Good morning, boneheads!
I have a video on my phone where I open my arms and my 5 year jumps in for me to pick her up for hugs and kisses. Exactly what it looked like between Zucc and Kreider on the GWG.
- They are a better team than Boston. And they were the better team last night. Period. Even when Boston came out swinging, had a goal disallowed ( easy call ), and kept pressuring. The Rangers appeared more collected, had a better transition game, and they got rewarded by a strange goal.
- PP. It’s been looking more and more dangerous lately. And now it started to produce. I wonder if getting Zibanejad back will require some extra adjustments and will interfere with the flow. But it can only be a big plus. They still look disjointed without that extra right handed shot.
- JT Miller. He looks more and more like a true power forward. Now he added some speed, and he is one of the better passers on this team. I still believe he makes them much better when he plays on the wing. But without a viable option at center he’s done more than just fine.
- The flow of this game was not great, primarily because of excessive amount of penalties. Some of them were France in the Air. Sometimes I wished someone put an oil inside of the refs’ whistles. Geez, do you really need to control the game to an extent where it becomes nauseating?
- Everyone was surprised to see Lundqvist in net last night. Myself included. Well, maybe AV looks at some stats after all. Lundqvist is 53-21-7, 9 SO, with a 2.02 GAA and a .930 save % in 81 back to back games so far. Ouch. Thanks, Romeo.
- Lundqvist was excellent last night. He’s been steady for a good stretch now, and is thriving on high work load. Nothing unusual there. Still, even though the Metro is absolutely insane this year, he is 35. They will need him fresh down the road, and they will need him fresh in ( dare I say? ) April. Pavelec had a couple of very good starts. He needs to play.
- Going back to Boston. They are going to make playoffs, most likely, but probably will have less points than a Metro team that will miss it. I watched a few games played by them ( including 2 against NY), and they are certainly worse than 6 teams in Metro. Thank you Mr. Bettman!
- I’m not sure I can say that playing back to back ( in less than 24 hours, thanks again Mr Bettman!) affected them that much. There were few signs of fatigue in the third that maybe affected their decisions. But it certainly didn’t have that mush of an impact, IMHO.
- The GWG. Butch ( Bruce ) Cassidy looked like he swallowed porcupine that got stuck in his pharynx when he realized his boys made the same boneheaded mistake second time in one game. Zucc with a laser. But it was mainly because the only thing Rask could see was Kreider’s…ahem.. pants. Kreider has done it very well in his career.
- Weekend like that is not going to make Gorton’s job easy. They can stay with any team in the league, even without their first line center. I just hope he has a plan and sticks with it. Whatever that plan is. I’m also glad I’m not the one to make those decisions.
256 responses to “Rangers-3, Bruins-2 ( OT )”
Every flipping time ilb. I’m beginning to think you wait till I post in the morning. I’ve tried to out wait you without success.
Thanks for the review, ilb. Longtime reader here, going back to Sam W. Any time we can beat the Kings and the Bruins on consecutive nights, I’ll take it! Would love to see #61 finish a few more of his rushes. š
BDL, I think I was the one whom Carp carpād the most. Crossed my mind too a few times š
Welcome, Upstate!
thanks for the write-up ilb. Someone is working hard this weekend.
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great couple of wins this weekend.
Seemed like Bs outchanced them.
Grabbers goal was complete puck luck along with a semi PP breakaway by JT (hey Rick, that’s how you lift it) was fortunate.
Just don’t think this D can hold up over the course of a long PO run. Love to be proven wrong but Gorton needs to make a couple of big decisions prior.
Watched the first Winter Classic segment and it confirmed that Haze is a Masshole and nearly choked when Nash’s son said Daddy falls down a lot.
AnthonyM. – I agree wholeheartedly with your last Post on last thread. Obvious drinking buddies and the source of a lot of Brooksie’s ultra-opinionated misinformation.
SN. – Reminds me. – Some years back, I moved the fam into a relatively modest home in Bronxville that was set amidst and adjacent to mansions. The little kid who lived next door in an 18 room super Tudor came by one day to visit my kid, and he pointed at my wine rack and said: “My Daddy drinks that and he falls down a lot.” š
PS. – totally agree with your D opinion.
I’ve noticed a bit of trend with the Shatennkirk crowd. When Shatennkirk screws up in a game, which is quite often, they attack McD. I guess they are trying to deflect that Shatennkirk is a 5/ PP specialist, and that contract is not the bargain they claimed it was. Of course Shatty can’t hold a candle to McD, even when McD struggles.
McD, by the way, has quietly put up 18 assists.
Shattty had Thanksgiving dinner at Mac’s place, so all is cool between them.
It sure looked like face offs were 450-10 for Boston. Still, always nice to beat them, and very cool that Ranger fans nearly took over the TD Garden.
BDL, has McD struggled at all this year? And what in the world do those struggles have to with Shattenkirk? In any case, it sure is good to see the captain round into form of late.
4 points out of 2 tough games. Rangers looking more like a playoff team if they can defend consistently. Shatty is a wildcard, but they knew that going into the season. Mac finally looking like himself after that horrific game last week. Nice read on the Brothers Lundqvist here: http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/big-read-how-hockey-sent-the-lundqvist-brothers-down-different-paths/
Pencils out for what the forwards lineup will be once Ziabanejad returns. Carey out is clear. Miller back to the wing likely. Good sport for all you linemakers out there!
