Summary: The Blueshirts have reached the halfway point slotted into the first Wild Card spot, an encouraging turn of events from the disastrous start which featured only 2 regulation wins in their first 10 games. Overall team play has been a bit of a mixed bag as this ‘sum of its parts’ lacks individual star power, save for our sexy goalie.
Team Grade: B-
Coaching Staff: AV has emerged as a polarizing figure among a segment of the fanbase growing frustrated by his playing time decisions around who plays, how much they play and where they play; you know, just like every coach in NHL history. Facts are he gets solid results and has been a winning coach in his tenure here. With a lack of top line players, he uses a top 9 (and sometimes top 12) hoping to create mismatches and create scoring chances with 2nd or 3rd line players. His steady sidekick, Scott Arniel has a defined role, Associate Head Coach, though some question what tasks are involved. New arrival, D Coach Lindsey Ruff is determined to hide in the shadows and not face the fate of his predecessors. Most importantly, the Goalie Whisperer, Benoit Allaire, has proven his tremendous value once again.
Coach Grade: B-
Goalie: After a rough early start, King Henrik has proven he can adapt and hold off Father Time with a new more aggressive approach, lighter pads, a slimmer waist and new conditioner to keep the sheen on his shining coif. He is the highest paid player, the face of the franchise, and seemingly determined to maintain his high standard of excellence. After the early bad stretch, he has played his best hockey over the past 3 regular seasons. The emergence of Pavalec as a reliable back up reinforces the stature of the Goalie Whisperer.
Goalie Grade: A
Defense: Oy, where to begin? I guess, with Capt McD, who has sat out 4 games with a (lingering?) groin injury and has made enough gaffes for many to question if he is worth a top 10 D-man deal when his current pact ends in ’19. One can only ponder how this unit performs without their only legit top 2 two-way Dman. The same faces are trotted out every game and rather than parse through each players performance, let’s just say, there have to be better alternatives inside or outside the org. The structure used does not provide much support for a D unable to win 1v1 board battles so the puck stays in the zone and scoring chances abound. Continually wonder if a more traditional D structure would offer a more support for this level of D talent. Some good news is 6th in SH situations and 9th overall.
Defense Grade: C-
Offense: AV’s top 9 lineup approach has featured players being moved up and down the line-up with mixed results along with the emergence of a bottom 3/4th line to provide tertiary scoring, needed physicality, and valuable O-zone time. Mika Z was injured again, but the team held strong and performed well (thanks to goalie play), but also the early effectiveness of the PP tailed off in his absence. Now with Kreider hurt, the lack of depth and top line scoring along with limited puck possession time, points to a challenging second half. At 5v5, they rank 29th in CF%, 26th in Fenwick %; not good possession metrics. A lack of ‘good looks’ and a propensity to pass up open shots has resulted in being 14th in Goals Scored, and 16th in PP goals. The lack of two-way players leaves a mix of offensively focused forwards who get trapped in D-zone and have trouble controlling play in the O-zone. There is talent but the mix of players, especially in the middle, is less than ideal.
Offense Grade: B-
Outlook: The second half features a lopsided road slate with three West Coast trips to test their ‘Road Warriors’ mantle of recent seasons, and up to date they have performed poorly away from MSG (7-10-0). They are 13th in total points in the NHL and 7th in points in the Eastern Conf. This is a ‘middle of the road’ team that was able to crawl out of an early hole in part due to outstanding goalie play, an effective PP and a favorable schedule. There is a fan’s hope for the best, but this group seems ready to disappoint unless they are able to control 5v5 play through Ozone possession time and begin winning more 1v1 battles on the wall. While there are no ‘great’ teams, there are plenty of lineups that have star power and a better mix that seem better structured for a deep PO run. As the ice gets smaller and the need to buckle down to win the 5v5 game, this group will need to step up their play to be considered contenders, and not pretenders
Out into the cool of the evening
Strolls the pretender
He knows that all his hopes and dreams
Begin and end there
Second Half Prediction: Just make POs as #2 WC, get smoked by Tampa in Round 1 with no deadline deals moving upcoming UFAs leaves this middling group caught in mediocrity.
Yes, I’m stuck in the middle with you,
And I’m wondering what it is I should do
It’s so hard to keep this smile from my face,
Losing control, and I’m all over the place
Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you
69 responses to “Midseason review by SN”
https://www.buzzsprout.com/112800/622787-episode-52
dave maloney on this podcast w allen and laidlaw
Saw in the widget that it’s Wes McCauley’s birthday. Here’s a video of him being awesome. Impossible not to love this guy.
