That’s all for the preseason. First official games in on 10/12 at 7:30PM in Buffalo, a team that should be better this year.
145 responses to “Preseasoning is over!”
Bdl
Wait, those weren’t regular season games? I thought by fans reaction they were. Does that mean there record in the preseason is meaningless?,and how they played is meaningless?
Beezle
BDL technically, yes. Worriesome, a little. In particular, I don’t like how they have played defensively.
Beezle
A few posted this in the game thread last night. In case you missed it, here is the link to the obit for James. It has a photo for those of you who never met him in person. RIP
Bdl
Beezle,
There is certainly concern, but let’s let the real games start before giving up on the season. The reaction here, and other places, is over the top.
wrhkeeper
Thank you to all for posting the link to James’ obit. I think we may have inter acted once or twice but his posts were great and you could feel the passion he had for the Rangers in each of his posts. Many times he posted things that I could not put into words. I will miss his posts. For what it’s worth I don’t think the “Jamesgeau” references would be disrespectful at all. Quite the contrary – I think it is a great way to keep his memory alive.
As far as our Boys….looks like the same old thing. Agree with those saying there is no heart with these guys. St Pete Eli keeps saying the “rebuild” was done half(way) and I think I pretty much agree with that. I have already seen enough of K’Andre and am really sick about his next contract probably meaning the end of Ryan Lindgren with us. Not impressed with Laviolette. Don’t see much difference with them under Gallant or Laviolette. No heart. Not expecting much with this group.
cooscoos
Get Shohei Othani! Free Agent. Can he skate?
cooscoos
Miller and Frenchie. Same old. No improvement.
cooscoos
Other than the players among themselves, anyone still refer to Buffalo as ‘The Slugs’?
cooscoos
Sky filled again this morning with Canadian smoke. WTF?
bobbyo2019
Defense was much better last 2 games…need some time to adjust to new systems and stop being cute on the powerplay. Cullye needs to make this team… best forward this pre-season ..he’s NHL ready. If he doesn’t then I would I have a concern Laviollette
Old Ranger Fan
I think the blog and the fan base in general is reacting to the perception that the rebuild or retool or whatever it was has failed while the Devils appear to have succeeded and have passed the Rangers. The roster that went out in the first round last year has changed only marginally so there is little reason for optimism. The lackluster performance in the exhibition season has reenforced this perception. I will wait for some regular season results to form an opinion, but I can understand why some fans have low expectations for the oncoming season. I expect a slow start because of a new coach and new systems. I think that by Thanksgiving we will have a sense of what they are.
bobbyo2019
Not a great pre-season for Laffy but they just need to put Laffy on 2nd line and let him sink or swim.
Bdl
ORF,
Maybe what you are saying explains today, but how do you explain the negativity that overwhelmed this place last year? Coming off an ECF, and this place was negative from day one.
Bdl
From a Lafrenière perspective, he needs a fresh start. If I’m his agent, I’m looking to get him out of here. From a Rangers perspective, they need to give him a real too 6 opportunity.
Beezle
@Coos: You mean Canafire
I don’t want to feed the fire mentioning specific names as again, it is preseason and a new coach. If they come out of the gate strong, expectations will skyrocket and then crash if they lose a few. If they stink coming out, the ledge will be empty in short order after all jump.
Think how they are playing around the 20-25 game mark will be the best indication of how the season will look. Be an adjustment or two at deadline for the final month as always.
cooscoos
Cynics are rarely disappointed. Be a cynic!
SN
Laffy should not go anywhere; he is built for second season, not Fall hockey. Most importantly, he needs to get away from Flip-flop playing pivot.
I think playing with Tro and Wheels in top 9 will keep him away from Mika who is not a strong 5v5 player, esp early in season and Bread who better step up 5v5.
Put Laffy on PP1 to take advantage of his passing and hopefully, shooting.
Have not given up on the kid (21 yo) but he gets clicks so he is the lead story to generate the views and capture eyeballs.
bobbyo2019
Rangers were 1 and 5 this pre-season without Flip Flop
Alex
chytil played vs boston up in boston
CraigWeather
Or, you know, maybe this current roster is built with way too many flaws for success.
Such flaws include:
-Lack of heart
-Lack of balls
-Consistently playing east-west instead of driving the play north-south.
But hey, it’s “just pre-season and these games don’t count.”
In the literal sense, yes- that’s true.
But, would it at all surprise you to see this play continue into the regular season? They’re TOO SLOW and too stubborn to change their game.
I said it months ago, and I’ll say it again- this squad as currently constructed will be lucky to get a wild card.
Gravy
Thank you for posting James’ obituary. Sadly, he was even a few years younger than me. I always thought he was still in Westchester and never realized we lived relatively close together.
CCCP
RIP, James. You are missed, my friend.
cooscoos
Very few things in life more snooze-inducing than boredom. And this group is BORING. Pizza boy searches the want-ads for talent, neglects personality, leadership, and pizzazz.
cooscoos
Head Case that he often was, Avery was always worth the price of admission. Name me some others. We’ve had a few.
Alex
othmann sent down
richinhagerstownbywayofbrooklyn
Too bad. I would love to see a line of
Cuylee Tro Othman
bobbyo2019
Craig that why Cullye needs to make the team…hoping the coach see it like you
bobbyo2019
Didn’t expect Othman to make it but he’ll be back ….get some AHL experience and play RW ….. he’s basically the Laffy insurance policy for this season
LOL Vince had Johnny Brodz making team….he sounded like his agent.
CCCP
Rangers place F Jonny Brodzinski and D Ben Harpur on waivers.
F Will Cuylle has made the team.
CCCP
Elliotte Friedman on Lafreniere –
“I think there’s a lot of concern about Lafrenière and what’s going on there. NYR have bent over backwards to create the right environment for him. It didn’t work between him and Gallant, unfortunately.
Arthur Staple had reported earlier this summer, out of the Draft, that he’d heard some rumors about Lafrenière. I heard similar, that maybe he would be out there, but NYR came back hard against that.
NYR really wanted to protect the kid and put him in the right mental frame … to play this year. Everything they did this off-season was about how to make him comfortable … [they] don’t want to give up on him … still young … talented … [they] want to make this work.
