- What a game. Something for everyone, even Wicky.
- The lower bowl was awfully empty for the first 10 minutes, but then it filled in pretty nicely. There was a great atmosphere in the building, especially during the third period. For an interconference game in early November, the Garden erupted pretty loudly after the tying, winning, and empty net goals. There was even appropriate cheering for good defensive play.
- I went to the game with the intention of taking notes so I could write up a nice review, but the only note I managed to get down was “Terrible pass by Zibanejad on the first PP. Went to Lander right in the slot. Lucky it wasn’t McDavid.” So there’s that.
- I did manage to tweet some, but nothing too consequential. So I’m not going to be able to break down the goals the way I usually do. Also, without notes, this will be a bit free form, in the order that things come to me. I also don’t really have anything to say about the defense except that Skjei is really rounding into form and Holden had a great finish after a rough start. Clearly, this is a half-assed venture.
- The best line for the Rangers tonight, hands down, was the Grabner-Hayes-Miller line. All three were tremendous. I had been suggesting putting Buchnevich on that line in Grabner’s place, but I was just plain wrong. That line needs to stay together until it is clearly not working anymore. Not to spoil anything, but the trio were my three stars.
- Their best play of the game didn’t even result in a goal. Hayes controlled the puck in the zone, directing traffic with one hand while shielding the puck and skating around the zone with the other. I believe his possession ended with a good shot for Garbner. Then JT Miller got possession and drove hard to the net, almost jamming one home. It was an amazing shift.
- However, my sentiment regarding Buchnevich remains. He’s lost on that fourth line, which struggled mightily on their first two shifts, but Pirri and Fast connected well on the game tying goal. Even so, something has to change. I also did not think much of him on the PP point.
- Stepan is snakebitten right now. He’s clutching the stick awfully hard. He had the puck right in front of Talbot, alone for three seconds, and didn’t even get a shot off. Gotta be better than that.
- I saw some of you saying that Vesey and Kreider were benched, but I’m not sure that was the case. I think AV switched things up to get Zuke with Stepan and Nash, and because of penalties and just situation, Kreider-Zibanejad-Vesey couldn’t get on the ice. I definitely saw them in the third period, albeit less than I would expect. Feel free to fill me in on any benching details in the comments.
- AV’s switch to get Zuccarello with Stepan and Nash paid off in spades on the game winner. Zuccarello busted in to dispossess the Edmonton defender behind the goal line, I think negating an icing in the process, but I couldn’t tell. Zuccarello made a small pass over to Stepan, who worked it back to Holden who took a shot with Nash in front. The shot hit Nash, who controlled it and worked it around Talbot’s outstretched leg for the winner. The place erupted. It all happened because of Zuccarello’s good work on the forecheck and he won’t even get a point. Where’s the justice in that?
- Puljujarvi was the best player on Edmonton. He was so dangerous every time he touched the puck, singlehandedly creating at least 3 breakaways. What a player. He should be playing with McDavid instead of Cro-Maglan Lucic. I think it was Maroon’s goal when all of the Rangers flopped all over themselves, all because of his awesome work. Girardi’s snow angel almost stopped it, but in the end, left it a two on none down low, no chance for Lundqvist.
- McDavid was impressive to watch. When the puck is on his stick, his whole body looks like it’s wriggling from all of the subtle jukes and movements he makes to keep defenders and the goaltender off balance. Also, his edgework is so good that he accelerates without taking strides. It was a treat to watch.
- And for all I said about Puljujarvi being Edmonton’s best player in the game, the play by McDavid with his skate on the Edmonton PP goal was otherworldly. He didn’t move his stick or his body an inch, totally freezing the defense and the goaltender while sending the puck across to a wide open Nugent-Hopkins for the slam dunk. Everyone in my section was asking each other if he did it on purpose. Then we saw the replay. Yup, it was on purpose.
- He almost added a goal of his own, but for Eberle’s interference. That said, I’m not sure Lundqvist would have had much of a chance even if he had not been interfered with. It also erased McDavid’s great work to end up in that position in the first place.