Nice work, SN. I’d be interested in your grades post 10/31 (you’ve done enough, not a request!). Rangers third in GA, middle-of-the-pack offensively. I’d say say the D has done better than a C- job since then, that it’s not ALL goaltending. C- relative to a desired level, maybe, but not relative to the league. I’m guessing you don’t grade on a curve! (And, of course, the comically bad start does count.) Since Vegas-MSG, NY is a mere 9th in shots allowed–some might argue that’s still too many, but I almost always listen to the opponents’ announcers, and they invariably say to introduce the game, “[Our boys] need to pour shots on Lundqvist and hope for a bounce or two. He’s too good.” Lundqvist has been outstanding, but he does get a lot of easy shots to deal with, too. All that said, the D needs to tighten up, no doubt.
Don’t agree with a lot of his decisions, but also not gonna say AV is an awful coach. However, let’s be clear, he was brought here to lead them to a Cup victory, something has not happened as of yet and looks less and less likely that he will accomplish.
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Will be a real disappointment for me and indictment on Gorton in my opinion if Nash and Grabner at the very least aren’t moved by the deadline. In the case of Nash specifically, I really don’t think our odds of making the playoffs even take that big a hit if he is removed from the lineup (and laughable to suggest this version of Nash is a key reason why we’d be able to make a legitimate run for the Cup if we did sneak into the dance).
And even with Kreider and Zib healthy, it’s arguable if we even currently have any true top line offensive talent on this roster (Kreider is the closest imo given the combination of size and skill)
Nice work. A well-rounded review that captures most of the issues. A dearth of young talent coming is a major concern with this organization (other than Lias and Filip). Without Gorton finding deals like the McD deal with Montreal I don’t see their situation improving much over the next few years, which also means during the time that Henrik Lundqvist tends the Rangers net. I do not see him lifting the cup in a Rangers uniform, unfortunately. If he gets traded to a contender before he retires, maybe. Otherwise, the Rangers next cup will likely be lifted by a Russian goalie.
TYM,
There is young talent coming, but they don’t have nearly enough. After the 3 you mentioned, it looks like Fontaine may have a chance at an NHL career. They are grooming him for a checking role, but his O has picked up in recent weeks. And don’t look now, but Ryan Gropp has started to score.
Solid review SN…agree with majority of it and nice to hear AV compliments for a change. Think they will squeak into playoffs but also hink Gorton is going to make those deadline deals moving upcoming UFAs
Nice work, Stranger Nation. Thank you.
Really nice review SN, considering their start I think a B- is acceptable. As much as I don’t like AV he is doing the best he can with the players he deploys. At present they are not contenders. And as you predicted, if they end up in the 2wc they will get run over by the lighting!
Well done, SN. But now I have to go watch Resevoir Dogs
Kreider might be Kovalev’s complaint about the modern game personified. Skates hard, shoots hard, not much creativity (though a glimpse of some this year, I think).
Kreider may be the AV complaint about developing players. Kreider has been turned into a robot when he plays. Stand at the side boards and wait for the team to get possession. Then skates as fast as you can down the LW. Retrieve the puck out of the corner. Stand in front of the net. We all watch Kreider, and think there is more there, and it’s frustrating when there’s not. When I mentioned that the team seems to stale, Kreider is definitely one of the guys that has gone stale.
Miller is also heading that way. Either these guys need to get away from AV, or AV needs to get away from them.
Anyone remember the slap shot he scored on against Braden Holtby? I think it was his late season call up under Torts. Where is that version of Kreider gone?
Chytil and Lars could exceed expectations and become fringe top line players (tho if they do it likely will take a few years) but that’s far from a given and we don’t have any near sure thing top offensive talent in our system (and not really on the nhl roster in my opinion). Not sure things on D are all that better unless Day lives up to his potential. Russian goalie definitely seems to have the highest ceiling in our system and he likely won’t even be in hartoford for another two seasons after this. All this to say they need to acquire as many picks and prospects as they can.
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If Kreider played with a true top line center and a skilled winger (like Buch or better) he’d be a force for sure, but first to admit he needs to be more consistent in his own play and that he isn’t the most skilled player on his own. Don’t think AV is the best coach for him but that’s another discussion
Nice job SN!
“The call on the ice—STANDS! We got a goal!”
Speaking of refs, I was at Dan O’Rourke’s 1000th game recently. Nice pregame ceremony too.
Interesting that we need to get Kreider (or Miller) away from AV, whereas creative players like Zucc, Desh, Shatty and Hayes routinely get it in the neck here–wish passes, overpassing. I know, I know, broad brush, there is no single poster who represent the blog generally, just an observation.