[But] people are starting to talk about, boy, he’s looked really, really rough. I think you have to wait until the play starts and you see what it’s like when the puck really drops, but there’s a lot of people concerned about the way this is going.
I can’t imagine NYR aren’t a little worried about what they’re seeing based on what other people are telling me … it’s gotta be really frustrating for the Rangers because they have tried to do everything to make it work for him this off-season.”
CraigWeather
BobbyO,
We got our wish there.
Problem is, we have slugs like Zibanejad Panarin and Chytil on the roster that eat up tons of salary and won’t deviate from their style of play. I won’t give up on Laffy… YET. Kakko isn’t a bad component, but he’s really more of a 3rd line cycler with some offensive upside.
I’m not saying you need a roster full of Cullyes’ because there needs to be balance, but the problem is that our finesse players (excluding Chytil) are entering the wrong side of their careers and they show zero heart. They’re fat cats that are content, and that’s no good.
bobbyo2019
Glad Cullye made it Craig…Laviollete made the right call but its on him to make sure the fat cats start playing the right way …this is an old clip but he has some Torts in him
richinhagerstownbywayofbrooklyn
The Rangers do not have a skill problem, they have a problem of the will. They have demonstrated to us repeatedly that they have no heart. There are exceptions of course….the Viking comes to mind. He has heart to spare.
The playoffs against the Devils last year exposed them completely as having no heart.
They simply threw in the towel. Sad really because they should have won that series in 4 or maybe 5 games….but the Devils wanted it more. They have skill and will…..and that upsets me.
The Rangers are icing pretty much the same roster as last season. That’s not a reason for optimism. If they perform in the same ho hum manner that they did in preseason then they will not be making the playoffs. And if that is the case then perhaps they need to blow this thing up and get guys with no trade clauses and such to waive that and move on.
They would still have the younger guys to try to build from and a ton of draft capital if they move the dead wood elsewhere while they are perceived to have value.
So in other words….this one will last a lifetime.
🥴🥺😵💫
Admiral Ackbar
Watching Pittsburgh-Buffalo now… how is it Pittsburgh competes year after year, and yet our Blueskirted Smurfs mail in the towel so readily.
CCCP
The grass is so green on the other side.
(:
CCCP
Guys, please see this thread. Last comment. James’ wife left a message for all you.
Grass bends toward the setting sun and is greener and shinier atop than the underside. This is why putting on an afternoon green, low cut as it is, is either faster or slower depending on the direction of your putt.
cooscoos
Met’s Tug McGraw when asked if he preferred natural grass or artificial turf: ‘Not sure. I’ve never smoked artificial turf.’
St Pete Eli
Rangers biggest issue revolve around 3 vets, Zibanejad, Panarin, and Trocheck, Miller is the main issue on D. The DJ is not a #1 C. Panarin will never conform to any system, and Trocheck is overrated. Unfortunately we are stuck with these clowns.
St Pete Eli
Admiral 7:26
Switch out Crosby with the DJ and you have answered your own question.
Corporal Clegg
I think your definition of a 1C is off base eli
Crosby is a generational (a word I rarely use) talent and sure ballot HOF
Mika is not that BUT he certainly is a bonafide 1C. He put that question to rest several seasons ago
Corporal Clegg
(First ballot)
Bdl
About the only thing I agree with is Trochek, and I don’t think he’s overrated. He was unnecessary. Panarin playoff game needs to change, but in order to get to the playoffs, you need Panarin to be Panarin. Zibanejad biggest problem, or problems, is Chytil and Trocheck. Neither are capable of being the matchup center, so that responsibility falls to Zibanejad. So in addition to being the O center on the team, he has to the top D center on the team. That’s a very big ask. It’s looks like Laviolette is going to try Trochek in the role. I’m not expecting him to succeed, but if he does, it would not shock me to see Zibanejad hit 100 pts.
Beezle
GMs hope that a team is greater than the sum of its parts. Right now, NYR feel a little less. I don’t think any of the players are “bad” but how they are combined has not been a success. It is how you mix and match skill/will/physicality. I tend to think that NYR management as a whole never played D&D as kids 😉
Old Ranger Fan
I am going to be as positive as possible. I watched the game against the Bruins last night on the DVR and it wasn’t a bad effort. They carried the play in the first and the other periods were even. The PP was a little better and hit a couple of posts. They didn’t allow many scoring chances. They haven’t worked on special teams much so they should get better. Chytil and Zbad being hurt have made it hard to settle on lines. The offense should get better once the lines are worked out and they get used to one another. Kakko has looked like he is ready to step up his game. Gustafson looks like a capable 6D and should help PP2. Let’s wait a month or so before we decide they need to blow it up.
Beezle
Just to add – they did reach the ECF two seasons ago with many of the current roster, so it is possible to happen again. The older vets must realize they are not going to have many more shots at a cup, hopefully that will be a driving force in their play as the season advances.
Beezle
BDL you can add to the failure to properly address the center issue that management continues to chase offensive defensemen. You need one at most.
Pete
chytil never expected to be a matchup center so not worth mentioning him in that context. agree not trocheck’s strength so prob not the best use of $, but can probably do it well enough now that he is here.
Zib is for sure a 1C, but doesn’t mean he doesn’t have room to improve or things left to improve, especially in the playoffs
bobbyo2019
Trochek is fine..on the fence on Ziba as 1c …not enough 5 on 5 scoring …needs to drive the net more …especially in playoffs
Corporal Clegg
So the devils beat the isles in preseason 3-0
The isles and rangers should forfeit the season and give auto entry to the ECF to NJ the way it’s looking in these parts
Corporal Clegg
War sucks. Scary stuff and big implications with Israel. Hope they can crush this enemy once and for all after such an unprovoked terrorist attack.
This on the heals of Ukraine feels like the worst is ahead
Bdl
Beezle,
The frustrating thing is, they had the matchup 3C on the team in Copp, and they let him walk to sign Trocheck.
Bdl
You can say the same about Trochek Pete, and that’s what the problem is.