- Otherwise, Lundqvist was mostly great, battling hard and controlling rebounds well. The only real exception was Larsson’s goal, which was pretty soft. I don’t care that he was screened: it wasn’t deflected and it went through him. Can’t happen.
- Talbot was also really good on the other end. Both goaltenders had to go long stretches without facing any shots. I don’t have any numbers to back this up, but it seemed like a few goals were scored right after they had to face shots after long stretches without doing so. In particular, I’m thinking of the Rangers’ first and Edmonton’s third. I might be wrong, though.
- Was great to see Gretzky in the building. My seats in the 200s are in a section which overlooks where most alumni guests are trotted out. For instance, Pete Stemkowski was brought out right underneath me during one of the breaks. I was hoping they would do the same for Gretzky, but they showed him in his seat instead. Gretzky, as humble and modest as ever, sheepishly waved and cracked an “aw shucks” smile at the standing ovation he received. It was great to see him, but do any of you remember his hair being that dark? I kid, I kid.
- I’m still looking for guest blogger volunteers for this weekend. So far, I have one in Eric. I need one more.
My Three Rangers Stars:
- Kevin Hayes
- JT Miller
- Michael Grabner
Your Three Rangers Stars:
- Kevin Hayes
- JT Miller
- Rick Nash, Michael Grabner (tied)
133 responses to “Rangers vs Oilers in Review”
Good half-assen review. Thanks for doing it! McDavid is other worldly. My goodness.
Another 5 NYR goals in the game. Rangers have the most potent offense in the league right now…45 goals, +20 goal differential over 11 games. It’s a small sample, but wow. It won’t keep up over the season and the team will hit some dry spells and will have to win some 1-0 games, but it’s certainly fun to watch right now.
I did not see the entire game, just pieces, and highlights, so correct me if I am off with what I am saying.
It seemed the Rangers gave to much respect to Edmonton. So much so that it looked as if the Rangers changed there style a little. Edmonton is still an immature team. Landen going back at Nash needlessly, and RNHs dive through the neutral zone in the third. Also Larsenn is awful.
Fun game. Edmonton certainly looks like the real deal: speed, talent, defense, goaltending. JT, Hayes, Grabner, Nash, Zucc were my top 5 stars. Hank was excellent, but he’s got to eliminate the “Mr. Softee” goal…
Good morning, boneheads!
Let’s not underestimate this win. Nothing was going for them, and they couldn’t use their main weapons for at least a half of the game, their first line barely played, and they still netted 5 at the end.
Both teams play very similar styles, but at the end NY prevailed because their team defense was better. I want to stress team defense. Their forwards were very good defensively, came back, backhecked, and gave their D-men an excellent puck support.
I’m surprised nobody is mentioning MZA. I think he’s been a beast in both ends so far. Remember he was considered weak defensively? Well, not this year. He is backchecking, covering the front of the net, and moves pucks out of their zone efficiently.
BDL- I think Edmonton is ready to make some noise finally. Their first rounders are very skillful, and they will back out a lot of teams with their speed and skill. They are still very young on the back end, but I believe Darnell Nurse is going to be a monster when he adds some mileage. They lack defensive structure, but with good coaching it’s just a matter of time.
Hayes. 2 weeks ago he didn’t have much in terms of trade value. As of today, I wouldn’t trade him. He is becoming a true two-way center, and if one of the offensive guys ( MZA, Buchnevich? I don’t think Grabner is a permanent solution) settles with him and Miller, this could one of the deepest line ups in the league.
I thought the building was mostly dead until the 3rd period. Also, I thought that Buchnevich was just fine. He has excellent vision and puck skills and is hampered by having to play with a guy who can shoot the puck and do nothing else, and Jesper who has wheels and not much else. Zinenajad and Kreider did not get anything accomplished all night, and Zinenajad appears to be pulling the disappearing act he pulled in Ottawa over the past few games. Finally, Brady Skjei is a player. Very nice to see.
Let’s not forget that Haze had his best season with Hags on his line. Grabby is Hags with hands. Not the possession machine on the wall but smarter with puck and very crafty on forecheck. Leave him there for a while
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As impressive as many of the forwards have been, Jay Tea Miller Time has been the best IMHO. Kid is really emerging into a star.
