nobody else is an avg defender on the team in their own zone. He’s over compensating
- nyrangers2

I agree 100%. My feeling though was that even an already Norris trophy winner in Fox will have his all around game affected by the absence of his regular pairing with a top defensive minded warrior d'man in Lindgren. Fox is relied upon most among their d'men to help lead the offense from the back line, with Miller having taken a step forward this year to doing that as well. Fox overcompensating with Lindgren out, along with his being forced to play 25 minutes to up to of recent 30 minutes due to their roster shortages of key, is thee reason for him being occasionally out of position to defend his best we are use to in being spoiled per his past success.

new blog up

Lindy and Fox are the new Leetch and Beuk. Not worried about that pairing at all. Sure Fox is always on the rush and eats minutes, but he's also mostly responsible. Team D is the problem. So far I like Mikkola's game. I think he'll settle in after some practice time and a full roster.
- Fenrir

I was thinking the same thing which I italicized in your comment Fenrir, & was going to add that earlier, but opted not to mainly due to Beukeboom's excessive penalty minutes taken per season in contrast to Lindgren. Lindgren is in the class of McDonagh as far as the two's top defensive games as Rangers go. However, Beuk. also held his own in every means utilized as Leetch's steady responsible back line partner back then.

Mikkola needs to improve his awareness and anticipation to be in proper position on time when back, and to get back when taking to the offense deep in the opposition's zone. He also needs to be careful from screening his own goaltenders once too often.

Drugs are bad for you but you cant see that because you've destroyed the majority of your brain cells.
- Brukie

Some people have more brain cells to spare than others.