Pete
eh sort of BDL, but Trochek is and should be more capable of playing defensively responsible. Liked Copp, but likely still too much to have paid for a pure 3C at that moment, tho will finally age better if cap goes up next year
St Pete Eli
I’m not convinced, Zibanejad is as soft as soft can be. He isn’t going wake up on opening day and be a force to be reckoned with, he’s just not.
bobbyo2019
Trochek upgrade from Copp ..we would be even softer with him
Bdl
You can argue that if you like, but he’s not a better fit. Idea is to build a team.
Alex
our boys cleared waivers
ZaNYRgirl
As a former big time “contributor” to the Carp led RR, I must say I am very impressed by what I am seeing here. Thanks C3, for the kick in the pants to come back. At quick glance, it’s as interesting as the original was, and leaps and bounds above the absolute softness that is too much of Rangers Twitter.
I will enjoy getting a feel for the place over the next couple of days and hoping to run into old friends, yet I will say this…
I am hoping that Cuylle’s will and determination somehow inject some life into the fatcats. I want guys on this team whose focus is doing what it takes to win the Stanley Cup, instead of dreaming about Olympic medals, Lollapalooza, shaving heads, and wondering if they can get free pizza in CT.
Sorry not sorry if I burn in some of your favorite players. I call em all out.
LGR
CCCP
LINDA! My girl! You tell ’em how it is! <3
ZaNYRgirl
C3, seems like they already know🤣
CCCP
Oh, yeah! This is a great crowd here! Crème de la crème! 😀
Admiral Ackbar
Impressive post, Linda. Pleasure to meet you!
ZaNYRgirl
Thank you, Admiral, and likewise! I am pretty sure you were on the blog when I was raising havoc back in the day.
Looking forward to conversing about our boys with you here😊
Linda, what a pleasure to see you back here with your trade mark barb wired wording! Hope to see you more often from now on…
ZaNYRgirl
Hello my friend! Good to see you!!😊
I think I’ll stick around this time. C3 has been working on me for years to come back. Looking forward to taking hockey with you guys, I’m sure there’s no fanfic team romance wishes going on here😒
Mkh
The key to this season will be how Lavy holds players accountable and how those players and the rest of the team respond after. If he doesn’t hold everyone accountable in the same way, this will be another lost season. If they don’t show the heart and will that it takes to win a Stanley Cup, it’s time to send a new letter, tear it down and start all over again. This core already threw two coaches under the bus, if they don’t step up this season, then the problem is the players, not the coach.
St Pete Eli
Linda
I’m not sure I was here when you were here. But now we’re both here so I’m glad you’re here.
cooscoos
Hear! Hear!
St Pete Eli
coos
I hear ya!
tommyG
For me, nothing has changed with this team while other teams in there conference have improved. I will say though that by watching Cuyle and Othman play, the drafting department has improved. They look like keepers (future).
Pete
Cuylle a Gorton/Bobrov pick (same year as Laf), Othman Drury’s first first rounder
ZaNYRgirl
St Pete Eli, nice to meet ya, my good man!
Tommy G… 100%
Buffalo should challenge for a playoff spot this season, and I think Detroit will be better as well. If anything, shopping in the bargain bin (due to cap situation) has made our team older and slower.
I am, and have been fully of the belief that unless they are already on your team and you’re extending them, you don’t go for the guys 30+, unless they are special talents(JAGR).
Again, I totally understand the cap constraints, but after last seasons performance, do we truly believe they are “Cup contenders”? Too many guys don’t seem interested if they’re not padding point totals and making sure they are fashionably sockless.
First 15 games are going to show a lot. Will it be another season of the coach killing troika, or will they actually play to their contracts and to “the high expectations they set for themselves”.
Inquiring minds want to know.
St Pete Eli
ZaNYRgirl
It appears that even though we have just recently met, we have similar inquiring minds. I do believe watching the core vets skating off into the sunset is the most likely outcome.
ZaNYRgirl
Eli,
Not gonna lie, totally heard Van Halen singing Happy Trails in my head reading your comment😂😂
“Bombadeedaa”
Outside of Bettman and this stupid cap that he keeps fudging with, NT/NMCs are the worst thing to happen to this league.
St Pete Eli
ZaNYRgirl
Indeed!
richinhagerstownbywayofbrooklyn
Linda…welcome aboard it’s nice to have you here.
richinhagerstownbywayofbrooklyn
I know we are to refrain from the political and religious on this site…but at a time like this I will take on it be appropriate.
So here goes:
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Psalm 122:6
richinhagerstownbywayofbrooklyn
I meant to write that I will take my chances on it being appropriate. I need to pay better attention when I type. 🤯😡
ZaNYRgirl
Thank you for the warm welcome, Rich!
Here’s hoping our boys give us more cheers than realized fears this season!
And yes, there’s nothing wrong with praying or hoping for peace, it’s what everyone needs
richinhagerstownbywayofbrooklyn
Thank you Linda 😎
Gravy
Give peas a chance.
richinhagerstownbywayofbrooklyn
Hey guys. I’m just wondering, does anyone here think the Rangers should try to trade 13 and package maybe 6 with him ..although I like Jones and really don’t want the Rangers to part with him?
What could they get in return? Some pics perhaps? Prospects? I certainly don’t want them to get another roster spot player as I would rather Othman slide neatly onto the second line.
Also I’m wondering does anyone here think Laffy is mailing it in sort of because maybe he doesn’t want to be here kind of like Nametnikov did?
Opinions?
Old Ranger Fan
To early to say he is mailing it in. Let’s what for a few games that count. Carp has a book excerpt in the Athletic today.
Dear Rich. Agree 100%. It is fun to come here and write about how much we care about The Rangers. Kind of take away from the crazy things in life we have no control over. We have to deal with the health and death of friends and boneheads too often. Life in general stinks;that is why I like to come here to get away from the stuff that makes me upset.
Most important things in life are Family, Friends and your health. Wishing everyone a better day and for peace for all.