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Girardi had a rough game, but hey, who cares, they won. Whistle to whistling past the graveyard…
Agree on Skei, TYM. Skjei for Trouba straight up, anyone? And if Winnipeg waits a bit longer, they may have to add a pick to it too 🙂
Still yes because we have McD on left, nothing on right.
But no because of expansion draft.
I just noticed on a replay that it was cro-maglan lucic that knocked the Holden shot down for Nash. I thought Nash did it himself. Ha, lucic is awful.
Of course still yes, Doodie. They’ll have to buy out Girardi and expose Klein if they lose Skjei and get Trouba. Holden is very capable of playing 3rd pair on the L, and Graves may not be that far away.
Yup. And because he had around 450 lbs in front of him, Talbot had no idea where the puck was until Nash put it behind him inside of the L post.
POZY POZY MORNINS!!! I’m realizing that the prior blog admin Carp hasn’t posted here. Shame shame.
Very impressive report Mr/Mrs Doodie.
I haven’t been using the twitter dumpster lately, guess I should.
Kreider needs a different line somehow. Maybe try him with two rookies for a bit.
It’s early, but the way Hayes is playing is exactly the reason you don’t give up on a guy because of a sophomore slump.
You ride Grabner till he cools off. The team is better off with Grabner on the 4th line.
There is likely a real reason why… he did on the first couple of D’s RR2
Said it yesterday. Zucc slows down Kreider and Zibanijad. Holds on to the puck, which slows the other two down.
The-Zika-VC line was definitely held out for the last 10 mins of 2nd. VC was on with Step/Nash and didn’t bust back on the Maroon goal, in fact changed for THE. All 3 had the lowest TOI of the forward group and no points. That goal featured one of the classic snow angels from Done G.
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On McDavid goal, Staalled passed it right to him, 8 ft from goal after Holden created a 2 on 1 by not playing the middle of the ice on a rush.
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Zucc should play with Step/Nash; slowest line on the team.
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Henk played great? .875 save % is great now…
Got home and found out Directv screwed up my account and that the Center Ice package wasn’t working. Called tech support (which sucks now that AT&T bought Directv) and after a lengthy process I finally got it re-installed. Watched the third period, which was tremendously tremendous to see the Rangers not cave after going down 3-2. This isn’t last year’s team. This team is a lot better.
SN, quality of chances, my friend. Aside from the soft Larson goal, he was really damn good. He was being hung out to dry a bit. Battled really hard on a lot of uncontested opportunities. What was he supposed to do on the RNH goal? What was he supposed to do on the Maroon goal, 2 on 0?
Carp was around a lot when this blog started. There may be an HR/legal reason why he had to stop posting, unfortunately. No idea, though
The Kreider line couldnt get anything going last night and were constantly getting themsleves trapped with 3 down low, exposing a 3 on 2 – i’m thinking thats what AV was complaining about when he said that EDM were getting too easy entries into our zone. Having said that the lines he did roll with got the job done, so good coaching?
UK Ranger…. Nah…can’t be that.
He was supposed to stop the puck.
What’s the Coaches responsibility when it comes to asset management? Anything, or is his job strictly winning?
I ask, because if Kreider steams out strongly, then fades because of the line juggling, is he mistreating an asset if it continues too long?
Agree 100% on Larsson’s goal. Even if you are screened, you can’t get beat center mass like Hank did. You have to make sure the pads are closed and your stick blade is on the ice covering the five-hole. If you get beat to the sides or upstairs on a deflection, so be it.
I had (and usually have) no problem with the Girardi Snow Angel (someone should get that trademarked). The problem I had is that he ended up going down and sliding out of the play. In fact, I flipped the channel and saw that he slid into the Isles-Flyers game at Barclay 🙂
The Rangers PP got a little too retro for me last night. They seemed to be standing around being content to passively pass the puck around the perimeter. PP has clicked when both players and pucks are in motion.
I don’t believe anything prevents him other than his schedule.
SN, so every goal is the goaltender’s fault? Stop it. You’re better than that.
This is a pet peeve of mine. It’s how my mom analyzes hockey. No context, no anything. 3 goals went in, Lundqvist sucks. I wish she wouldn’t try to talk to me about it.