I’m not sure I follow Norm. I was speaking about development of players. Has Kreider become what we believed he would? I think that’s a no. Good player, yes, reached his potential? No. He has gone stale doing the same old same old. And I sense Miller heading in that same direction.
SN
Well done sir, thank you!
Bdl
I get what you are saying. Agree 100%
Norm, to be clear I want AV away from all of our players at this point. Think he has run stale and now slipping into Renney mode-play the guys he “trusts” (Beit Staal in the playoffs last year or Carey and Fast this year) instead of accepting turn growing pains that is in the franchise’s longterm interest (admittedly not always the same as his own interest).
Pouliot has 9 goals, he sucks
Nice work, SN. Thank you! Finally got around to changing it the way you wanted it, sorry.
http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/news/2018-stanley-cup-odds-updated-surprising-vegas-golden-knights-tampa-bay-lightning-midseason/1fwdce3jbqmhd1mmoo0q4nno7q
pre season and current odds to win the cup
Tampa Bay is far too fay
Hey, Hey, Hey Hey Hey!
Still not sold on Tampa. They were smart and added some grit in the off season, but don’t think they like the rough stuff too much and don’t have a lot of “moxie” in their top lines.
Brouwer did a nice job in that scrap.
Playoff style may not suit them currently
Nice job SN!
I won’t root against them when I watch, but IMHO the best thing that can happen to this team is to
1) Drop out of a playoff spot. It’s sounding more and more like they won’t sell unless this happens.
2) For Nash and others with expiring contracts to stay healthy and get hot. Could see Nash going to a team like Nashville. Deharnais and Holden could be moved. Not sure about Grabner and Pavelec. Maybe trade and then bring them back if the price is right?
3) Get 1st rounders and quality prospects in return. “Win” the trades. Obviously, it’s the teams that are close to winning it all that are most likely to overpay at the deadline.
4) Re: McDonough-not sure if they should trade him at all, but certainly not in a down season. No point in selling low.
BDL, to your 5:45, would have liked to respond right away, but parent conferences all day. To Kreider, he made a big splash with that size, skating, willingness to drive the corner to the net. Lost count of how many times he came down the left and scored with that sweeping deke across the slot to his backhand. He did not seem to add much to his game until this year, when we began to see a creative pass or two. Perhaps AV is responsible for that lack of creativity, perhaps he’s responsible for what little that we’ve seen, and perhaps Kreider just isn’t that creative a player. All conjecture in my view unless somebody gives me real evidence (for instance of AV tamping down his growth in some way). In the meantime, I just hope the guy recovers fully.
Nicely done SN! I think that the 3 games this week vs Metro opponents are going to tell us a lot about this team. If they can come out strong and take at least 4 points, I will feel pretty good about their chances to make the playoffs and hopefully not have to face Tampa in the 1st round. But if they only get 2 or, god forbid, 0 out of 6, I think they are in danger of slipping out of a po spot and I’m not sure they would be able to find their way back. Fingers crossed that the goalies can continue to be stellar. More importantly I’m hoping the offense wakes the heck up!
Norm said “splash” when talking about kreider…
Lol @ pool référence
The current Tampa team doesn’t scare me in a playoff series as long as the rangers play them the way they did in the game that turned the season around for us.
Part II of the turnaround 🙂
Swing low, sweet chariot…
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/rangers-recap-good-bad-ugly-article-1.3752198?utm_content=buffer27dc2&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=NYDNSports+Twitter
rangers
good
bad
ugly
“Rangers’ last 24 games, they’re allowing a league-worst 35.79 shots against per game, surrendering at least 40 shots against eight times. They have the second-worst 5-on-5 shot-attempts differential at -280. ”
THAT is ugly. Wow
What a “sh**hole” roster. Presidentially speaking of course.
Norm,
I’m not talking about creativity. I’m talking about there role on the team. Kreider role has not changed in 4 seasons under AV. It’s the same old same old. Kreider has played his role well. 18, and then three straight 20 plus goals seasons. But we all can’t help think there is more to give. But you can’t give more, if more is not asked of you. Miller is following the same path.
I have to be honest. I’m sick of advanced metrics. This team under AV will never look good in that style. This is a team built on scoring on the rush or on stretch passes. They aren’t built for long stretches of puck possession. And you can win with that style if you EXECUTE. They don’t. They make an inordinate amount of stupid passes and can’t shoot straight when they do. And they are reluctant to follow up shots. The problem is that the players on DVD that AV loves are the slow lumbering guys. They need to be more creative and they need to do a better job in front of Hank.
STEVE – “They are reluctant to follow up shots.” So true, and never discussed (or coached).