Thanks ilb great job again. #3 agreed Miller is the bomb, he is however better on the wing. On #7 Bettman loves this pc world we live in. Definitely favors his belief in the participation trophy. The teams with the best record 1 through 8 should make the dance. Bettman is an Ultra Maroon! Gorton has his work cut out for him this is not a flip a coin decision! Loved the Zucc, Kreider hugfest, being a hobbit myself it brought a tear to my eyes!
(Sorry to take that nice writeup for granted, ilb. Strong to the net!)
Great job, as always, Captain.
Speaking of captains, two of McDonagh’s strongest performances of the season, IMO. … He’s struggled, also IMO, most of this season. Seems to want to do more with the puck and do less around the net, a great combo. And my “less around the net” I mean not trying to do too much, or everything, as he is wont to do.
‘wont to do.’ love it. Learnt at Iona.
Crap!! Oops, sorry, Carp, mistook you for e3.
ilb- thanx, well done, well-received.
wont/want is right up there with loath/loathe.
Norm,
I’m not as clear about Carey being out. Good size down the middle with Miller there. But ok, I’ll play along.
Kreider, Z, Buch
Nash, Hayes, Zucc
Grabner, DD, Miller
Vesey, Neives, Fast.
Kreider, Z, Buch
Nash, Hayes, Zucc
Grabner, Miller, Fast
Carey, Neives, Vesey
If I was King of France (in the Air) Zika slots back into 1C, Miller stays at 2C (ask Zucc and Nash if they want him back at wing) and DD sits.
Thought Smith had some great outlet passes to give them breathing room, mostly from Left side; would love to see him on natural side. Are there no more RDs?
McD has had shaky moments in his own end this season, but his pass to JT was first rate stuff.
I meant to write McDonagh=Monster as one of my ..ahem.. thoughts. But decided to wait until he plays like that at least two in a row.
Love the term ‘one in a row.’
Consecutive? Uninterrupted? Confluent?
Desharnais. Faceoffs.
Con fluent is when a prisoner speaks well.
Or has the flu
I like JT on the wing, though he’s done a yeoman’s job at center.
Miller’s admitted brain-lock on the deciding goal in Ottawa — the kid took full responsibility, and good on him — is why he’s better off at the wing. Also his physicality on the wing. But he’s been mostly terrific in the middle, too.
I think he’s really matured as a player.
Shocked to hear Smith say to TroutWig: “We’re better than Boston.” Rarely hear that kind of thing said directly and publicly.
Iād go with DD in, Carey pruchaād, J.T. on the wing. They donāt have a prototypical 4th line anyway. Why wouldnāt you want to leave someone who is a threat to score/make a good pass on the second PP unit? Iād worry about DD defensively though.
He was right too, Coos
They are better than Boston … and pretty much every team in that other division with the possible (possible) exception of Tampa. … and as good or better than any team in the Metro other than PIT and WAS.
I know that doesn’t fit the narrative. š
wont
He is wont to do what he wonts
My Aunt once said to me: “If I had my druthers…” I had no idea what she was talking about. Sounded to me like Dagwood’s boss.
Cracking me up today, coos.
Iām not convinced Washington is bettter than last yearās version. Plus, theyāre yet to go further than second round. So Pittsburgh it is. Again.
The last few years AV’s style makes believers in Nov/Dec.
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Miller has shored up for the time being a huge hole at center. If JT, Zika and Haze are your top 3 pivots, you have young productive centers.
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That being said, I would be all in on Tavares who may set up Kreider for 40.
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Well, thanks, Carp. Sometimes it’s tightrope walking to not get too nutso and not piss off the hockey purists (whom I enjoy reading.). š
Imagine living in Buffalo and then being further burdened by having to watch the Sabres and Bills? Guess you offer it up for less time in Purgatory.
In fairness, the Rangers were a mess the one year they lost in the first round, and that was to the eventual champs. Last year, except for their firedrill finishes in couple of games, they should have been in the ECF. I know, shoulda/woulda. Two years before that they played seven playoff series, and probably get to an eighth if they didn’t have four broken defensemen and no Zucc.
so it’s not only November/December.
I agree, ilb, that this Washington team isn’t as good as last year’s team. I still think it’s a legit Eastern power.
I’m watching King Moonraker and the Island of Misfit Toys on a 12 hour loop…
help me Cornelius…
six days to Festivus
Kruger doesn’t know what the he ll he is doin’
Their record from Feb 1 onward the last few years is less than stellar.
The injury stuff is meh, most teams have guys banged up or out.
Last year they lost to a team that was less talented.
If they don’t get in this year, will people see the trend line or say the Metro was too tough, Mika was hurt, McD was banged up, etc, etc
Fatigue
FYI, – Fatigue, Lack of concentration and Momentum (from game to game), all those words are prohibited to use on this, worst on the internets, blog.
Totally missed this game (first in the last 5 years), with important annual gentlemen’s dinner, loud, drunk, etc., so, Big Thanks to ilb, The Captain, for the great, Carplike review, which was a pleasure to read even through the certain, heavy hangover…not to mention the game’s result.