St Pete Eli
I will try to put a positive spin on our boys in blue.
cooscoos
We have Sports and the Arts so that we don’t all have to die of the truth.
bobbyo2019
Bread and Circuses
St Pete Eli
I like bread 🍞, I’ve been to the circus.
wwpd
three more days until the rangers play a hockey game that counts, and it will be a good one! too early to be disappointed in a season that hasn’t happened yet – there will be plenty of time for it 😁
bobbyo2019
Does Cullye making squad lock Lafreniere into top 6?
St Pete Eli
I think Lafreniere is going turn the corner.
Gravy
Positive spin is that the NYR are tied for first. Also, tied for last.
wwpd
Lafren will get his mojo, Shesty will score a goal, the DJ will decide on hockey as his primary focus, Trouba will play up to his contract, chytil will skate like the second coming of Eric Lindros, and bread will be bread. So let it be written!
cooscoos
Go Zibby! Even a Caveman can do it!
ZaNYRgirl
Look at all this positivity! 😁
Usually, at the start of a new season, I am all sunshine, rainbows and excitement. I haven’t been able to get rid of the stench of last season.
wwpd is right though, gotta pace ourselves with the meh-ness.
I am looking forward to watching Cuylle, eager to see Laffy finally have it all click, watch Kakko take the next step, see my boy Schneids also level up, and watch Shesty dominate.
LGR
St Pete Eli
“Something happening here what it is ain’t exactly clear.”
St Pete Eli
Watch out Quick M1 is on the horizon!
ZaNYRgirl
To any Canadians that may be here
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
cooscoos
I ain’t no Senator’s son
ZaNYRgirl
Man I LOVE that song🤣
Old Ranger Fan
Those second contracts for ridiculous money is what gets things all screwed up. They did it with Eichel and then couldn’t move him. It also will put them in cap hell eventually. So he is 29 when that contract ends and they are locked into overpaying him and buying him out in his mid thirties. Will they do the same with Powers in a couple of years?
SN
Sens locking up the young core with above market deals.
Cap could be going upwards of 88M next year, so expect the crazy spending to resume. Several players took one year contracts this year to be a FA again.
Pete
ORF, unfortunately that’s the reality now with budding stars and Rangers in same if not worse position with Fox, whose current deal ends when he is 30!
And then there is Igor, he is 29 when his deal is up and will surely ask for 10m+/yr for 8 years….
Old Ranger Fan
But they didn’t give him that in his second contract. If they did they would be 5 mil over the cap. Bread and Trouba will be gone by the time Igor resigns. Pay based on performance, not on what they may do in a few years.
ZaNYRgirl
HAPPY OPENING DAY OF THE
2023-2024 SEASON EVERYONE!!
Pete
Eh Fox getting $9.5m/yr his second deal is essentially equivalent to Dahlin getting $11m/yr now given passage of time (cap and defensive salaries increased in interim).
long term you are right re Igor, but his deal comes up after next seasons and Trouba and Panarin will have another season left on their deals at that time (kreider two more seasons). So will have to find a way to fit them all for at least a year or ship out trouba or kreider beforehand (Panarin is essentially unmoveable)
Old Ranger Fan
Dahlin hasn’t won the Norris like Fox did. He wasn’t a finalist last year and Fox was. That Norris cost the Rangers a couple of million per year on Fox. They could have signed him for Quinn Hughes money without it.
The cap will go up for the next couple of years so that will help with Igor. They also have Miller and KK to deal with. Unfortunately LAF may not become a cap problem. Depending on how Panarin maintains his production, he may be movable with one year left on the contract with some retainage. That’s assuming he is willing to waive his NMC. Keep in mind we are laying out the scenario where the window closes on this core group without a cup. This is essentially the next teardown we are envisioning.
Pete
lots of moving pieces!!
bobbyo2019
Post is saying Cullye getting a look on 2nd line as RW
Gravy
Lafrenière couldn’t even be bothered to play tonight. Busto.
Gravy
Depends if you define the second line by C or Bread, but Lafrenière is with Chytil and Bread at practice. Cuylle with VT and Wheeler.
CCCP
LINE COMBOS!
Lines/pairs/goalies at practice ahead of Thursday.
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Trouba
Gustafsson-Schneider
Jones
Shesterkin
Quick
bobbyo2019
have had enough of the Miller Trouba pairing
Admiral Ackbar
Nice to see all the positivity for Leff Track. Let’s see how long this lasts. 😉
Admiral Ackbar
Laff Track. Not “Leff”
wwpd
If only Chytil can improve his FO%!
cooscoos
Chytil, Bread, Frenchie #2?
Old Ranger Fan
Bedard will have a better year than LAF this season. All 1OAs are not created equal. Rangers didn’t get that lucky with the ping pong balls. That’s the difference between them and the Devils right now-dumb luck.
Old Ranger Fan
Panarin could help LAF. He made Ryan Strome a 50 Pt. player and LAF is probably a better player.
SN
For all the talk of lines 1,2 or 3; facts are the ES TOI was evenly distributed last season; special teams is what sets apart players, esp with PP1 playing pattycake with the puck for extended shifts.
Mika line, Bread line and Tro line are probably more accurate with a 4th line that can actually be a real Checking line and take the burden off Mika to mark the other teams best center.
This similar team had 107 pts last season and don’t see dramatic improvement from the teams that finished below them in the division. Derbils and Canes should finish above with Azzdancers and Dirty Birds below.
100 pts (+/- 5) is attainable; esp if Shesty is at his besty because the weak link is the lack of defenseman who play defense.
wwpd
SN has the right of it though not sure Bonino marking the other team’s last center will last long, there are some scary 1Cs around the league and I think we’ll still see Mika/Trocheck line handling that duty – or maybe Goodrow is the real checking 4C
Wwpd
Other team’s *best* center, not last
Jeff
Sad to hear about Barry Melrose. He always had an interesting take on the game; even if I did not always agree with him. Like a bunch of you, I am looking forward to a new season but do not believe we are a much better team then last year. Will be happy to see Cullye grow into a player over the next few years. Lets Go Rangers.
Alex
lack of playing time for laffy also affected by not being on the pk
SN
4th line would get way too many minutes if they’re matched against opponents best
SN
Dzone draws v ozone draws determine matchups to some extent. Every team in the league will try to match their top line against Bread.
