Jan Levine: Rangers kick off contests on back-to-back nights w/ game vs. Avalanche

I would like to see Laf get a shot on either of the top 2 lines again. Know he’s been less comfortable on his off wing, but we need to start finding this kid more ice time. I think Chytil is killing his game with his (at times) selfishness and poor decision making. Kreider and Zib aren’t producing at even-strength, so maybe it’s time to split them up and give Laf a shot on Zibs left.

3rd line of Kreider-Goodrow-Gauthier would be fun to watch. All of Kreiders points come on the PP anyway.

This site needs a Ranger neat writer with a pair of cohones as this guys clearly has none!

This site needs a Ranger neat writer with a pair of cohones as this guys clearly has none!
- Johnmarzdrums

i think Jan is pretty neat as a writer

This site needs a Ranger neat writer with a pair of cohones as this guys clearly has none!
- Johnmarzdrums

Blow it out your piehole, Jan does a great job

i think Jan is pretty neat as a writer
- picklerick

Where the (frank) do these people keep crawling out of?

I would like to see Laf get a shot on either of the top 2 lines again. Know he’s been less comfortable on his off wing, but we need to start finding this kid more ice time. I think Chytil is killing his game with his (at times) selfishness and poor decision making. Kreider and Zib aren’t producing at even-strength, so maybe it’s time to split them up and give Laf a shot on Zibs left.

3rd line of Kreider-Goodrow-Gauthier would be fun to watch. All of Kreiders points come on the PP anyway.
- TC88

Laf is typically in the right place at the right time but creates nothing on his onw. No zone entries, no nice moves or passes. Its wild since he was a consensus top pick for 3 years. Zegras, Raymond, Mercer all look miles better than him.

He has 30 points through 82 games. Very similar to Lecaviler when he started out. He needs to work on his skating and defense. He never seems to want the puck like Panarin. For a 1st overall its unacceptable. He honestly looks like a 3rd line player currently. Pretty sad.

I would like to see Laf get a shot on either of the top 2 lines again. Know he’s been less comfortable on his off wing, but we need to start finding this kid more ice time. I think Chytil is killing his game with his (at times) selfishness and poor decision making. Kreider and Zib aren’t producing at even-strength, so maybe it’s time to split them up and give Laf a shot on Zibs left.

3rd line of Kreider-Goodrow-Gauthier would be fun to watch. All of Kreiders points come on the PP anyway.
- TC88

I agree with Chytil affecting Laf's game for sure. Last year near the end of the year when Laf was with Zib and Buch he looked a lot better. Had 7 points in his last 10 games to end the year.

I agree with Chytil affecting Laf's game for sure. Last year near the end of the year when Laf was with Zib and Buch he looked a lot better. Had 7 points in his last 10 games to end the year.
- Rangers99

Yep. I try to remain positive and patient with our young players. But, I am having difficulty not getting frustrated with Chytil. He RARELY attempts to include his wingers in a play in the offensive zone. Shoots from anywhere and always just tries to beat whoever is next up in front of him.

Laf is typically in the right place at the right time but creates nothing on his onw. No zone entries, no nice moves or passes. Its wild since he was a consensus top pick for 3 years. Zegras, Raymond, Mercer all look miles better than him.

He has 30 points through 82 games. Very similar to Lecaviler when he started out. He needs to work on his skating and defense. He never seems to want the puck like Panarin. For a 1st overall its unacceptable. He honestly looks like a 3rd line player currently. Pretty sad.
- nyrangers2

I’m very surprised by the lack of jaw dropping moments expected of a #1OA pick as well. Hughes took a few seasons to start producing but he always stood out despite the lack of scoring.

I give Laf a pass for last season though and this season he’s mostly been on the 3rd line or when in the top 6 on his off wing. That’s why I’m advocating to swap him with Kreider. Gotta put him in a better position to succeed. Time to take the training wheels off and see what he’s capable of.

This site needs a Ranger neat writer with a pair of cohones as this guys clearly has none!
- Johnmarzdrums

Okay, I will engage, explain what you mean and why. What specifically are you looking for that i am apparently not providing you and others.

Okay, I will engage, explain what you mean and why. What specifically are you looking for that i am apparently not providing you and others.
- airjan23

free beer

I’m very surprised by the lack of jaw dropping moments expected of a #1OA pick as well. Hughes took a few seasons to start producing but he always stood out despite the lack of scoring.

I give Laf a pass for last season though and this season he’s mostly been on the 3rd line or when in the top 6 on his off wing. That’s why I’m advocating to swap him with Kreider. Gotta put him in a better position to succeed. Time to take the training wheels off and see what he’s capable of.
- TC88

He needs to improve his skating. When selected, my view is that he could become another Jonathan Huberdeau. I still think he can get there, but he needs work on his skating and also regaining his confidence. Once he has a smidge of success, I think the confidence aspect will be evident.

free beer
- rrentz

Low bar, but not one I plan to tackle

Low bar, but not one I plan to tackle
- airjan23

He needs to improve his skating. When selected, my view is that he could become another Jonathan Huberdeau. I still think he can get there, but he needs work on his skating and also regaining his confidence. Once he has a smidge of success, I think the confidence aspect will be evident.
- airjan23

He definitely doesn’t have a very efficient stride and looks gassed after shifts with his mouth wide open. I don’t think it’s a conditioning issue as much as, to your point, a skating deficiency.

I’m with you though, he will become a productive player. He’s proven that when he gets grade A chances he can finish more often than not.

A stint in Hartford might not be the craziest idea either to help his confidence as long as he doesn’t pull a Kravtsov.

He definitely doesn’t have a very efficient stride and looks gassed after shifts with his mouth wide open. I don’t think it’s a conditioning issue as much as, to your point, a skating deficiency.

I’m with you though, he will become a productive player. He’s proven that when he gets grade A chances he can finish more often than not.

A stint in Hartford might not be the craziest idea either to help his confidence as long as he doesn’t pull a Kravtsov.
- TC88

Lol I am confused. The previous post you said he should be in the top line. Now his skating isn’t ready and could use time in the AHL. So which is it lol

He definitely doesn’t have a very efficient stride and looks gassed after shifts with his mouth wide open. I don’t think it’s a conditioning issue as much as, to your point, a skating deficiency.

I’m with you though, he will become a productive player. He’s proven that when he gets grade A chances he can finish more often than not.

A stint in Hartford might not be the craziest idea either to help his confidence as long as he doesn’t pull a Kravtsov.
- TC88

Does the AHL take any break for the olympics? If not I think sending him and some others down would do wonders.

Laf could be Great! All that has to happen is for the Rangers to trade him.

i'm guessing shesty isnt back yet?

i'm guessing shesty isnt back yet?
- picklerick

I was reading an article that felt he could be kept out through the holiday break for precaution.

there's no problem with Lafreniere other than he's a left wing on a team with two of the top left wings in the NHL in Kreider and Panarin and none of them feel comfortable playing right wing

Okay, I will engage, explain what you mean and why. What specifically are you looking for that i am apparently not providing you and others.
- airjan23

Why bother??

Lol I am confused. The previous post you said he should be in the top line. Now his skating isn’t ready and could use time in the AHL. So which is it lol
- TPC

I think he needs a chance to be “the guy” again. So if he’s not in the top 6 on his preferred wing with the Rangers, I think sending him down COULD make some sense. Basically, just get the guy away from Chytil.

Does the AHL take any break for the olympics? If not I think sending him and some others down would do wonders.
- Mtlca66

That would make a whole lot of sense