So at least three teams better than them in the east and not impossible that they’d have to beat each of those teams to make it to the finals. Not to mention those three teams have a history of adding at the deadline and would expect them to do so again this year, which in theory makes them even better. There isn’t a player or players that they could add in my opinion that vaunts them above all three of those teams, which is why Gorton needs to make the hard decision to move Nash and likely Grabner on or before the deadline (I’d move Holden/Smith whenever). I’m not against moving Mac if that return is good enough and same with Zuc (though not really sure what return you’d expect for him). I also don’t think it’s impossible that they move some combination of the above players and still make the playoffs. Obviously from a drafting perspective it would be better if they didn’t but Dolan/Slats could still potentially get at least 2 home games of playoff revenue
Miller deserves a letter.
There seems to be a pointing out about a narrative more than there actually is a narrative. My opinion only.
Caps arenāt as good, pens miss MAF off the ice as much as on, Tampa is in a place like the caps were a few seasons ago…regular season roster, playoff style in question.
If rangers play physical consistently , they can play with any team in the east.
Could we wait just a game or two before trading everyone? And as to sitting Desharnais, not sure why you’d sacrifice your number-one faceoff guy.
They do need to make a couple of hockey trades to solidify their āpotentialā though.
Imo
51 has been fine, but is not a 4th line center and is a liability on D. Perfect stop gap, but not a legit option as the ice gets smaller.
Can wait until the deadline Norm, though doesn’t change what this group is (capable of playing well, but not on a consistent basis) and of course players could get hurt in the interim.
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Hockey trades at what cost to the future Wick?
Norm,
Late in the game, up by a goal, face off in Rangers zone, is DD getting a sniff?
They are better with Miller down the middle.
But I do agree, for at least a few games, AV is going to play DD.
I don’t know anyone suggesting Desharnais for the 4th line. Nieves is perfect there and you want Miller on the wing. Seeking to upgrade down the road if they decide they want to make a run, fine. No reason to sit him for Carey, though. And did I mention faceoffs? Not that those are important. š
Pete
Deals that are from positions of strength to fill positions of weakness.
Thatās only if you feel you have a run in the team (I think they do). If not then just sell.
Contract for contract.
Was on a plane for most of the game. Much better to read the blog when you know how the game will turn out. Hank is on a roll and AV is riding him. There was an article in the Post saying he has remade his game since the start of the season. Maybe he is not done after all. It said he has moved off the goal line and attacked the shooter more.
If one team needs a D man and another needs a centre, you make a deal
BDL, no, Desharnais is not your close-out center–that’s Hayes–though the former got some late time yesterday. He’s still the highest % overall, though. Useful 3rd-line center who’s done a nice job filling in for Zibanejad, has not earned a trip up to the booth.
Disagree.
With what, BDL? He IS your closeout center? He DIDN’T play late against the B’s? He does NOT have the highest %? He’s NOT useful? He HASN’T filled in well? He HAS earned a trip upstairs. I think you’re just tired of typing–I know I am š
JT must be right behind DD in FO%; curious if the breakdown is there for which zones. DD is fine but JT is a 5v5 producer.
Obviously this team has too many good centers now…
The stats below tell me Miller on the wing, taking faceoffs when his center gets tossed. Hayes has done much better than I would have guessed. If Miller is happy at center (meaning the coaches are happy with him at center) then by all means ease Desharnais out, PP specialist when there are injuries. Not sure where in-zone FO stats can be found.
Desharnais 159 131 54.8
Miller 190 172 52.5
Zibanejad 219 215 50.5
Hayes 254 257 49.7
Nieves 71 88 44.7
Hunted them down them in-zones:
Brassard 63.7% 79 45
Matthews 62.1% 54 33
O’Reilly 61.9% 193 119
Benn 61.7% 50 31
Johansen 61.5% 99 62
Thompson 60.3% 94 62
Barkov 59.7% 160 108
Beagle 59.4% 149 102
Miller 59.2% 120 71 49
Little 59.0% 98 68
Neutral zone:
Glendening 69.2% 45 20
Giroux 67.0% 69 34
Desharnais 63.7% 65 37
Stastny 61.9% 130 80
Ryan 61.8% 63 39
Suspense must be killing y’all.
[Drumroll…] Rangers have NONE players above 50% in the o-zone. Desharnais closest at 49.6%.
Is Glendening another gerund? Or a Miracle Met?
Not sure. We were fresh out of glendens at our place last week. Could have used him to help refresh the supply.
Please don’t interpret anything I say about the Rangers being a decent/good team to mean I think they’re Cup contenders. I don’t. Could they beat anybody in a best-of-seven? Yes. Could any team beat them in a best-of-seven? Yes. Could they miss the playoffs? Yes. Could they win two or three rounds or more? I’m not smoking pot until I get a job š
I think there are nine, 10, 11 teams or more in the East that could make or miss the playoffs, and eight or nine, that could come out of the Conference playoffs.
And also understand that Dolan is on board if Gorton sells at the deadline, even at the cost of a couple of home playoff games.
Neutral Zone:
Stu Bickel 100%
Desharnais > Crosby!
To the Rangers’ lack of depth at center, here’s a surprising stat. There are only a few teams that have 4 guys in the top 100 in faceoffs, and only two of them get to their fourth guy faster than the Rangers.
Dallas (Benn/Spezza/Faksa/Seguin: ranked 12/34/43/45)
Ottawa (Thompson, Duchene, Pageau, Brassard: ranked 9/20/48/66)
Rangers (Desharnais, Miller, Zibanejad, Hayes: ranked 20/41/61/67)
It’s just faceoffs, doesn’t tell much of a story, but I would not have guessed they were third in any sort of center ranking.