Reality is most teams are not focused as much on match ups first 20 games
Just win baby
wwpd
Then they’ll have to do it on the fly because bread line will be last choice ever to take a faceoff 🙂
Papa Bear
Is this thing on?
cooscoos
Papa!
Papa Bear
Coos!
cooscoos
I have the six foot spade I borrowed from you and have had no idea how to return. Where are you now?
ZaNYRgirl
Happy Season Opener Eve, ladies & gentlemen, gals & pals
145 responses to “Preseasoning is over!”
Wait, those weren’t regular season games? I thought by fans reaction they were. Does that mean there record in the preseason is meaningless?,and how they played is meaningless?
BDL technically, yes. Worriesome, a little. In particular, I don’t like how they have played defensively.
A few posted this in the game thread last night. In case you missed it, here is the link to the obit for James. It has a photo for those of you who never met him in person. RIP
Beezle,
There is certainly concern, but let’s let the real games start before giving up on the season. The reaction here, and other places, is over the top.
Thank you to all for posting the link to James’ obit. I think we may have inter acted once or twice but his posts were great and you could feel the passion he had for the Rangers in each of his posts. Many times he posted things that I could not put into words. I will miss his posts. For what it’s worth I don’t think the “Jamesgeau” references would be disrespectful at all. Quite the contrary – I think it is a great way to keep his memory alive.
As far as our Boys….looks like the same old thing. Agree with those saying there is no heart with these guys. St Pete Eli keeps saying the “rebuild” was done half(way) and I think I pretty much agree with that. I have already seen enough of K’Andre and am really sick about his next contract probably meaning the end of Ryan Lindgren with us. Not impressed with Laviolette. Don’t see much difference with them under Gallant or Laviolette. No heart. Not expecting much with this group.
Get Shohei Othani! Free Agent. Can he skate?
Miller and Frenchie. Same old. No improvement.
Other than the players among themselves, anyone still refer to Buffalo as ‘The Slugs’?
Sky filled again this morning with Canadian smoke. WTF?
Defense was much better last 2 games…need some time to adjust to new systems and stop being cute on the powerplay. Cullye needs to make this team… best forward this pre-season ..he’s NHL ready. If he doesn’t then I would I have a concern Laviollette
I think the blog and the fan base in general is reacting to the perception that the rebuild or retool or whatever it was has failed while the Devils appear to have succeeded and have passed the Rangers. The roster that went out in the first round last year has changed only marginally so there is little reason for optimism. The lackluster performance in the exhibition season has reenforced this perception. I will wait for some regular season results to form an opinion, but I can understand why some fans have low expectations for the oncoming season. I expect a slow start because of a new coach and new systems. I think that by Thanksgiving we will have a sense of what they are.
Not a great pre-season for Laffy but they just need to put Laffy on 2nd line and let him sink or swim.
ORF,
Maybe what you are saying explains today, but how do you explain the negativity that overwhelmed this place last year? Coming off an ECF, and this place was negative from day one.
From a Lafrenière perspective, he needs a fresh start. If I’m his agent, I’m looking to get him out of here. From a Rangers perspective, they need to give him a real too 6 opportunity.
@Coos: You mean Canafire
I don’t want to feed the fire mentioning specific names as again, it is preseason and a new coach. If they come out of the gate strong, expectations will skyrocket and then crash if they lose a few. If they stink coming out, the ledge will be empty in short order after all jump.
Think how they are playing around the 20-25 game mark will be the best indication of how the season will look. Be an adjustment or two at deadline for the final month as always.
Cynics are rarely disappointed. Be a cynic!
Laffy should not go anywhere; he is built for second season, not Fall hockey. Most importantly, he needs to get away from Flip-flop playing pivot.
I think playing with Tro and Wheels in top 9 will keep him away from Mika who is not a strong 5v5 player, esp early in season and Bread who better step up 5v5.
Put Laffy on PP1 to take advantage of his passing and hopefully, shooting.
Have not given up on the kid (21 yo) but he gets clicks so he is the lead story to generate the views and capture eyeballs.
Rangers were 1 and 5 this pre-season without Flip Flop
chytil played vs boston up in boston
Or, you know, maybe this current roster is built with way too many flaws for success.
Such flaws include:
-Lack of heart
-Lack of balls
-Consistently playing east-west instead of driving the play north-south.
But hey, it’s “just pre-season and these games don’t count.”
In the literal sense, yes- that’s true.
But, would it at all surprise you to see this play continue into the regular season? They’re TOO SLOW and too stubborn to change their game.
I said it months ago, and I’ll say it again- this squad as currently constructed will be lucky to get a wild card.
Thank you for posting James’ obituary. Sadly, he was even a few years younger than me. I always thought he was still in Westchester and never realized we lived relatively close together.
RIP, James. You are missed, my friend.
Very few things in life more snooze-inducing than boredom. And this group is BORING. Pizza boy searches the want-ads for talent, neglects personality, leadership, and pizzazz.
Head Case that he often was, Avery was always worth the price of admission. Name me some others. We’ve had a few.
othmann sent down
Too bad. I would love to see a line of
Cuylee Tro Othman
Craig that why Cullye needs to make the team…hoping the coach see it like you
Didn’t expect Othman to make it but he’ll be back ….get some AHL experience and play RW ….. he’s basically the Laffy insurance policy for this season
2 rangers on this list
Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
Waivers: Caleb Jones (CAR); Bjork, Christiansen, Dunne, Gaunce, Meyer, Sweezey (CLB); Petrovic (DAL); Czarnik, Gettinger, Hirose, Lethemon, McIsaac, Newpower, Rafferty, Stevens (DAL); Denisenko, Kiersted, Lockwood, True (FLA)…
Appleby, Cholowski, Durandeau, Hutton, Koivula, Kuhlmann, Ladue, Pinho, Salo, Skarek (NYI); Brodzinski, Harpur (NYR); Allison (PHI); Carpenter, Lindblom, Peterson (SJ); Aube-Kubel, Limoges, McIlrath, Sgarbossa, Shepard, Snively (WASH).
