Good Morning, Boneheads! Hope you enjoyed that game last night because if the Rangers are going to beat some teams this season it’s going to have to look like that most nights. Very Torts-era kind of win.
The offense which has been pretty underwhelming from the start didn’t look all that great again. Still too many guys trying to do too much out there while others just don’t seem to have the appropriate level of compete. With that said they seemed to finally adapt a bit to DQ’s style and put up a pretty solid defensive effort (reminiscent of those dominant road wins they used to pull off a couple of seasons ago IMHO)
May be a good time to rehash the Lundqvist argument: Did his numbers dip the last 2-3 years because the defense in front of him weakened? Can’t answer that but I will say this- he’s looked quicker and more focused even without the notches in the win column and that’s what they’ll need from him to have a chance every night.
Finally, I’ll eat a bit of crow and give some recognition to McLeod who made the most of his 5 minutes of TOI. He was engaged, went to the net and took a tough shot from Landeskog’s stick drawing the 4 minute double minor. We’ll have to wait and see if Quinn makes any changes to his lineup tonight.
HAV or not, We’ll have a GO TIME! at 7PM
Here’s a link to Carp’s review of last night:
https://theathletic.com/595281/2018/10/17/quinn-pushing-the-right-buttons-as-the-rangers-show-progress-early-in-season/
98 responses to “Rangers-3, Avalanche-2 (OT/SO)”
I made some small changes to the blog by updating the “About Me” section and by removing my own Twitter feed. I did, however, leave the widget with the news feed.
Great win, great seeing them compete and play with some bite. I liked Smith and Shatty’s games last night and Hayes line was definitely playing more directly. Yet another W that can be chalked up to the King
Foist?
Nope.
They played a decent game last night against a good team. The offense is still a work in progress but definitely appeared to be moving in the right direction. I’d say the worst of the bad habits were evident on the pp, though even there certain groups did a lot better moving themselves around rather than just the puck.
For all the hate on #18, he is still a servicable 3rd pair and at times flashes his old, pre-battered self. G was run out of town and is still getting 17 toi on a playoff caliber team, warts and all. I’m not too worried about blocking an 18 or 19yr old, their time will come soon enough.
I absolutely love this quote from Quinn.
“I think the biggest things for guys as they continue to get older is changing their definition of what trying hard is. I think [Buchnevich] is not unlike any 23-year-old, he’s got to continue to work on that. And he is. He’s not consciously going out there thinking he’s not going to try hard. I think it’s just a process for every young player. I think it’s a major hurtle for any young player to change your definition of what hard work is.”
Beezle I’ve said it a few times in the past. If Staal was a consistent 3rd pairing guy making 3 million a season and not in the spotlight for his injuries so often he’d be much less criticized. Does he belong on a rebuilding team? I think he’s here for leadership at this point. And for 5.7 million other reasons that probably keep other teams from being interested.
Still need the number 1, and 2 centers to buy in.
Speaking of defense, that’s the best Smith has looked probably since game 1 against the Sens in the ’16-17 post season. Hope he keeps that up and helps to solidify things. He’ll certainly have value at the deadline if he can keep it up.
BDL, I’m going to be very agreeable with you today because I feel like we’ve been battling too much ; )
You’re right. And I think Zibanejad is the next guy that needs a tour of the press box. Doesn’t look half as good on the PP. And it irked me to see him shrug off his botched shoot out attempt even if the shootout IS a joke.
And that one timer last night by Hayes is exactly what makes me angry about his style of play. If he did that instead of the wish pass and threw 3 hits a game he’d be beloved.
Did you see this one C3?
“We’ve got to get to the net. There’s got to be less B.S. to our game offensively. We’ve got to have more of a shooter’s mentality.”
Sounds like exactly what he’ll say when one or both of Hayes and Zucc are traded.
Btw- those two guys being on the ice for the PP together? Almost guarantees the opponent that only 3/5 of the Rangers on the ice will actually attempt a shot. PP is an opportunity to slam one home. Not set up a picture perfect play. The more Quinn hammers that message into their heads the better.
Chytil looked much better on the wing. Less pressure, better results. Shatty was a sight for sore eyes. Much better wake up in a hurry but ultimately they need him desperately to generate offense. I think Henrik for sure suffered statistically the past 2 years because of the chaos in front of him. Underlying analytics show he was bombarded by shots and high danger shots, especially last year. Structure in front means a return to form for him.
Agreeing with every comment we make gets boring. Having said that, I actually think you and I agree on most stuff, just that sometimes we come at it from different angles.
Buch not much…
That Quinn quote is something Rick Nash should read. If reading isn’t still giving him headaches….too soon?
Great game last night watched on and off on my phone while baby sitting our grandson (17 months) who is constantly trying to rip the phone from me lol! If these boys can begin to pot some goals they may finish out of the Hughes sweepstakes!