Stu Bickel – 1/4/15. – 1″29 ice time, 39 minutes of penalties, 37 on one shift. Happy New Year!
If Jesper were a gerund, he’d be Fasting. Would we be wrong, then, to think that he would be hungry?
Nice job, ilb. Thanks for the mention, and while I knew Hank had a great record b2b games, I lifted those exact numbers from Cyrgalis. Miller, IMO has been their best, hardest working forward over the course of the season. Iām hoping we see more dominant play out of him like that goal last night. He should win the Steven McDonald award this year but the little Norge will probably take it home again because everybody loves a Hobbit. Not saying Zucc doesnāt work hard, but I thought Fast deserved it last year. Iām liking the way they seem to have found themselves after twisting in the wind early on, but it is December and a long way to go. LGR!!
In truth, Fast deserves the Officer McDonald award EVERY year.
If Hayes were a gerund, he’d be in jail.
Or back in College
Ryan Carter: “I sensed I was in a pickle when Torts sent out Bickel.”
If The King were a gerund…
It’s absurd that Dan Girardi never won the McDonald award.
Fast could be couching.
I think it was just last year that the Rangers went looking for retribution on Simmonds, who in a previous game sucker punching our Captain. McIlrath and Glass. Seems like 15 years ago.
Man, that little paragraph was seriously mangled.
Every now and then I reminisce of the beauty and physical grace of Girardi and Donuts in shutting down any and every one who skated into the Garden. (And Away.). Ah, memories.
Wick, I’d say our two most valuable defenseman as far as trades are Mac and Brady, but trading either makes no sense if the goal is to make this year’s team a contender while still taking account of the future. Shatty won’t be moved for obvious reasons, so unless another team overvalues Smith (unlikely, especially with his contract) or Holden (again unlikely), so not sure we are getting anything but a fringe 3rd line center back for one of our defenseman. Wingers are more of a strength, but the most desirable guys (Miller, Buch, Kreider) aren’t the guys we should be moving and besides Kreider none of them make enough capwise to bring back a contract of any note. A real hockey move that wouldn’t be sacrificing for the future would be to move Zuc (or I suppose Nash), but don’t think we get back anything more than a brassard or stepan type player….rinse and repeat i suppose
When a player who is seen as the Coach’s pet wins the Players’ Player Award, you know he’s the real deal.
Coos, or Staal when used to frustrate the H-E-double-hockey-sticks out of Ovie
Yeah, Romeo. Stall did have his day, as did Girardi. Time and etc. have taken their toll.
Interesting assumption, coos, that a player’s teammates would have to overcome a coach’s admiration to admire him themselves. Could it be that they respect their coach as well as the player? I haven’t heard anyone but you refer to Fast as the coach’s pet, though I suppose there are others who think that.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-100-things-love-mcdavid-matthews-maple-leafs/
good list
I had a terrible education. I attended a school for emotionally disturbed teachers.
Pete
Itās possible, but it only takes one cup win and rinse/repeat becomes non applicable.
Opinions vary obviously.
You had the Irish Christian Brothers too, 3C? š
Kudos to Brouwer last night for standing up for a teammate!
Well done sir, well done!
Carp and/or others, what do you think it will take to re-sign McD in years and annual salary? Any chance they get a hometown discount ala shattenkirk? IMO I would sign him if 6.5 or less, maybe 4-5 years. Any chance that gets it done? if not, what do you think is the return for him at deadline? Do you get more by waiting until the draft?
6yrx$7M with Cap increase is my guess. Have to sign him or find equal value on back line thru other means.
D isnt exactly a strength of this team.
Despite what anyone says, they must pursue McDonuts and make him a reasonable offer. His departure would be sinful in too many ways.
D might not be a strength of this team, but it may not have to be. Since the turning point vs. Vegas, only 3 teams have given up fewer goals than them: SJS 48; TBL 49; CHI 51; NYR 52 (w/ NSH). The Rangers are good.
Think SNāe proposal is the best case scenario you could hope for as far as resigning Mac. Wouldnāt be surprised tho if he demands 7-8 yrs and 7.5-8m, which someone would give him on the open market (minus the 8th year of course). His value as far as a trade will decrease after the deadline as then a team would only be acquiring him for one full season before he becomes a UFA. Even then Iām not sure you can pry away a top young center like say Nylander in Toronto unless he agrees to sign an extension. Absent an extension think the return is a good young player (Marner level) and another pick or prospect. It karlson is really available that could eat into his market, but also could create a bidding war where the runner up would for Mac
Wick, if itās a contract for contract swap then think itās Zuc, Nash, Kreider or Smith but I wouldnāt move Kreider unless itās a crazy offer and donāt think anyoneās is giving up anything of value for smith. Just not sure the quality of player weād get back for Zuc or Nash would make the team that much better but guess you never know. Now if a team like San Jose is out of it, they could be open to moving Thornton but they will want picks and young players and would have to retain some salary too likely, which is not the kind of trade they should be making in my opinion at least
Norm,
I think most here agree, the Rangers are good. And if that’s the goal, to be good, well the give McD a trophy and let’s plan the parade. I think the goal should be to be great. Standing pat is not the way to do that. You either go get some help for this team today, and give them a chance to be great, or move some pieces with value, and try to be great tomorrow. And on Miller and DD, Miller at center makes the Rangers better. DD should either center 4th line, or be a scratch.