LOL Vince had Johnny Brodz making team….he sounded like his agent.
Rangers place F Jonny Brodzinski and D Ben Harpur on waivers.
F Will Cuylle has made the team.
Elliotte Friedman on Lafreniere –
“I think there’s a lot of concern about Lafrenière and what’s going on there. NYR have bent over backwards to create the right environment for him. It didn’t work between him and Gallant, unfortunately.
Arthur Staple had reported earlier this summer, out of the Draft, that he’d heard some rumors about Lafrenière. I heard similar, that maybe he would be out there, but NYR came back hard against that.
NYR really wanted to protect the kid and put him in the right mental frame … to play this year. Everything they did this off-season was about how to make him comfortable … [they] don’t want to give up on him … still young … talented … [they] want to make this work.
[But] people are starting to talk about, boy, he’s looked really, really rough. I think you have to wait until the play starts and you see what it’s like when the puck really drops, but there’s a lot of people concerned about the way this is going.
I can’t imagine NYR aren’t a little worried about what they’re seeing based on what other people are telling me … it’s gotta be really frustrating for the Rangers because they have tried to do everything to make it work for him this off-season.”
BobbyO,
We got our wish there.
Problem is, we have slugs like Zibanejad Panarin and Chytil on the roster that eat up tons of salary and won’t deviate from their style of play. I won’t give up on Laffy… YET. Kakko isn’t a bad component, but he’s really more of a 3rd line cycler with some offensive upside.
I’m not saying you need a roster full of Cullyes’ because there needs to be balance, but the problem is that our finesse players (excluding Chytil) are entering the wrong side of their careers and they show zero heart. They’re fat cats that are content, and that’s no good.
Glad Cullye made it Craig…Laviollete made the right call but its on him to make sure the fat cats start playing the right way …this is an old clip but he has some Torts in him
The Rangers do not have a skill problem, they have a problem of the will. They have demonstrated to us repeatedly that they have no heart. There are exceptions of course….the Viking comes to mind. He has heart to spare.
The playoffs against the Devils last year exposed them completely as having no heart.
They simply threw in the towel. Sad really because they should have won that series in 4 or maybe 5 games….but the Devils wanted it more. They have skill and will…..and that upsets me.
The Rangers are icing pretty much the same roster as last season. That’s not a reason for optimism. If they perform in the same ho hum manner that they did in preseason then they will not be making the playoffs. And if that is the case then perhaps they need to blow this thing up and get guys with no trade clauses and such to waive that and move on.
They would still have the younger guys to try to build from and a ton of draft capital if they move the dead wood elsewhere while they are perceived to have value.
So in other words….this one will last a lifetime.
🥴🥺😵💫
Watching Pittsburgh-Buffalo now… how is it Pittsburgh competes year after year, and yet our Blueskirted Smurfs mail in the towel so readily.
The grass is so green on the other side.
(:
Guys, please see this thread. Last comment. James’ wife left a message for all you.
…..on the other side …’of the fence…’
“The grass is so green on the other side.”
Okay, but it’s artificial turf.
Grass bends toward the setting sun and is greener and shinier atop than the underside. This is why putting on an afternoon green, low cut as it is, is either faster or slower depending on the direction of your putt.
Met’s Tug McGraw when asked if he preferred natural grass or artificial turf: ‘Not sure. I’ve never smoked artificial turf.’
Rangers biggest issue revolve around 3 vets, Zibanejad, Panarin, and Trocheck, Miller is the main issue on D. The DJ is not a #1 C. Panarin will never conform to any system, and Trocheck is overrated. Unfortunately we are stuck with these clowns.
Admiral 7:26
Switch out Crosby with the DJ and you have answered your own question.
I think your definition of a 1C is off base eli
Crosby is a generational (a word I rarely use) talent and sure ballot HOF
Mika is not that BUT he certainly is a bonafide 1C. He put that question to rest several seasons ago
(First ballot)
About the only thing I agree with is Trochek, and I don’t think he’s overrated. He was unnecessary. Panarin playoff game needs to change, but in order to get to the playoffs, you need Panarin to be Panarin. Zibanejad biggest problem, or problems, is Chytil and Trocheck. Neither are capable of being the matchup center, so that responsibility falls to Zibanejad. So in addition to being the O center on the team, he has to the top D center on the team. That’s a very big ask. It’s looks like Laviolette is going to try Trochek in the role. I’m not expecting him to succeed, but if he does, it would not shock me to see Zibanejad hit 100 pts.
GMs hope that a team is greater than the sum of its parts. Right now, NYR feel a little less. I don’t think any of the players are “bad” but how they are combined has not been a success. It is how you mix and match skill/will/physicality. I tend to think that NYR management as a whole never played D&D as kids 😉
I am going to be as positive as possible. I watched the game against the Bruins last night on the DVR and it wasn’t a bad effort. They carried the play in the first and the other periods were even. The PP was a little better and hit a couple of posts. They didn’t allow many scoring chances. They haven’t worked on special teams much so they should get better. Chytil and Zbad being hurt have made it hard to settle on lines. The offense should get better once the lines are worked out and they get used to one another. Kakko has looked like he is ready to step up his game. Gustafson looks like a capable 6D and should help PP2. Let’s wait a month or so before we decide they need to blow it up.
Just to add – they did reach the ECF two seasons ago with many of the current roster, so it is possible to happen again. The older vets must realize they are not going to have many more shots at a cup, hopefully that will be a driving force in their play as the season advances.
BDL you can add to the failure to properly address the center issue that management continues to chase offensive defensemen. You need one at most.
chytil never expected to be a matchup center so not worth mentioning him in that context. agree not trocheck’s strength so prob not the best use of $, but can probably do it well enough now that he is here.
Zib is for sure a 1C, but doesn’t mean he doesn’t have room to improve or things left to improve, especially in the playoffs
Trochek is fine..on the fence on Ziba as 1c …not enough 5 on 5 scoring …needs to drive the net more …especially in playoffs
So the devils beat the isles in preseason 3-0
The isles and rangers should forfeit the season and give auto entry to the ECF to NJ the way it’s looking in these parts
War sucks. Scary stuff and big implications with Israel. Hope they can crush this enemy once and for all after such an unprovoked terrorist attack.