Anthony, there was a moment of the PP in the third period, Zucarrello has the puck on the right wing boards, everyone standing still. He has nobody to pass it to because nobody is moving to force Edmonton to change its shape. It was really frustrating to see.
What about Hayes trying to pass when he was in the slot and he had a wide open route to the goalie? Shoot the puck!
The season is really young, I know, but how many times so far have we said “last year’s team loses this game”? Great win. They adjusted, and they were resilient. I DO think that Vesey-Kreider-Zbanijad were benched. I mean, why WOULDN’T you play them?
ILB – agreed on Hayes. And that’s a guy I was ready to jettison after last season’s sophomore slump. I think Larry Brooks said it as well – in a perfect world, we would trade Hayes/Miller plus Skjei for Trouba. But before the season started, that wouldn’t be nearly enough. Now, the way those guys are playing, Winnipeg would certainly listen. But since they’re playing so well, it wouldn’t make sense anymore for us to move 2 of those pieces.
Until Grabner cools off, I agree – keep him on that line. Buchnevich is better served as a 4th liner than going down and starting to dream of life in the Ukraine, imho. Buch will be back in the top-9 at some point.
I made it to the game last night. Great chicken sandwich at the Fuku stand. Though a chicken sandwich, fries and a beer for $28? Holy hell.
I didn’t see the game but it was a nice cone back. You guys may or may not agree but AV has to figure out what to do with the right mix with his lines. Zucc should definitely play with Nash & Step. As good has Grabner has been on the 3rd line in the long run he has to play on the 4th. Vesey Hayes and Miller…The, Zibanejad and the Russian!
Redacted
Nice review, thank you.
And yes, this game was thankfully a bit more physical, so I found it to be a bit more enjoyable.
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I voted hated, hagelin v2.0, and gnash…in no particular order.
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Charlie
I had the same damn thing happen with me on DTV last week, it sucked.
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I didn’t even know opie was playing until I read the review.
Dave
I wouldn’t trade miller at all. Skjel is a simple easy piece to move when you consider our lefty depth. I’m in agreement with others about moving Hayes, that’s a tougher decision for me 11 games in than it was in the preseason. So question is what forward could you include? Zucc?
agreed Wicky. As everybody keeps showing more and more, I feel like we need to keep this core together. Especially being that picking up a defenseman would necessitate a Girardi buyout before the expansion draft. For that reason, and being that Winnipeg isn’t looking for wingers – it’s just a no-go in terms of trade possibilities there.
If we’re in the market for a defenseman or two, it’ll be at the deadline and it will be for someone who’s strictly a rental.
The reporting since the game, including the quotes from AV himself, indicate that they were indeed benched.
Good win and have to say AV has had a good touch on who to play and when (no matter the twitterverse). Agree on moving Zuc back with Nash/Step and reunite the KZB line. Don’t even think about touching the 3rd until something gives. Not sure why peeps are so convinced Grabner belongs on 4th – maybe this was the team and line he’s needed to play his best hockey?
Wish all this trade talk would stop. Giving up anything more than one guy for Trouba is crazy (in my book) and frankly I would not deal any of our guys right now. See how things shape up as we get near the trade deadline as we will have cash then too. We aren’t losing games because we are giving up too many goals, especially if HL can cut down on those softies.
If I have time today, I’m going to write something about the forwards for tomorrow.
NYR won, Brooklyn lost, and Newark lost. Yet, NYR only gained one lousy point on the losers. Aaah yes, nothing beats NHL math!
That was, in my opinion, the best win of the season. Some real balls were shown, some fight, some fortitude, etc.
Agree that this was a game we lose last season. Despite the two points, I don’t think AV is overly satisfied with the group effort. The team appeared out of sync sporadically throughout and seemed to be playing more from their heels right from the start and didn’t really get it together until the 3rd. I wonder if the “McDavid Effect” was responsible?
Apparently they watched some video between 2nd and 3rd.
RR2 – I have always said that puck movement and player movement are essential for a successful PP – to the point that my wife would tell me to shut up when I’d really get on a roll :-). It doesn’t matter who you are playing because the puck will always move faster than the defense.