Great review ilb, a game i actually got to see from start to finish!
It was a strange game that Boston looked like they had no right being even within 1 of the Rangers, but then again the refs were helping Boston area teams all weekend weren’t they?!?!?!
Kreider’s keister must be responsible for a large proportion of our man advantage goals over the past 2 years – and the shame is he’ll get no credit on the stat sheet for any of them. When he gets to the end of the year with 50 points, you could probably add 10-15 to that for the number of “screening the goalie assists” he should have.
Every team needs a Kreider, it’s a good idea to keep him. Like simonkimbrell stated he’s more valuable than the stat sheet reveals!
agreed with Simon on Kreider. his presence in front of the net is something most of us have asked for for years.
There were stats posted recently about NYR D’s performance in which they ranked at or near the bottom on every meaningful advanced stat and the unit is being saved by goalie performance.
This is why IMHFO the D will not hold up over the course of multiple PO rounds. Could the goalie continue to stand on his head and lead them thru multiple rounds? Of course, but that’s putting it all on a 35yo goalie.
Through history, tough guys who will boldly fight their way to the crease score goals one way or another- goals that otherwise go wanting. Around here, Vickers and Adam Graves come vividly to mind.
BDL, if you think it’s agreed here that the Rangers are good, well, then, the other pozie and I have accomplished a small mission. I doubt it’s the case, though, as we will learn the next time the team loses a game. In any case, you want them to be great, and you propose getting there through a series of brilliant trades. I want them to be better than the other teams, none of which are great, and unlike Carp I do see them as Cup contenders if they keep progressing as they are doing. Big if, but I see them improving by virtue of the young players they have now improving.
Norm – The Rangers are the worst team on Offensive Zone faceoffs – (44.9%). They are the 6th best team in terms of Defensive Zone faceoffs (53.2%) and are 19th in Neutral Zone draws (49.7%). I guess if you are only going to be good in one zone on faceoffs, it better be in the defensive zone.
The poor offensive zone numbers explains some of the problems the Rangers have on the power play – especially when it is one of those games where they get seem to get control of the puck in the attacking zone on the PP.
The Rangers are pretty much a 50% team on faceoffs when they are ahead in a game (299-293) and when they are behind in a game (327-328), but they are under 50% when the games are “close” (577-599). The NHL site does not define “close”, but given the large number of faceoffs I would guess it has to be when games are tied. Overall, the Rangers are 21st (49.3%) ahead of Columbus who is 29th (47.3% and probably will fall without Dubinsky in the lineup) and Tampa Bay who is 30th (46.9%). The Blueshirts are even ahead of the Blackhawks (24th at 48.6%) given that Jonathan Toews is one of the best in the business.
We couldnāt win a cup with Hank in his prime and a better crop of defenseman and forwards. Would love to be deadwrong, but think itās pretty wishful thinking to believe this current crop has what it takes or that they could add meaningful upgrades without surrendering more high picks or one or more of our few good prospects (Russian goalie may be the only one you could label potentially elite)
We enjoy throwing the puck around. When it works, we can control it, fans. ooh and aah, but we operate mainly on the useless (for scoring purposes) perimeter. When it doesn’t work (which is by far most of the time,) the puck moves the other way – and fast.
SN, I admit I am not sold on these advanced proxy stats and prefer bottom-line ones like GA and W-L. Watching the games, I have noticed Lundqvist’s propensity for giving up an early softy and then shutting the door. And the Shatty trade-off, and McD’s injury-related struggles. I have also noticed the D keeping the puck on the perimeter, clearing the crease much better than they have in the past, and blocking a lot of shots. I don’t think their good defensive results of late are as simply explained as great goaltending in combination with poor defenders, though Corsi and Fenwick may believe otherwise.
Clearing the crease? We’re the ones who are too often cleared from the defensive crease. Hank’s probably glad to get at least one guy from screening him even if it IS his teammate.
So, coos, are the Rangers good?
I propose them getting there by picking a path, either go for it this year, or try to build for it in the next one or two seasons. The shorter distance to getting there is making a move to add a player or two this season. But if that fails they could be set back many many years. I do think they are good right now, but only good. One and out good. One thing I feel for certain, doing nothing is the worst possible scenario.
Pretty good. We do have the pretty good one in #61.
With Zibby back, I think we have sufficient firepower. Would, of course, be nice to add a superstar, but our major problemos are on the back end. Can’t be more. obvious. Can it?
Larry David thinks they’re pretty, pretty good.
Who’s Larry David, the kid who killed Goliath?
The backend problemos are belied by the bottomline resultos. We have tendency to rate our six relative to a standard that doesn’t exist in the league right now.
Thou shalt not mock the creator of Festivus!
Never trust anyone with two first names.
What’s with Sarah Palin naming her kids Trig, Track, Willow, and Piper? Gimme a break.
So Norm doesn’t believe in any stats, just W-L and GF/GA. Got it.
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oh, about the recent Face-off stat postings that were posted by you….yesterday….
Brooksie says zib back on 1st line this morning with DD centering the 4th. Nieves on D. What does everybody think?
The eye test has it! No subjectivity in that!!
Hmmm…didn’t somebody bring up that AV would move DD to 4th line (me) when Zika returned and somebody else (Norm) said that wouldn’t happen?