This on the heals of Ukraine feels like the worst is ahead
Beezle,
The frustrating thing is, they had the matchup 3C on the team in Copp, and they let him walk to sign Trocheck.
You can say the same about Trochek Pete, and that’s what the problem is.
eh sort of BDL, but Trochek is and should be more capable of playing defensively responsible. Liked Copp, but likely still too much to have paid for a pure 3C at that moment, tho will finally age better if cap goes up next year
I’m not convinced, Zibanejad is as soft as soft can be. He isn’t going wake up on opening day and be a force to be reckoned with, he’s just not.
Trochek upgrade from Copp ..we would be even softer with him
You can argue that if you like, but he’s not a better fit. Idea is to build a team.
our boys cleared waivers
As a former big time “contributor” to the Carp led RR, I must say I am very impressed by what I am seeing here. Thanks C3, for the kick in the pants to come back. At quick glance, it’s as interesting as the original was, and leaps and bounds above the absolute softness that is too much of Rangers Twitter.
I will enjoy getting a feel for the place over the next couple of days and hoping to run into old friends, yet I will say this…
I am hoping that Cuylle’s will and determination somehow inject some life into the fatcats. I want guys on this team whose focus is doing what it takes to win the Stanley Cup, instead of dreaming about Olympic medals, Lollapalooza, shaving heads, and wondering if they can get free pizza in CT.
Sorry not sorry if I burn in some of your favorite players. I call em all out.
LGR
LINDA! My girl! You tell ’em how it is! <3
C3, seems like they already know🤣
Oh, yeah! This is a great crowd here! Crème de la crème! 😀
Impressive post, Linda. Pleasure to meet you!
Thank you, Admiral, and likewise! I am pretty sure you were on the blog when I was raising havoc back in the day.
Looking forward to conversing about our boys with you here😊
Linda, what a pleasure to see you back here with your trade mark barb wired wording! Hope to see you more often from now on…
Hello my friend! Good to see you!!😊
I think I’ll stick around this time. C3 has been working on me for years to come back. Looking forward to taking hockey with you guys, I’m sure there’s no fanfic team romance wishes going on here😒
The key to this season will be how Lavy holds players accountable and how those players and the rest of the team respond after. If he doesn’t hold everyone accountable in the same way, this will be another lost season. If they don’t show the heart and will that it takes to win a Stanley Cup, it’s time to send a new letter, tear it down and start all over again. This core already threw two coaches under the bus, if they don’t step up this season, then the problem is the players, not the coach.
Linda
I’m not sure I was here when you were here. But now we’re both here so I’m glad you’re here.
Hear! Hear!
coos
I hear ya!
For me, nothing has changed with this team while other teams in there conference have improved. I will say though that by watching Cuyle and Othman play, the drafting department has improved. They look like keepers (future).
Cuylle a Gorton/Bobrov pick (same year as Laf), Othman Drury’s first first rounder
St Pete Eli, nice to meet ya, my good man!
Tommy G… 100%
Buffalo should challenge for a playoff spot this season, and I think Detroit will be better as well. If anything, shopping in the bargain bin (due to cap situation) has made our team older and slower.
I am, and have been fully of the belief that unless they are already on your team and you’re extending them, you don’t go for the guys 30+, unless they are special talents(JAGR).
Again, I totally understand the cap constraints, but after last seasons performance, do we truly believe they are “Cup contenders”? Too many guys don’t seem interested if they’re not padding point totals and making sure they are fashionably sockless.
First 15 games are going to show a lot. Will it be another season of the coach killing troika, or will they actually play to their contracts and to “the high expectations they set for themselves”.
Inquiring minds want to know.
ZaNYRgirl
It appears that even though we have just recently met, we have similar inquiring minds. I do believe watching the core vets skating off into the sunset is the most likely outcome.
Eli,
Not gonna lie, totally heard Van Halen singing Happy Trails in my head reading your comment😂😂
“Bombadeedaa”
Outside of Bettman and this stupid cap that he keeps fudging with, NT/NMCs are the worst thing to happen to this league.
ZaNYRgirl
Indeed!
Linda…welcome aboard it’s nice to have you here.
I know we are to refrain from the political and religious on this site…but at a time like this I will take on it be appropriate.
So here goes:
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Psalm 122:6
I meant to write that I will take my chances on it being appropriate. I need to pay better attention when I type. 🤯😡
Thank you for the warm welcome, Rich!
Here’s hoping our boys give us more cheers than realized fears this season!
And yes, there’s nothing wrong with praying or hoping for peace, it’s what everyone needs
Thank you Linda 😎
Give peas a chance.
Hey guys. I’m just wondering, does anyone here think the Rangers should try to trade 13 and package maybe 6 with him ..although I like Jones and really don’t want the Rangers to part with him?
What could they get in return? Some pics perhaps? Prospects? I certainly don’t want them to get another roster spot player as I would rather Othman slide neatly onto the second line.
Also I’m wondering does anyone here think Laffy is mailing it in sort of because maybe he doesn’t want to be here kind of like Nametnikov did?
Opinions?
To early to say he is mailing it in. Let’s what for a few games that count. Carp has a book excerpt in the Athletic today.
ORF….I think we are going to know pretty quick.
I think the negativity is keeping ILB in hiding
Can we lighten it up a little?
“fashionably sockless”. Love it.
Ouch!
https://twitter.com/SabresPR/status/1711350861786489223?s=20
Dear Rich. Agree 100%. It is fun to come here and write about how much we care about The Rangers. Kind of take away from the crazy things in life we have no control over. We have to deal with the health and death of friends and boneheads too often. Life in general stinks;that is why I like to come here to get away from the stuff that makes me upset.
Most important things in life are Family, Friends and your health. Wishing everyone a better day and for peace for all.
I will try to put a positive spin on our boys in blue.
We have Sports and the Arts so that we don’t all have to die of the truth.