I understand there are some nights when an opponent is doing a great job of defending the passing lanes but if there is player motion then something has to open up. The Rangers could get away with less motion and passing if they had a couple of howitzers at the point, but they don’t.
Again, I don’t expect them to score on every PP but some of their attempts really suck the air out of the rink.
The announcers mentioned Edm PK was on a serious role; #2 in the NHL (NYR #19 – thanks Jesper)
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NYR has scored 45 goals in 11 games against mostly solid comp. Just ponder that sports fans.
‘roll’, not role.
Kreisler was coasting out there at times, which stands out like a sore thumb on this year’s go-go-go Rangers. Not surprised he got a dose of pine. Not a crisis at all–he’s been great so far–but it’s the one thing you worry about with him, that consistency of effort. Vesey made some bad plays, no big deal, guy’s a rookie.
*Kreider*
Good afternoon all! I still kind of get my jollies out of remembering when some folks didn’t mind if Zucc didn’t get re-signed. Guy has been a beast. Other than that, really really happy they kept the pressure on and didn’t go into whatever passes for OT these days.
Thanks for the review, RR2!
Big win. Love how they have been able to dictate and play their game eventually. That they have been able to stick to their game plan while other teams try and disrupt it.
Fun so far. Hope it keeps up.
I love Zucc. I thinkg people who want to trade him, or stil think he’s too small to play in this league are NUTS
SN – Agree, they’re not beating the dregs of the league. They are doing this against good teams. Of course, when they did play a bottom feeder they didn’t fare so well.
As if he read the blog this morning, Todd McClellan switched Lucic off of McDavid’s line.
OK, I have a guest blogger for Sunday. Eric, are you still in? Can you do Saturday?
Btw, the old RR is still there. lol
Interesting that AV is going to start Raanta against Boston and Hank against Winnipeg. I thought he might go with Hank Saturday and Raanta on Sunday given how well Antti plays at “home”. I wonder if AV gives Girardi one of the games off. and if he does which one. I know he hates to tinker with the lineup when they are winning, but it is also an opportune time to give Danny a maintenance game off.
Norm
Gotta hate that damn iPhone autocorrect of Kreider
Chrysler was a good name for him since he was just cruising out there. BOOM
I’m trying to figure out which top 6 fwd you should trade in a deal that improves the team. This is a hypothetical question, so try to avoid a freak out manny…I mean some of you 😉
Top 9, not top 6…my bad
Is the other guest blogger your anonymous source?
Wicky, who’s coming this way? Then we’ll talk who’s being traded.
Before the season I would have said Hayes…now considering small sample size of the season so far and cap hit, probably zucc right? Buch (technically a 4th liner now)? I’d love to trade fast, but I think he has a niche here and might not be as “valued” on other teams? Lindberg? He may not get a shot with double bubble (but I’d keep him for when the pirri express screeches to a halt).
Ilb…I still think the team wants to improve right side of D, so let’s go with that.
I’m back to letting this ride. No rush. So long as they are getting points. Let’s see how the Trouba situation unfolds, and what Anaheim decides to do with their cap. Getting a second pair R sided D-man isn’t helpful, even though it’ll cost less.
If you are talking about Trouba, the Rangers and jets don’t match up unless Winnipeg moves him for pennies on the dollar by December 1 – which I highly doubt they will.
I am guessing the Blues will hold off as long as possible to see what their Cup chances are. It is a bit risky because teams might not be willing to give “full value” for a month plus playoffs, but might do so before the end of 2016 – cap space willing.
My best guess is the Rangers wait until a couple of weeks before the deadline and make a move for a rental that won’t cost as much in terms of players/picks/prospects. Off the top of my head, I am not sure if that group would really make much of a difference.
They could look to deal for a blueliner who has another year on his deal as possible Klein protection (or even to expose in the Expansion Draft).
The one thing to remember that is if the Rangers buy Girardi out, then you have to factor the cap hit into his replacement’s salary – whether it is Trouba, Shattenkirk or Player X because that will be that person’s “true” cap hit.