Where else is he gonna go other than watching from the wrong side of the glass?
BDL, I’m all for them going for it this year, not because they’re some sort of Presidents’ Cup/Stanley Cup shoo-in (as though those exist), but because they have the potential to improve with who they have and, yes, a trade or two. If that’s all they had, it wouldn’t be enough, but this looks like one of those years where the Cup could be won by any number of teams. Maybe the Preds or Lightning or someone will break completely clear, make a big, solidifying trade and run away with it, but at the moment everyone has flaws.
The Rangers have a lot of things going for them, I think, even though we tend to focus on those flaws. They have very good goaltending–Lundqvist has been effective with his new approach but has not had to stand on his head like a HaÅ”ek. They have a nice back six, with a top three of McD, Shatty and Skjei that any team would be lucky to have, and a steady two in Holden and (earmuffs, coos) Staal. Smith looks hungry of late, not sure how he’ll turn out but it will be here, and Kempfer has been surprisingly steady.
Their fortunes will rise or fall, IMO, on the continued improvement of Fast, Hayes, Kreider, Buch and Miller. If Hayes can keep developing his 200-ft. game (led by the example of Nash), if Fast can score a little in addition to everything else he does, if Kreider can stay consistent, if Buch can toughen up a little, and if Miller can keep being Miller, I think they have a good chance. Nash is a rock, Grabner and Zucc provide a good offensive threat, as does former leading-scorer Zibanejad, whose PP presence has been missed. Vesey looks like he’s a year away in-zone, but even he has chipped in now and again.
Agree except for Staal. Do you watch him? He’s number 18. And he’s borderline abysmal.
SN, I’m right here, no need for the “Norm doesn’t believe” stuff–I was responding to you directly. You could do the same, but your choice and to your mocking points: faceoff stats are what they are, they are not proxies, and, to quote myself, “Itās just faceoffs, doesnāt tell much of a story.” Your next mock, to the eye test being subjective, uh, yes, it is. And the third one, Desharnais to the fourth line, I’m not sure anyone saw Boo going out, though ilb was smart enough to note the possibility of running 4 balanced lines absent a prototypical 4th. I think Nieves has been good, but lousy on faceoffs.
coos, you were warned. No earmuffs handy, I guess. Sorry.
Norm,
My last sentence of my 9:01.
Missed the Boo-benching implication of that, BDL. Got to learn how to read better, thanks!
I just wanted credit for being right. Doesn’t happen that often. š
good
É”oĶod/Submit
adjective
2.
having the qualities required for a particular role.
“the schools here are good”
synonyms: fine, superior, quality
eĀ·lite
ÉĖlÄt,ÄĖlÄt/Submit
noun
noun: elite; plural noun: elites
1.
a select part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or qualities.
“the elite of Britain’s armed forces”
synonyms: best, pick, cream, crĆØme de la crĆØme, flower, nonpareil, elect
^
big difference between the two
Plenty of good points being made today. I haven’t been around much nor have I seen many games this year beginning to end. Nevertheless, when I look at the make up of this team and I watch the on ice product whether they are beating Tampa or losing to Ottawa I just don’t see a team that can win 16 times in the post season. And at this stage of the game I’ve been invested in this team for too long to be happy go lucky about a team that can occasionally make things exciting and win 5, 6 maybe 7 game come spring.
If I wanted to run in place I’d buy a treadmill.
DD centering the 4th line is why AV will probably never win a cup. Again this is the year to make the moves to improve there roster. If they try to kick the can again lol, they will lose Roof it Rick & The Flash for zero! Winning the cup is the prize we all want to see it happen, but at present this team is not designed for tough playoff hockey. They couldn’t even beat Ottawa last year!
Giving Desharnais Vesey and Carey as his wings is (to a bonehead fan such as me) best case a challenge: “Make it work with these two and we’ll think about keeping you.” Worst case: “We are easing you out the door. Thanks for filling in for Z., by the way.”
Not trading Nash at the deadline doesn’t necessarily mean you are losing Nash for nothing. The Rangers get back $7.8 million in cap space. Please note that I am not saying that I wouldn’t trade him. All I am saying is nearly $8 million in open cap space is a nice thing to have. Toss in Grab’ers pittance and you can can sign John Tavares (ha ha ha).
Worse case works for me.
I thought not rm only believed in ties?!
Make up your mind bro
So moving forward, advanced stats are not proxies of anything; all that matters is the eye test and Ws, Ls, (no ties), GF, GA and Face-offs.
Got it!
Norm
If Iāve read all the posts correctly…you are now saying if anyone posts anything about the rangers being good, itās because of you?
Wow, just wow!
The emotional fans cannot handle defeat and their immediate recourse to scream, ‘Rangers Suck’ and belittle their supposedly beloved franchise. Only those with the proper perspective and levels of maturity can objectively assess current performance of all elements of the team; players, coaches et al.
Love this place!
SN throwing it DOWN!
SN, advanced stats are SUPPOSED to be proxies of performance. I’m not sold on them is all, though I admire the efforts of Fenwick, Corsi et all to try to come up with predictive stats.
Hi, Wicky! I’m sorry you didn’t pick up the self-mockery in “the other pozie and I have accomplished a small mission” (written without Sittoo’s permission, hope she doesn’t mind.) Not sure what you had in mind about ties.
Hi Norm!
I must have missed the (S) in that Tolstoy esque post.