Bread and Circuses
I like bread 🍞, I’ve been to the circus.
three more days until the rangers play a hockey game that counts, and it will be a good one! too early to be disappointed in a season that hasn’t happened yet – there will be plenty of time for it 😁
Does Cullye making squad lock Lafreniere into top 6?
I think Lafreniere is going turn the corner.
Positive spin is that the NYR are tied for first. Also, tied for last.
Lafren will get his mojo, Shesty will score a goal, the DJ will decide on hockey as his primary focus, Trouba will play up to his contract, chytil will skate like the second coming of Eric Lindros, and bread will be bread. So let it be written!
Go Zibby! Even a Caveman can do it!
Look at all this positivity! 😁
Usually, at the start of a new season, I am all sunshine, rainbows and excitement. I haven’t been able to get rid of the stench of last season.
wwpd is right though, gotta pace ourselves with the meh-ness.
I am looking forward to watching Cuylle, eager to see Laffy finally have it all click, watch Kakko take the next step, see my boy Schneids also level up, and watch Shesty dominate.
LGR
“Something happening here what it is ain’t exactly clear.”
Watch out Quick M1 is on the horizon!
To any Canadians that may be here
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
I ain’t no Senator’s son
Man I LOVE that song🤣
Those second contracts for ridiculous money is what gets things all screwed up. They did it with Eichel and then couldn’t move him. It also will put them in cap hell eventually. So he is 29 when that contract ends and they are locked into overpaying him and buying him out in his mid thirties. Will they do the same with Powers in a couple of years?
Sens locking up the young core with above market deals.
What could go wrong??
Winner of the Hellebuyck signing: Ranger fans
Loser of the Hellebuyck signing: Derbils fans
Cap could be going upwards of 88M next year, so expect the crazy spending to resume. Several players took one year contracts this year to be a FA again.
ORF, unfortunately that’s the reality now with budding stars and Rangers in same if not worse position with Fox, whose current deal ends when he is 30!
And then there is Igor, he is 29 when his deal is up and will surely ask for 10m+/yr for 8 years….
But they didn’t give him that in his second contract. If they did they would be 5 mil over the cap. Bread and Trouba will be gone by the time Igor resigns. Pay based on performance, not on what they may do in a few years.
HAPPY OPENING DAY OF THE
2023-2024 SEASON EVERYONE!!
Eh Fox getting $9.5m/yr his second deal is essentially equivalent to Dahlin getting $11m/yr now given passage of time (cap and defensive salaries increased in interim).
long term you are right re Igor, but his deal comes up after next seasons and Trouba and Panarin will have another season left on their deals at that time (kreider two more seasons). So will have to find a way to fit them all for at least a year or ship out trouba or kreider beforehand (Panarin is essentially unmoveable)
Dahlin hasn’t won the Norris like Fox did. He wasn’t a finalist last year and Fox was. That Norris cost the Rangers a couple of million per year on Fox. They could have signed him for Quinn Hughes money without it.
The cap will go up for the next couple of years so that will help with Igor. They also have Miller and KK to deal with. Unfortunately LAF may not become a cap problem. Depending on how Panarin maintains his production, he may be movable with one year left on the contract with some retainage. That’s assuming he is willing to waive his NMC. Keep in mind we are laying out the scenario where the window closes on this core group without a cup. This is essentially the next teardown we are envisioning.
lots of moving pieces!!
Post is saying Cullye getting a look on 2nd line as RW
Lafrenière couldn’t even be bothered to play tonight. Busto.
Depends if you define the second line by C or Bread, but Lafrenière is with Chytil and Bread at practice. Cuylle with VT and Wheeler.
LINE COMBOS!
Lines/pairs/goalies at practice ahead of Thursday.
Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko
Panarin-Chytil-Lafreniere
Cuylle-Trocheck-Wheeler
Goodrow-Bonino-Pitlick
Vesey
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Trouba
Gustafsson-Schneider
Jones
Shesterkin
Quick
have had enough of the Miller Trouba pairing
Nice to see all the positivity for Leff Track. Let’s see how long this lasts. 😉
Laff Track. Not “Leff”
If only Chytil can improve his FO%!
Chytil, Bread, Frenchie #2?
Bedard will have a better year than LAF this season. All 1OAs are not created equal. Rangers didn’t get that lucky with the ping pong balls. That’s the difference between them and the Devils right now-dumb luck.
Panarin could help LAF. He made Ryan Strome a 50 Pt. player and LAF is probably a better player.
For all the talk of lines 1,2 or 3; facts are the ES TOI was evenly distributed last season; special teams is what sets apart players, esp with PP1 playing pattycake with the puck for extended shifts.
Mika line, Bread line and Tro line are probably more accurate with a 4th line that can actually be a real Checking line and take the burden off Mika to mark the other teams best center.
This similar team had 107 pts last season and don’t see dramatic improvement from the teams that finished below them in the division. Derbils and Canes should finish above with Azzdancers and Dirty Birds below.
100 pts (+/- 5) is attainable; esp if Shesty is at his besty because the weak link is the lack of defenseman who play defense.
SN has the right of it though not sure Bonino marking the other team’s last center will last long, there are some scary 1Cs around the league and I think we’ll still see Mika/Trocheck line handling that duty – or maybe Goodrow is the real checking 4C
Other team’s *best* center, not last
Sad to hear about Barry Melrose. He always had an interesting take on the game; even if I did not always agree with him. Like a bunch of you, I am looking forward to a new season but do not believe we are a much better team then last year. Will be happy to see Cullye grow into a player over the next few years. Lets Go Rangers.
lack of playing time for laffy also affected by not being on the pk
SN
4th line would get way too many minutes if they’re matched against opponents best
Dzone draws v ozone draws determine matchups to some extent. Every team in the league will try to match their top line against Bread.
Reality is most teams are not focused as much on match ups first 20 games
Just win baby
Then they’ll have to do it on the fly because bread line will be last choice ever to take a faceoff 🙂
Is this thing on?
Papa!
Coos!
I have the six foot spade I borrowed from you and have had no idea how to return. Where are you now?
Happy Season Opener Eve, ladies & gentlemen, gals & pals
I hate the pens, in case anyone has forgotten.
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