Wicky,
If they were to move one of there forwards, I would move Zucc. But here is the problem, I don’t think you can get equal value on him. He is a very underrated player in the league. The Wild need help up front, and have Dman depth. They are a match, but who would they give up for Zucc?
FYI, here is Girardi’s cap hit if bough out according to CapFriendly.com:
2017-18 – $2.6 million cap hit (save $2.8 million)
2018-19 – $1.8 million cap hit (save $1.8 million)
2019-20 – $1.8 million cap hit (save $1.8 million)
2020-21 thru 2022-23 – $1.1 million cap hit (no cap savings)
Anthony, what an interesting way to phrase it: “save X million.” You only “save” money if the replacement player that comes in makes less than the “savings.” Also, that replacement player making less than the savings has to be better than Girardi, otherwise, why not just continue to play Girardi?
I agree on Zuccarello being the forward to trade, simply because as a playmaking winger, Buchnevich’s skills can take Zuccarello’s place, even if Zuccarello is currently a better player, which he unquestionably is. I will look at this in a post I’m writing for tomorrow.
Someone asked if Sunday’s blogger is my anonymous source. First, if it was, then he or she would no longer be anonymous, would they? Second, no, it’s Yergs.
Anthony, year 2 and 3 his cap hit is over $3.6M
The “save” amount refers to the savings on Girardi’s contract if he remained. In other words, it refers to the amount of cap space available as opposed to his full contract. The buyout site used the term “save”.
That is why I said that you have to add Girardi’s buyout cap hit to the player that replaces him. Even if Shattenkirk gave the Rangers a hometown discount you would still have to add the cap hits listed above.
Must fix that which is not broken, pronto. Trade everyone!
When you think about it, it’s not the absolute end of the world to have 3 years of dead cap space valued at a hair above $1m. Not exactly ideal, of course, but it could be manageable.
And I wouldn’t necessarily tack on Girardi’s cap hit to a top-4 or top-2 righty d we’d acquire. Since I view him as a 5/6 at this point in terms of on-ice production, I would “tack” that hit onto whichever cheap 3rd pairing guy would take his place.
For instance, lets say that we buyout Dan Girardi and resign Adam Clendening this offseason for $800k. So virtually, you have $800k + $2.6m = $3.4m being Clendening’s “hit.” Which is still a savings of over $2m.
Then you have your stud young righty who we’d be acquiring. Maybe it’s Trouba (probably not), maybe it’s Vatanen, maybe it’s Matt Dumba, maybe it’s Shattenkirk.. So you’d have your $2m savings from Girardi, plus getting rid of the cap hit of whoever went the other way (Hayes makes $2.1m, Miller makes $2.7m, for example). So it’s not THAT far off, as long as you have a viable 6th defenseman making under $1m.
Though I’m just thinking up scenarios here. While I was previous VERY into sending someone like Miller or Hayes (plus Skjei) for Trouba, I do admit that as their trade value increases, they’ve become too important to actually consider trading.
Chicago won the Cup with Roszival as their 4th d-man. Pittsburgh won it last year with young guys like Cole and Demoulin and an old castoff like Daley. Do mean to tell me the Rangers can’t compete with Staal-Klein as your second pair so that they have to get rid of a good forward or two? I agree with Norm. Why fix something that isn’t broken?
DaveB – The problem is semantics. You are adding the $2.6 to Girardi just so you undersell the new acquisition. The problem is that the new guy (and not Clendening) is still replacing Girardi.
Even if we accept your version you would be “paying” Clendening $3.4 million to sit as the seventh d-man.
I posted Girardi’s buyout to show there is more to be considered than just moving Girardi out.
Also, don’t overlook the $1.1 million in dead space. Depending on how things go, the Rangers might need all the cap space they can get. It wasn’t that long ago that the Rangers were carrying just one spare player because they were up against the cap.
Imagine a cap strapped Rangers team having to send someone to the minors just so they could call up a goalie for a few games because one of the two regulars needs a week or two off. I know it seems kind of crazy, but such is life in cap-world of the NHL.
Minny would seem like a good partner as they two Dmen coming up in pipeline to start next year and have 5 of 6 D-men signed through next season. Probably comes down to Spurgeon or Dumba for Minny Offensive RD $$?