Re ties…you were ranting the other day about how there are still ties, I was just peeling your onions about it.
Clearly I forgot the (S)
There is no point in a tie or is there?
Wicky, I try not to use (S) to denote sarcasm or satire, and hate it that I succumb to smiley-facing as often as I do. Sort of disrespects the reader. If it’s not clear, then it’s on me. Got it on the ties business. It’s a weird item, whatever it’s called–wish they’d get rid of it. I’m entertained by the three-on-three, bored by the shootouts for the most part. Both are artificial, though, as is made clear in the playoffs, when they wouldn’t dare attempt such tomfoolery. š š š
Urgh, just hearing about the derailment–15 miles from where I sit.
Shootout sucks! Iām not overly enthralled with 3 v 3, find it pretty ridiculous.
Iād rather they just do an actual tie again as opposed to those two gimmicks.
Or at least do 4 v 4 which is some semblance of real hockey.
Bettman’s dream come true: thanks to the gimmicks, there are only six(!) NHL teams below .500.
Bring back ties in NHL.
The 3 on 3 is an argument for bigger rinks IMHFO
No thanks on the bigger rinks. I think I’d be out as a fan. Bad enough we have goalies with more equipment than indoor lacrosse goalies. Move the nets back to where they used to be. Move the blue lines back a few feet. Make the neutral zone smaller, and the attack zone larger.
Only six teams below .500? Guess that means that they are all (pretty) good.
No way you’ll talk the owners into bigger rinks. However, anything that can be accomplished with a little paint and a wide brush they’ll consider, so long as the total cost is under $150 each.
IDK whether they deal Nash and/or Grabs before the deadline, this is one of those tricky UFA seasons where guys are going to get big contracts they aren’t worth. Most of the pending UFA’s are already making more than I’d guess their fair market value to be plus most of them are on the wrong side of 30. To me that contributes to the trade scenario being in the best interest of the organization’s future. Unless you believe E. Kane has finally figured it out in this his contract year..
This Power Play brought to you by Delco batteries…
This face-off brought to you by Neutrogena Wipes…
This breakout brought to you by Clearasil…
This greasy goal brought to you by the George Foreman Grill…
This cotton candy crew does not stand a chance of making the playoffs without the dynamic Face-off extraordinaire David Desharnais in the lineup!
BDL – in the 70’s the puck barely moved, it was kicked along the boards for half the game. In the 80’s and 90’s it opened up as players stopped smoking in the locker rooms and the Eastern Europeans provided an influx of skill. Now with players bigger and faster, there is less room to make plays and still have many resorting to the dump and chase of ancient times.
If you want to see skill, allow some clutching and grabbing (not mugging).
Skill players will shine in that scenario.
Game is too fast anyhow, not safe at all.
But I agree, no to bigger rinks.
Love the bigger rinks, where the speed and skill dominate, as it used to in the current rinks when the players weren’t so damn big. Nothing wrong with big, but not much room to operate any more, thus the clogging, trapping styles. It will never happen. The adjustment will be on the player size, which has already come down since 2004 as enforcers are eased out of the game.
Eased out of game lol
I’m probably late with this but… here you go.
Road to Winter Classic Episode 1
https://www.nhl.com/video/road-to-winter-classic-episode-1/t-293820400/c-55705403
Iād say salary cap had a lot more to do with the āeasing outā of the enforcer than any other thing.
Creativity in the league has also gone by the wayside, but that is do to the new rules, not the cap.
New rules have ruined the league more than anything else.
Foreigners arrived, bringing an influx of skill while smoking like Mount St. Helens in the locker rooms.
Still plenty of dough for goons at the base league minimum.
Wicky, you raise so many, many questions for my addled mind. The cap got rid of goons? Eh? Not sure what to make of that one, though I’m sure you have a rationale.
As to those manly, manly men, who’s left? Reaves, Haley, McCloud, Martin?
Wilson, I suppose, though he actually does other things really well, not sure how much the coach wants him in the box. I’m hardly a student of this category, had to look these up, so fill me in on what I’m missing!
And which new rules in particular are stifling creativity? And how would allowing clutch-and-grab help skilled guys? And why, if the game is so fast as to be unsafe, would larger rinks not help with that?
Ducks and Bruins working well for the Rangers so far…
I saw an article on the pens troubles and lack of a viable 4th line and even 3rd center. quite a few comments about people complaining about Reaves and how that ruins their 4th line.
Attababy, Henrique. Just made that trade look like a winner for the Dux. Blew by Vatanen with east.
Bruins putting the boots to the Jackets. Rangers’ good win in Boston looking even better.
actual hockey trades (ie current roster player for current roster player) seem to be rarer these days our most desireable players are the guys weād want for a playoff run), so that means the more likely scenario is trading our first or second round pick and/or a young defensive prospect. Are those who want to add on board with giving up future assets again?
https://twitter.com/RickCarpiniello/status/942936136447594496
Miller coughs up two softies for Devils to tie. Too bad the R’s won’t be getting him tomorrow!
Nice column, Carp. I take it you didn’t see Nieves benching coming either? If that’s official, that is.
Nice read Carp! Iām incredibly annoyed at the Ducks right now…
Ryan Miller – thanks for nothing
The Wickster wrote: “New rules have ruined the league more than anything else.”
