Jan Levine: Game 74: NYR-TOR, Kreider, Fast and Staal all dealing with injuries Chytil should remain at center down the stretch

you know, the Islanders pulled the plug on Griffin Reinhart while he still had trade value...

I hear Lias Andersson and Elias Pettersson are best friends

sup Vancouver?

from Spector's page


Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wondered if the New York Rangers might target San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson via free agency in July. Despite Karlsson’s injuries this season, he’s played well when healthy. He thinks the two-time Norris Trophy winner would love playing in New York.

If the Sharks can’t re-sign Karlsson, maybe the Rangers will consider pursuing him. With over $61 million committed to 17 players and all their core players under contract for 2019-20, the Blueshirts can afford to sign Karlsson to a big contract. However, they’re also a rebuilding team. Management will have to sell Karlsson on what they’re doing and how quickly they believe they can become a Cup contender.

Such a Rangers move if they target EK. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge EK fan. I just want no part of his term and salary demands. I know he is almost still a ppg player, but notice how his goals have dipped from around 20, to only 3(?!) this year. We all know I've been a big ADA mark, and I admit he will never be even in the same state let alone zipcode as EK, but I want to see us try to develop him as our top guy. When he is focused and on, he has been amazing this season for us. We have several d in our pipeline. I just think EK is a bad target for us.

As for Lias, what does Vancouver have that we would want? (that's reasonable)

Did I hear correctly that Igor shesterkin said he won't come to NHL unless he's promised NHL starting goalie minutes!!!? If so, then F**k that guy. How can any goalie, especially a rookie ask that?

Did I hear correctly that Igor shesterkin said he won't come to NHL unless he's promised NHL starting goalie minutes!!!? If so, then F**k that guy. How can any goalie, especially a rookie ask that?
- rrentz

Those stories were kinda proven fake. I've always been a fan of guys in any sport that don't want to just settle for being the backup. He has posted multiple dominant seasons in the KHL, I'm sure he does think he can be an NHL starter. Just for the record, I don't think there is anything in the way of him starting 30-35 games if he makes a smooth transition. I think Georgie has done everything we could have reasonable expected from him and then some, but he hasn't exactly played lights out either.

you know, the Islanders pulled the plug on Griffin Reinhart while he still had trade value...

I hear Lias Andersson and Elias Pettersson are best friends

sup Vancouver?
- jimbro83

riiiight - gonna be a yuuuge return

Did I hear correctly that Igor shesterkin said he won't come to NHL unless he's promised NHL starting goalie minutes!!!? If so, then F**k that guy. How can any goalie, especially a rookie ask that?
- rrentz

he's got leverage

just imagine if he never comes over. all the wasted time talking about this guy.

riiiight - gonna be a yuuuge return
- 21peter

shhhhhh

Those stories were kinda proven fake. I've always been a fan of guys in any sport that don't want to just settle for being the backup. He has posted multiple dominant seasons in the KHL, I'm sure he does think he can be an NHL starter. Just for the record, I don't think there is anything in the way of him starting 30-35 games if he makes a smooth transition. I think Georgie has done everything we could have reasonable expected from him and then some, but he hasn't exactly played lights out either.
- 2sticks1puck

I think if you put Tretiak in his prime behind the way this blueline with the way they have played in their own zone all year he would have had a tough time.

Shattenkirk literally throwing the puck in front of his own net

Pionk always out their against the other team's top forwards. I give Pionk credit for the effort he gives, but woof, top forwards just feast on him sometimes.

he's got leverage

just imagine if he never comes over. all the wasted time talking about this guy.
- jimbro83

I always knew that was the reason all along. He won't consider coming over till Hank is gone. No way he will ever play in Hartford or be a backup. Rangers might need to have a long talk with Hank this offseason if they really see this Russian kid as their future goalie.

The Rangers take on the Maple Leafs on Friday.

Pretty sure the game is tomorrow

I think if you put Tretiak in his prime behind the way this blueline with the way they have played in their own zone all year he would have had a tough time.

Shattenkirk literally throwing the puck in front of his own net

Pionk always out their against the other team's top forwards. I give Pionk credit for the effort he gives, but woof, top forwards just feast on him sometimes.
- jimbro83

No doubt, I just think saying Georgie hasn't been 90s era Hasek is a true statement too. Would I be comfortable in a world where we name Georgie the starter? Probably, I think we could do worse. I just don't think he's been good enough where you can say he automatically blocks statistically one of the most dominant goaltenders in the world the past couple seasons. We have no idea how good Shesty is. If we have to guarantee him 30 + starts to come over, I'm just willing to give it to him. I don't think Georgie is blocking him.

Pretty sure the game is tomorrow
- Conquest

I thought this as well

Pretty sure the game is tomorrow
- Conquest

I thought this as well
- TPC

Big if true

Pretty sure the game is tomorrow
- Conquest

Sorry, brain cramp, a bit under the weather, fixed, thanks for the correction.

I think if you put Tretiak in his prime behind the way this blueline with the way they have played in their own zone all year he would have had a tough time.

Shattenkirk literally throwing the puck in front of his own net

Pionk always out their against the other team's top forwards. I give Pionk credit for the effort he gives, but woof, top forwards just feast on him sometimes.
- jimbro83

Admit it, that was a great pass.

Bottom line...Ruff has to go. I don't see the D getting any better while he is here.

Admit it, that was a great pass.

Bottom line...Ruff has to go. I don't see the D getting any better while he is here.
- Fenrir

It was ridiculous he was even retained. Experienced coaches that are on the free agent scrap heap that could be assistants are a dime a dozen. Why bring Ruff back even if the only point was as a mentor?

Admit it, that was a great pass.

Bottom line...Ruff has to go. I don't see the D getting any better while he is here.
- Fenrir

It was ridiculous he was even retained. Experienced coaches that are on the free agent scrap heap that could be assistants are a dime a dozen. Why bring Ruff back even if the only point was as a mentor?
- 2sticks1puck

I got the feeling he was also Plan B if Quinn somehow didn't work out.

I got the feeling he was also Plan B if Quinn somehow didn't work out.
- Fenrir

Which is even scarier. I'm not sure he's been a good head coach in 2 decades. Its possibly worse than the next time someone brings Marc Crawford in.

Which is even scarier. I'm not sure he's been a good head coach in 2 decades. Its possibly worse than the next time someone brings Marc Crawford in.
- 2sticks1puck

Erik Karlsson if he stayed healthy would mean one thing, we'd definitely have the puck a lot more than we have it now

I am no corsi maniac, but for this team to improve, they need to increase possession, it has simply got to improve next year

Erik Karlsson if he stayed healthy would mean one thing, we'd definitely have the puck a lot more than we have it now

I am no corsi maniac, but for this team to improve, they need to increase possession, it has simply got to improve next year
- jimbro83

He is also a minutes monster. He just always seems to be out there.

Erik Karlsson if he stayed healthy would mean one thing, we'd definitely have the puck a lot more than we have it now

I am no corsi maniac, but for this team to improve, they need to increase possession, it has simply got to improve next year
- jimbro83

And yet it appears the Sharks would rather keep an older Brent Burns who doesn't have a full NMC.

There is no doubt EK would be the best dman on the team by 2 country miles. That said, I'm just worried about the injuries and the decline. This guy is going to be 10 mil+ easy on the cap. No guarantee these guys make UFA, but to me an interesting under the radar option for the Rangers is Alex Edler. I'm not sure he is going to command a great market. His stats on some bad Canuck teams is pretty solid. You could even go after Stralman if Tampa is forced to walk away