Jan Levine: Rangers fall 5-3 in Patrick Kane's debut, Tyler Motte injured Cap constraints a clear concern

Just curious what were your expectations going into game 1 for him? I thought he generated some great chances, almost scored on that deflection on the shot from Trochek.
- Awolff9



I just said he didnt look great, I didnt say he sucked. Dont be an enabler, He hasnt played in a week not month and he is a veteran pro not some rookie so missing a week isnt an excuse. He bobbled the puck often and didnt take passes cleanly, Garden ice? He didnt have any jump and no dangle. Hopefully it was just jitters. He definitely wasnt the reason why we lost. Poor team defense was the culprit here.

If Motte hasa concussion will the Rangers put him on LTIR and use the Cap space to acquire another player by the deadline or just use it to recall someone from the Pack??

If Motte hasa concussion will the Rangers put him on LTIR and use the Cap space to acquire another player by the deadline or just use it to recall someone from the Pack??
- Brukie

Not sure. The options from the minors, as noted in blog, are Will Cuylle, Jake Lechynshyn, Jonny Brodzinski and Will Lockwood. The best option available - Nick Bjugstad - in market went to Edmonton yesterday. They could look at a few vets who are UFA after the season. This is one reason why wanted Sam Lafferty

From last blog:

OTT is also playing for playoff lives and NYR still not themselves after month long trade saga. NYR gets a pass for inconsistencies the past couple of weeks. If they get man handled by Boston, then Im gonna start to worry
- rrentz

I'd say it's about 95% that we are going to get smoked by Boston. Our situation can't be anything but worse. Still no Miller, likely no Lindgren, same for Motte, and no ability to call someone up to fill a spot. And D corp another 18-29 minutes played more exhausted.
If we can manage a point, I'll be happy. Then some rest and ice baths for 4 days. The final chapter of the season begins after that!

Just curious what were your expectations going into game 1 for him? I thought he generated some great chances, almost scored on that deflection on the shot from Trochek.
- Awolff9



I just said he didnt look great, I didnt say he sucked. Dont be an enabler, He hasnt played in a week not month and he is a veteran pro not some rookie so missing a week isnt an excuse. He bobbled the puck often and didnt take passes cleanly, Garden ice? He didnt have any jump and no dangle. Hopefully it was just jitters. He definitely wasnt the reason why we lost. Poor team defense was the culprit here.
- Brukie

He politely asked what you expected from him. Who is he enabling??

From last blog:



I'd say it's about 95% that we are going to get smoked by Boston. Our situation can't be anything but worse. Still no Miller, likely no Lindgren, same for Motte, and no ability to call someone up to fill a spot. And D corp another 18-29 minutes played more exhausted.
If we can manage a point, I'll be happy. Then some rest and ice baths for 4 days. The final chapter of the season begins after that!
- Tonybere

Would say that is probably closer too 99%.

Would say that is probably closer too 99%.
- tomburton99

I'm trying to be optimistic.

He politely asked what you expected from him. Who is he enabling??
- Tonybere

I didnt have any expectations. I just stated how I felt he looked, which is how he played.

Enabling him by saying, he hasnt played in a week. He wasnt hurt or on IR and Im sure he was skating.

I didnt have any expectations. I just stated how I felt he looked, which is how he played.

Enabling him by saying, he hasnt played in a week. He wasnt hurt or on IR and Im sure he was skating.
- Brukie

I see.

I interpreted it as you saying he was enabling the argument of someone here in the chat.

I'm trying to be optimistic.
- Tonybere

No joy, just pain.

I'm trying to be optimistic.
- Tonybere

Optimism....around here?!? You should know better Tony!

I see.

I interpreted it as you saying he was enabling the argument of someone here in the chat.
- Tonybere

I still expect things to fall into place and the Rangers make a run. Yes I still love adding Kane for a pick and I think VT will be vital in a deep run. He is fitting in nicely with CK20 and Mika!!!

Our D left Halak out to dry last night. I couldn't believe the amount of blown coverages in front of the net. We desperately need Lindgren & Miller back. Wonder when we will get some news on 55

I am not worried at all. Kane needs a few games and some actual practices to get the system down and start to build some chemistry. Also come playoff time Harpur and Mikkola hopefully won’t be playing big minutes or maybe non of all when it comes to Harpur.

Only Motte is concerning since he is one of our better defensive forward and penalty killers. Need a really good 4th line with the rest of the forwards not being defensive oriented

I am not worried at all. Kane needs a few games and some actual practices to get the system down and start to build some chemistry. Also come playoff time Harpur and Mikkola hopefully won’t be playing big minutes or maybe non of all when it comes to Harpur.

Only Motte is concerning since he is one of our better defensive forward and penalty killers. Need a really good 4th line with the rest of the forwards not being defensive oriented
- TPC

Sorry, but if the top 3 lines don't start getting more defensively orientated, this will be a short playoff run for NYR

Keep thinking back to when Smith traded away Gartner and Amonte. He saw that NYR was too soft up front. Can't help but think Drury did the opposite

Nice ovation for Brass from the crowd... Classy..

Tkachuk is simply a Beast...

I am not worried at all. Kane needs a few games and some actual practices to get the system down and start to build some chemistry. Also come playoff time Harpur and Mikkola hopefully won’t be playing big minutes or maybe non of all when it comes to Harpur.

Only Motte is concerning since he is one of our better defensive forward and penalty killers. Need a really good 4th line with the rest of the forwards not being defensive oriented
- TPC

Yeah, to say the team is in trouble after this game is dramatic. Losing Motte sucks, I really hope it's not as bad as we think but not optimistic.

Nice ovation for Brass from the crowd... Classy..

Tkachuk is simply a Beast...
- dozerD10

He is, AND has the most punchable face in the NHL

I am not worried at all. Kane needs a few games and some actual practices to get the system down and start to build some chemistry. Also come playoff time Harpur and Mikkola hopefully won’t be playing big minutes or maybe non of all when it comes to Harpur.

Only Motte is concerning since he is one of our better defensive forward and penalty killers. Need a really good 4th line with the rest of the forwards not being defensive oriented
- TPC

Agreed. I think the reason why its taken extra time to mesh with Trocheck is that he is not a conventional player. He is always trying to make little unexpected plays instead of making the "traditional" skill play that most players make in certain situations. With 3 players of that ilk now playing together, it will take time, but the end result could be spectacular!!

Nice ovation for Brass from the crowd... Classy..

Tkachuk is simply a Beast...
- dozerD10

He was known as Big Game Brass by the fanbase...

He is, AND has the most punchable face in the NHL
- rrentz

He does but I would take him here in a heartbeat.

Yeah, to say the team is in trouble after this game is dramatic. Losing Motte sucks, I really hope it's not as bad as we think but not optimistic.
- NYR11

Rangers are 2-5 in their last 7 games. That seems bad.

He does but I would take him here in a heartbeat.
- JRR1285

Same.

Sorry, but if the top 3 lines don't start getting more defensively orientated, this will be a short playoff run for NYR

Keep thinking back to when Smith traded away Gartner and Amonte. He saw that NYR was too soft up front. Can't help but think Drury did the opposite
- rrentz

And we are saying that this is precisely what will happen as they get more comfortable in these new lines. We have 20 games to get in synch. Why would you not expect them to improve? Just a pessimistic disposition?