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Do we really want more cap on backline or take a flier at Folin, the big Swede who should come cheap and probably available without touching top 9 or 12 for that matter and Henk can have a Dman to yell at in Swedish.
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Like the idea of putting more money up front and play the possession game. Money on backline has not worked out and yes, that means goalie on out.
ILB – Thanks for pointing out my error. I was looking at the wrong column. Girardi’s cap hit in years 2 and 3 would be $3.6 million if he were to be bought out.
I don’t think anyone is calling for a trade right this second, it is just some idle talk on an off day about how a team that is really good on November 4 could be even better come April 4.
Outside of a bad swoon, I think the Rangers go shopping closer to the deadline unless someone makes Gorton an offer he can’t refuse (Glass and a second rounder for Trouba 🙂 )
Norm, and Charlie.
I don’t disagree with what you are saying. But I think the feeling is they are going to make a move for a Dman by the deadline.
That may change, BDL. Bad stretch, injuries. But for now, I’d sit tight. Unless something is available that they can’t refuse. At the moment, they projected to have a little over $12M space on February 28th. That’s more than enough.
Coming in late to the game. I agree this is a game last year they wouldn’t of won. They showed tremendous poise getting their game on track when it was clearly not there until into the 2nd. As for Zucc, I think he is making his case for not wanting to go anywhere; he’s busting it out there to show that he really is a two-way player. Haze was a beast out there. I loved the fact with the game on the line he was out there taking the D-zone draw, won it and led to the empty netter. Gotta love this team!
If Trouba is the target, it would seem ASAP would be the time to do it, as he must sign a contract by 12/1 or be forced to sit out the entire season.
I hear you Anthony. Clendening wasn’t the best example to use because he’s our current 7th, but what I was trying to say was that if they liked him, thought he could hold down a regular spot, and wanted to mitigate the dead-space issue caused by a buyout, he’s the type of guy that could take a regular spot at a low cap hit. But agreed, it’s all semantics.
It’s kind of funny that it would all be easier to digest if Girardi was still playing like a heap of 2015-16 hot garbage. If that were the case, you could buy him out and sign a 7D for $2.5m (bringing that player’s “hit” up to almost $5m) and still feel like you’ve come out ahead. Now that he’s giving us decent minutes (though I feel he could use some sheltering), if he were to be bought out for cap reasons, we’d actually need to replace him with a real player.
But I think we’re on the same page in terms of adding a D. If this team gets to the deadline feeling like they need a D upgrade, it’ll be a rental. Any scenario where Miller, Hayes, Skjei, first rounders, top prospects or anybody else get traded for a young D just aren’t in the cards.
It’s not a Trouba
We will know about Trouba very soon
I suspect Trouba will settle for a short term bridge. He is arbitration eligible next summer, if he plays this year that is.
ilb, I’m with you. He just has no leverage at all.
Too bad we don’t need a fourth line center because Colorado waived our old buddy John Mitchell.
I think we should discuss trades all the time because, hell, we’re obsessed. But I trust Gorton to make those best-trades-are-often-the-ones-you-don’t-make trades, as he has done so far. e.g., Jury still out on Brass trade? I love the new guy whose name I can’t spell, but we’ll see what he’s got over 82 games.
Keeps the discussion going, Norm.
Doodie, by waiting, Cheveldayoff Isn’t gaining much either. Unless he has no desire to trade him at all. Then he needs to either trade Myers or Big Buff at some point.
That it does, lib. I mean, bli. Dammit.
Anybody heard from Carp?
10% of US population is dyslexic. Over 90% of them are not diagnosed :-).
He’s ok, Heave Ho. Needs time.
And by Cheveldayoff not gaining much while waiting I mean that if, for example, NY was his trade partner, 1 month ago he’d easily get Skjei, Miller, and probably a pick too. Today, Miller is out, if not a pick
For the record, I haven’t see enough of Trouba, but from what I saw, I’m not as high on him as some people are. It I’m trusting some of the media experts and many knowledgeable boneheads that he’s going to be a stud.