You would think NHL would learn from the disaster that are NFL ratings this year. That Steelers game last night epitomized all that is wrong with NFL and why fans just don’t give a crap any more.
I mentioned earlier this month that the hated devils are not going away anytime soon. Rangers are going to have to do the dirty work on the
debbies themselves!
There’s one rule the Rangers haven’t had to deal with much this year, and that’s the goal called back on offside. The one in the Bruins game was the first in a while that I could remember. Worked in the Rangers’ favor–still hate it.
Henrique got a pretty sweet gift from the Devils last night.
https://streamable.com/g521v
I wonder if Zika’s return at the expense of Boo Nieves is Dubble Bubble’s way of hedging his bets in case Zika came back to early and isn’t able to finish tonight’s game. Big League Chew is probably more comfortable moving Desharnais up from the fourth line than moving Boo. Coach could have sat Carey, but we all know that Chiclets is more comfortable giving veterans preference over rookies/youngsters.
Some interesting news from Newsday about our buddies from Lawn Gisland. Newsday reports that sources say the Belmont development decision is coming tomorrow with the Islanders and NYCFC waiting to see which team gets a new home. If the Islanders lose out, things will not be looking good for their future in NY.
In addition, Calvin de Haan is going to be out for some time with a shoulder injury – perhaps as long as the regular season. He had two previous shoulder surgeries: one that caused him to miss his 2009/10 Junior season and one in 2012/13 that ended his AHL season that year.
Chiclets lol!
Interesting theory, Anthony, but if AV wanted Zibanejad insurance, wouldn’t he dress five centers rather than four, play one on the wing?
Kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol
When they do the Bristol Stomp
Norm – Good point, but it would mean sitting a “veteran” like Carey in favor of a rookie – something Orbit is reluctant to do.
Just what JFK traffic needs – more congestion on the Cross Island.
Bubblicious Wedgie
Carey is not much of a veteran, as you indicate with your quotation marks. Career minor leaguer, 50-ish NHL games across a few seasons. He’s looked better of late, I think, but so has Nieves. Odd choice to me, but it could be, just maybe, that the staff knows more about it than I do.
Good morning, boneheads!
Been absent for a day, the work flow has picked up significantly.
Neither Nieves or Carey deserved to sit. My guess is AV wants to use DD to balance the lines offensively and use him on the second PP unit. Placing him on the 3rd line center position ( which would move Miller to the wing and allowed to sit Carey ) would potentially force DD to play against top lines. Defensively he isn’t fit for that role.
Saw the Anaheim-Devils game last night. Ryan Miller. WOOF!
I have to admit. That goal last night by Henrique was pretty awesome.
Par for the course that boo sits so Carrey and DD can play. Shades of Renney all over again. Rinse and repeat franchise in so many ways. At this current trajectory Iām getting ready for another dumb deal at the deadline like Smith last year and then another first or second round exit, followed by the same exact thing the following season. God forbid we move at least Nash who if he has shown one thing consistent in his time here is that he is not a difference maker in the postseason.
From the semi-reliable dailyfaceoff:
1st PP: Kreider, Zuccarello, Buchnevich, Zibanejad, Shattenkirk
2ns PP: Nash, Hayes, Miller, McDonagh, Skjei
My theory is that the coaches want to reward Desharnais for his good fill-in work and see how long he can last in this lesser role. I suspect he won’t last long. Nieves has time on his side and didn’t deserve a benching any less than Desharnais.
I think they are better with Miller in the middle. That, to me makes DD expendable. Also if Gorton decides to add, one would think a winger may be cheaper than a center. Miller at center eliminates the need to acquire one.
Agree Pete rebuild on the crash!
Miller’s done very well at center. I still believe his game is better suited on the wing.
Same old crap different season. But hey we’re good!
I found the tipping point: Desharnais went 3 for 12 on faceoffs against the Bs, whereas Nieves went a mere 2 for 11. OK, Bergeron, but yeesh!
I honestly don’t , ilb. I think Miller at center is the best place for him. He’s more involved the overall game at center. No more dump the puck in and Miller chase it. Miller can carry the puck, and as we’ve seen, he’s a heck of a passer. On the wing, much like Kreider, he becomes a lot less versatile .
Miller’s stated desire to play wing (unless that’s changed) counts for something, I would imagine.
Isles to Belmont. No Tavares to nyr š
Great news! The Islanders will now stink farther from my work! š
Not doubting you, but I don’t remember Miller saying that. And no, it shouldn’t count for anything. He should play the position that is best for the team.
How’s the drive to Belmont? #askCarp
Wonder how many quasi-fans saw the sports headline in today’s Post and mistakenly thought that JT Miller was accused of sexual assault?
Reminds me of Jeter forcing A-Rod, a far better shortstop, to third. Talk about preference!
But Miller will do what’s best for the team, I’m sure. What I’m saying is that coaches do take players’ preferences to mind, trying to put them in the best position to succeed, the position that suits their games and allows them to play with the greatest confidence. Miller has looked very good at center, but has been even better at wing I think. Nice problem to have, that’s for sure.
Miller came in as a center, was moved to wing against his desire and now plays the loyal soldier, especially in a contract year…
link, coos? Saw nothing on line.
Ironically, me thinks Miller is better suited physically at center in the grind of the season. He likes to play a heavy game without the frame to withstand that abuse and thought he was banged up in November prior to move to pivot which allows more creativity to his game.
On pace for 40 assists.