Jan Levine: Game 44: STL 5 NYR 2, Mistakes doom Rangers in defeat, Friedman on Georgiev
Chytil impresses in loss

Lundqvist has never been a good puck handling goalie, but at his age now, he's actually entered the realm of awful at it.

While Shestyrokin on the other hand, he's a weapon.

If they are serious about actually sticking around for a shot at the 2nd wild card, they have to just ride Shesty.

Make it a one goalie situation, just ride the kid.

Lundqvist has never been a good puck handling goalie, but at his age now, he's actually entered the realm of awful at it.

While Shestyrokin on the other hand, he's a weapon.

If they are serious about actually sticking around for a shot at the 2nd wild card, they have to just ride Shesty.

Make it a one goalie situation, just ride the kid.
- jimbro83

Henrik's always been awful at it; probably the worst amongst all the top goalies since he came to the NHL.

I was hoping they were out of the playoffs discussion before the tdl. Gonna be a big difference, come contending time, if they won't be sellers. Possibly 1 or 2 1st's, 2-3 2nd's and a couple late rounders - or a couple top prospects instead of 2-3 picks in the first 2 rounds...

Like I said last summer; Kreids, Buch, Georgiev and maybe also a D/4th liner or 2.

Henrik's always been awful at it; probably the worst amongst all the top goalies since he came to the NHL.

I was hoping they were out of the playoffs discussion before the tdl. Gonna be a big difference, come contending time, if they won't be sellers. Possibly 1 or 2 1st's, 2-3 2nd's and a couple late rounders - or a couple top prospects or instead of 2-3 picks in the first 2 rounds...

Like I said last summer; Kreids, Buch, Georgiev and maybe also a D/4th liner or 2.
- 21peter

I just dont think Florida, Philly and Columbus are that good and you combine that with Panarin and if they keep playing Shesterkin, I think they'll still be in hunt at the deadline for that 2nd spot

Probably still trade Georgiev, but they may just stand pat and not sell or buy

this was insane with Kassian and Tkachuk last night

https://twitter.com/Brady.../1216217831534034944?s=20

^At first I was like Kassian is an a-hole. But I see why he went berserk now.

Igor appears to be ready, but I prefer to see him be The King's backup for the rest of this season and next. Maybe next year they split GP evenly. The following season hopefully the King officially retires and the job is Igor's. If anything over the next couple of years Igor learns all about being an Professional NHL Goalie from one of the best. If The King isn't leaving, whether it's his call or Management's call, then let's have him tutor and groom the kid, which would be priceless to say the least. So moving Georgiev now while his value is high makes the most sense to me. Packaging him and Andersson together may bring back Puljujarvi and Edmonton's #1. I'd really like to see what a Kakko, Chytil and Puljujarvi line can do together. Size, speed and skill. That would be nice.

Igor appears to be ready, but I prefer to see him be The King's backup for the rest of this season and next. Maybe next year they split GP evenly. The following season hopefully the King officially retires and the job is Igor's. If anything over the next couple of years Igor learns all about being an Professional NHL Goalie from one of the best. If The King isn't leaving, whether it's his call or Management's call, then let's have him tutor and groom the kid, which would be priceless to say the least. So moving Georgiev now while his value is high makes the most sense to me. Packaging him and Andersson together may bring back Puljujarvi and Edmonton's #1. I'd really like to see what a Kakko, Chytil and Puljujarvi line can do together. Size, speed and skill. That would be nice.
- VinnyP

I like your optimism, just don't think that is nearly enough to land Oilers first rounder.

Igor appears to be ready, but I prefer to see him be The King's backup for the rest of this season and next. Maybe next year they split GP evenly. The following season hopefully the King officially retires and the job is Igor's. If anything over the next couple of years Igor learns all about being an Professional NHL Goalie from one of the best. If The King isn't leaving, whether it's his call or Management's call, then let's have him tutor and groom the kid, which would be priceless to say the least. So moving Georgiev now while his value is high makes the most sense to me. Packaging him and Andersson together may bring back Puljujarvi and Edmonton's #1. I'd really like to see what a Kakko, Chytil and Puljujarvi line can do together. Size, speed and skill. That would be nice.
- VinnyP

as of this moment, Lias Andersson has as much NHL trade value as I have

we've gotta stop with the Lias Andersson trade proposals at least until he decides he'd like to be a hockey player again

as of this moment, Lias Andersson has as much NHL trade value as I have

we've gotta stop with the Lias Andersson trade proposals at least until he decides he'd like to be a hockey player again
- jimbro83

Lias = untradeable!

Goalies don't often return 1sts in trade and, while I'd love to add him, his numbers aren't exactly world shattering. Puljujarvi is where I'd imagine the deal starting with an addition or two alongside. Something similar to the return you guys got from us for Talbot is in range of what I'd expect.

as of this moment, Lias Andersson has as much NHL trade value as I have

we've gotta stop with the Lias Andersson trade proposals at least until he decides he'd like to be a hockey player again
- jimbro83

The fact he won’t even speak to the team is concerning. If he just went down and played hard like Chytil he’d probably be back up by now. Joe the other night during the Devils game took a shot at him on air without specifically saying his name. Basically said if u get sent down suck it up and show you deserve to be here.