It=but
Is there a new post and I’m BANJing? If yes, time to fit Manny 🙂
Fire
Ilb,
I am one of those who think Trouba is going to be a stud. Having said that, I would not trade Miller for him, and I do not think I would trade Hayes for him. Am I overrating Hayes? Probably, but him being a center makes me want to hold on to him. So I guess what I am saying is , even though I think Trouba is going to a stud, I am unwilling to pay the price for him.
I know you’re one of them, BDL. That’s why I trust that opinion
Skjei, BDL?
Skjei straight up for Trouba? Yes, without hesitation.
ilb, thanks. Perfectly understandable. Hope he makes it this way eventually as his comments and observations were usually “dead on b***s accurate”. Let him know he’s missed.
Considering Staal isn’t going anywhere, and McD is here for years, I would to.
From Gary Lawless at TSN:
“Kurt Overhardt and Jacob Trouba: There’s no sign of a trade coming for Trouba as the Winnipeg Jets appear prepared to outwait their young defenceman. If Trouba doesn’t have a contract by Dec. 1, he can’t play in the NHL this season. Overhardt, his agent, might be on the hottest seat in the NHL. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has the support of ownership on this issue. If there isn’t a resolution by Dec. 1, Cheveldayoff will have to begin mulling where this is heading long term. Is Trouba willing to miss an entire NHL season or more to have his trade demand met?”
Cheveldayoff’s issue, even if he out waits Trouba this time, is long term. But I agree, I think Trouba signs short term bridge and waits for a trade.
If it gets quiet around here, it means you guys aren’t doing your jobs to spread the word. This is not Fight Club. Talk about it. Spread the word.
At some point, I will be getting a push from an anonymous backer that will greatly boost our numbers, but I am waiting until I have all operations running smoothly first. I figure what we have going on now is the “soft” launch, but the week of Thanksgiving will be the “hard” launch.
Certainly, it cannot be my fault of not generating enough content, not being a good writer, or people just generally not liking me.
Operations? Need help besides boosting the numbers?
Doodie, the new LoHud version couldn’t generate as many comments in two weeks as you do in a day. So get pat yourself in the back, and call me if you need help with ensuing concussion:-)
Go pat yourself
Stop yourselfing, Pat.
By operations, I just mean managing time and content. This was Carp’s full time job.
I wasn’t so sure how “public” we wanted this to go. I am hoping to get back into the swing of blogging again so I will be more than happy to spread the word.
As for trades, let’s trade everybody! .
BTW, you can’t trade me off this blog because Glen Sather gave me a lifetime NTC, NMC, and NSC (that’s No Santa Claus 🙂 !
In all seriousness, RR2 if you ever need a guest blog I would be willing to volunteer – just as long as I have gotten my Blog going again.
I like you rangerreport2 and we’ve never met! I think your doing a great job! I don’t know how you find the time, maybe time is on your side!
I still need someone for tomorrow night’s review.
James G is on call but I’d prefer a new voice before going back for repeats.
Dear Sir/Madam (whomever rangersreport2 may be):
Any interest in fictional game reports? Those I could handle and prepare for you well ahead of deadline. Otherwise I’ll just keep curmudgeoning along as often as I can. Keep up the half fast work in the meantime. A boon to one and all!
Absolutely interested.
Rangersreport2 is a boon? Who knew?
What the hell is going on in Columbus!?
Columbus=safe is death…for a game 😉
Two words: Mon Toya
Montoya skates to bench in tears, begs for Price to be put in. Price seen sneaking off to the locker room.
That’s a good strategy Doodie. Forewarn them that if no one else volunteers they’ll have to read my reviews again lol
I just stopped by to have a good laugh at the expense of Les Canadiens de Montréal.
Carry on, then.
Nooooooooooo
trading Zuccarello.
Norm (and to a certain extent Ilb) you are the voices of reason on this one.
Trade the last three years most consistent point-scorer just to get an unproven, right handed D (who hasn’t been skating with his team for two months – and likely turns out a bust in NYC)????
Insane.
nice article by Dan Rosen @NHL.COM
https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-rangers-offense-piling-up-goals/c-283419060
Wow, what an uppercut by domi!
NEW POST
Manny….