BDL, what role would you have Kreider play? Center? Defense? Goalie? PK specialist? I jest, I jest, but I don’t actually know what you mean. You have a different role for him mind–what exactly? As to other players and their roles, again, what?
players aren’t “robots”, BDL. They’re simply “adhering to the system” that the coach wants them to play. Same system results in the shots against and the chances allowed. It’s not that they don’t defend it’s how they’re defending. Everyone is supposed to follow suit and anyone who deviates even if it’s just due to natural ability probably gets ripped for it.
Was it last season or the year before when someone scored a goal and then got ripped when they came back to the bench for how they performed before scoring?
Just my opinion of course, I’m not a professional analyst, coach, scout or manager…
Good morning Mr. Mertonian. Don’t think it’s the role he plays as much as the style of game that suits him best that BDL is referring to.
If you are not moving forward you going backwards. The Rangers are not moving forward. Maybe at the deadline they start to move forward.
A big problem, the way I see it, is AV is not the coach that fits for what they need to do. Which is add a bunch of young new blood to this team. If they are going to keep AV, then they should try to give him the veteran pieces he would want to succeed. I think most of us think that would be a mistake. I do not want AV anywhere near Andersson, Chytil, Pionk, Graves, or Letierri. And I don’t want him near any prospect they may trade for, or 1st round pick they may make.
3rd man in. BDL, I am certain, can speak for himself.
Screw the wildcard, rangers should sell, sell, sell at the deadline and only keep players that the organization feel are there core players going forward.
This isn’t the first time I’ve said this on here, AV needs to go, yea, it’s nice he gets the rangers into the playoffs every year but the idea is to win a cup. I don’t see that ever happening under AV.
Um, did AV stifle the creativity of the Sedins? No coach on the planet is going to turn Kreider into one of those.
3rd, 4th or 19th man – doesn’t matter Norm. This is a hockey blog for conversations that everyone is allowed to take part in. I guess it just feels kind of lonely because no one ever agrees with you. I just happen to agree with BDL. So I’ll echo what the man has to say. *thumbs up*
To buy or sell at the deadline that is the question?
I have been hoping that Gorton will sell the pending UFA’s for picks & prospects, moving Holden & DD for picks, and possible trading Zucc & McD if the return favors the Rangers. But I don’t think Gorton has the nerve to do it (Dolan, follow the money). The alternative and the only one that makes sense to me is to make a series of Hockey trades. Something like Grabner to Tampa they have a wealth of young talent, Nash to St Louis, Dallas, or Anaheim for an NHL ready player, the same for Zucc and possibly McD. I am not saying I know the right teams or deals to make by any means, but to me it’s a way of selling an buting at the same time. As long as Lundqvist is in net, even though I am for a rebuild Gorton will never do it. He will still try to get this team into the playoffs. Hockey trades may still accomplish that. At the least Nash and Grabner must be moved At the deadline.
http://gph.is/1UcMyEb
just my opinion of course
We should sell and then buy.
OR… buy and then… sell!
OR… FIRE SATHER-AV-ARNIEL-RUFF!
St Pete, problem with making hockey trades at the deadline is that very few contenders are going to be giving up good nhl players who could help them win a cup and especially not at center and D (our biggest weaknesses in my opinion). Instead if a team bound for the playoffs is giving up someone on their roster it’s usually because the player has demanded a trade (MSL, tho this is very rare and most teams would just ignore the request) or the player isn’t very good or is damaged goods (Clowe). And unless no one else has been watching Nash play or he goes on a complete tear, I just can’t see any team giving up that much for him. Grabner has the shot at netting us the most as far as pending UFAs, Mac the most overall
“I guess it just feels kind of lonely because no one ever agrees with you.” Love the tribalism of that one, but I forgive you, James.
This blog has become a bit of a sad place, tbh…
Perpetual topic of each day? Norm’s rose-colored glasses.
CCCP,
We may be small in numbers, but it’s not even close anywhere else as far as knowledge goes. We few here, know our stuff.
Pete
I get what you are saying I never said it is a slam dunk. But teams have made Hockey trades already Anaheim & devils. If a playoff team has a need at the deadine they may pull the trigger. I’m not saying Grabner for Braden Point but more along the line of a Slater Koekkoek or a Yanni Gourde. Just using Tampa as an example because I get to see them a lot.
ilb – email
That’s not what I said. I know this place pretty well…
It’s Norm vs Boneheads most of the time now. Pozzy pozzy vs neggy neggy, and neither side is winning.
so we are stuck in the middle with you? 😉
Ha!
NEW POST
Larry Brooks
@NYP_Brooksie
Rangers have recalled Lettieri. Practice this afternoon coming off bye week. Islanders at MSG tomorrow afternoon.