The fact he won’t even speak to the team is concerning. If he just went down and played hard like Chytil he’d probably be back up by now. Joe the other night during the Devils game took a shot at him on air without specifically saying his name. Basically said if u get sent down suck it up and show you deserve to be here.
- nyrangers9479

and then he whines and said he isn't even healthy enough to play

Goalies don't often return 1sts in trade and, while I'd love to add him, his numbers aren't exactly world shattering. Puljujarvi is where I'd imagine the deal starting with an addition or two alongside. Something similar to the return you guys got from us for Talbot is in range of what I'd expect.
- MaximumBone

Puljujarvi is who I’d want. Georgie and Andersson for Puljujarvi and a 2nd

and then he whines and said he isn't even healthy enough to play
- jimbro83

I’m very interested to find out what it is that went on. Kravtsov was obviously not happy with the organization, I won’t if Shesty threatened to leave also before he was brought up. Imagine if Shesty Kravtsov and Andersson all left/were unhappy within the same year? Somethings not right in Hartford it seems

I agree, at this point Lias is "Off The Grid" but i think Georgie definitely gets us Puljujarvi straight up. Puljujarvi is in Finland and unsigned, not even eligible to play until next season, so it's us taking all the risk.

Puljujarvi is who I’d want. Georgie and Andersson for Puljujarvi and a 2nd
- nyrangers9479

I recall word saying Edmonton had no interest in Lias, so I'm pretty sure the aim would be a Puljujarvi and a 3rd or 4th for Georgie.

This team is fun to watch but dont be fooled at thinking they have a chance of winning. Giving up 35+ shots a game isnt a receipt for winning. Their defensive game just doesnt exist. The kids have made tremendous strides. ADA, Fox, Chytil, Lindgren, Georgiov and now they have brought in Igor. KK is only 18 and will get better. I wish we would be able to keep CK20. If they could find a way to shed Smith and Staal they might but im not holding out hope. The Cap situation is what it is.

We all know Hanks cap hit and how it is hurting the team. He is a very proud player and loves to play. This 3 goalie situation hurts his mental approach. Nobody knows what he is thinking, so nobody can say never. We can all wish that Hank retires alla Kevin Klein and save the Rangers cap space. We can only hope. That would be a game changer. Who knows.

I recall word saying Edmonton had no interest in Lias, so I'm pretty sure the aim would be a Puljujarvi and a 3rd or 4th for Georgie.
- MaximumBone

Edmonton had no interest in Lias when he was actually playing games on the Rangers

now that's he's playing Candyland and crying like a little bltch back home I bet they'd be more interested in trading for Brukie

I recall word saying Edmonton had no interest in Lias, so I'm pretty sure the aim would be a Puljujarvi and a 3rd or 4th for Georgie.
- MaximumBone

I think that’s a trade that makes sense for both sides.

as of this moment, Lias Andersson has as much NHL trade value as I have

we've gotta stop with the Lias Andersson trade proposals at least until he decides he'd like to be a hockey player again
- jimbro83

Isn't Lias supposed to have foot surgery as well? Definitely untradeable now.

and then he whines and said he isn't even healthy enough to play
- jimbro83

Nobody knows Lias situation. He did as the Rangers wanted him to do in the off season and came to camp in shape and appeared to play well enough to make the team. For whatever reason he didnt. He was sent down and didnt play well, threw a temper tantrum and left. Now he says he was hurt and has mental problems. Did the Rangers know? Who knows. JD isnt going to come out and say "Yea we knew he was hurt and is a lunatic but we dont care".

He is only a 21yo kid still finding his way. Not to make excuses but he was a first round pick and title the first building block of our future. Kinda puts a lot of weight on him.

Flip now to KK. Imagine if Panarin wasnt here. What would people be saying about KK and his numbers?? I bet it wouldnt be so nice. The team is rebuilding. There is a lot to figure out. From management down to the players. The future to me is bright. Keep patient.

Edmonton had no interest in Lias when he was actually playing games on the Rangers

now that's he's playing Candyland and crying like a little bltch back home I bet they'd be more interested in trading for Brukie
- jimbro83

I know we could speculate until forever until we actually know, but do you think the roguish trying to mold him into something he doesn’t want to be? I know some in the organization pegged him as a 3rd liner as soon as we drafted him, but maybe they’re trying to tell him that’s all he’s going to be here and he’s not happy with that? I know he can play his balls off and earn more, but kind of like Hayes when they wanted him to be more of a shutdown/defensive center to fill the 3rd line role.

I know we could speculate until forever until we actually know, but do you think the roguish trying to mold him into something he doesn’t want to be? I know some in the organization pegged him as a 3rd liner as soon as we drafted him, but maybe they’re trying to tell him that’s all he’s going to be here and he’s not happy with that? I know he can play his balls off and earn more, but kind of like Hayes when they wanted him to be more of a shutdown/defensive center to fill the 3rd line role.
- nyrangers9479

I literally haven't seen one thing Lias was good at since the moment he got here

the reality is they absolutely wiffed on the draft pick

but, on the other hand at this point, I wouldn't trade Tony DeAngelo on his own for Raanta and Stepan and we got Chytil later in the round so things worked out

and, Middlestadt and Vilardi are absolutely nothing to cry about as far as missing out on them

I am absolutely at the point of completely writing off Lias Anderson though

Edmonton had no interest in Lias when he was actually playing games on the Rangers

now that's he's playing Candyland and crying like a little bltch back home I bet they'd be more interested in trading for Brukie
- jimbro83

Fans can be funny with the value of players on teams they cheer for. Lias won’t talk with the Rangers is having surgery on his feet and they say there may be mental issues. I know let’s trade him because the other teams won’t figure it out