Chytil on the wing is a short term fix, and a long term mistake. He needs to learn to play the center ice position. If he’s not a center, than that’s a big problem. Send him down to learn to play the position.
Sounds like we are in agreement. Hank is a system goalie. 😁
Well said, Sittoo
Bdl I don’t disagree with you on Chytil but he was a liability at center and played well on the wing last night. Doesn’t mean it’s permanent.
Let’s be honest. Chytil would benefit from playing some time in Hartford. He’s here because he’s got skill that most the other forwards here don’t have. But if he can’t be effective then probably best to bring up Andersson and let him play Quinn’s style and provide some two way ability. The end result won’t look much different. Still going to lose and win a lot of low scoring games.
Defensive structure absolutely helping Hank out this year, BDL. But he’s been sharp. Quick glove, sharp focus, making good decisions and playing deeper in his net like he did early in his career. Hasn’t let up a bad angle goal or a bad goal in general yet. No one’s gotten one by him up high on the blocker side yet either which I’m stunned about.
Chytil was much more noticeable last night because he played more. I do not really see to much difference in his game. Still very hesitant. Still getting pushed around on the boards, and clueless as to what to do in his own zone. The NHL is NOT a developmental league. That’s what the AHL is for.
I think Hank is at his best when he has solid structure which puts him in a steady rhythm and allows him to play deep. From there he can make occasional jaw dropping saves as opposed to the aggressive approach he used the past 2 years to make up for the no-defense system used by AV. That’s Quick-style goaltending and he’s not suited for it.
Chytil played more last night because he is not as much of a liability on the wing defensively. Can’t trot him out for big minutes at center if he’s going to get torched over and over. And I agree Lias is more suited to the Quinn style of play and would like to see him up…
Hey guys, sorry I didn’t do the Wolfpack review last Friday. It snuck up on me and I didn’t watch it. I told ILB, I’d do reviews on the nights where the pack play but rangers don’t. So I will keep to that going forward if you guys want. Got cccp’s email so I can forward it to him or James/rr20 let me get your emails and i shoot one to all 3 of youse so that somebody can post it.
Best wishes captain.
CCCP don’t nuke the blog 😉
Vesey-Howden-Zucc
Kreider-Lias-Fast
Namestnikov-Hayes-Spooner
Hey guys, sorry I didn’t do the Wolfpack review last Friday. It snuck up on me and I didn’t watch it.
jpp already a seasoned vet in regards to our HAV. I like it..
Chytil played more last night because they wanted to see him on the wing before they make the decision to send him down. Do we send him down to play the wing or send him down to play center.
jpp- if you send it to the RR2 email then we’ll all have access to it. Right now we’re updating based on availability (read: dirty free for all)
Absolutely goes down to play center.
Agree James. That’s the position that would be most beneficial to the Rangers.
Send Don Cheadle down, bring up John Fogarty or Johnny Fontaine if he can “act like a man!”
Like Pickle Mans game – got a little rat in him.
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Staal’s best game this season. DQ is going make these guys ‘buckle up buttercup’.
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Haze and Zucc on 4-3 in OT looked like a game of hot potato.
I really like Quinn’s insight on the way to play physical. The description of the style of play from guys like Crosby and McKinnon was really good. Throw back to the Messier/Shanahan mold even if todays players aren’t nearly as tough it’s the same concept.
Hayes is not a great shooter, not nearly as good as he is a passer. But that was one great shot!
Agreed. But for all we know, Hayes makes a mean BLT sandwich too. But he’s not going to find success serving them to goalies when he’s alone in front of the PP…know what I mean?
Sorry, I was channeling my inner Herb Brooks there for a moment..
You don’t have enough talent to win on talent alone.
The legs feed the wolves.
Annnd now I want a b.l.t…
OTBG “Watch out boys we’ve been ratted out.”
Loving Quinn’s comments about work ethic. Outside Wayne Gretzky, who would have been foolish to grind given his preturnatural ability to read the game, I can’t think of a player who would have suffered by not working harder. Each of us decries the dog in certain players, forgives it in others. The guy who frustrates me more than anyone is Kreider. I think he plays hard along the boards and plays physically in general, but it drives me bats to see him come down the wing at at speed and rather than drive the net takes a long shot. When he remembers to skate hard around the corner, he either gets in or draws a penalty. The other team hates it when he drives that corner–do what the other team hates.
Kreider’s issue is between the ears and in his gloves. Does not have a velvet touch and also not creative enough to deke out goalie.
It’s not a sophisticated deke, but it doesn’t have to be:
looked like Zibanajad took high hit later in the game… came back but possibly an issue with his history …last concussion diagnosed a day or 2 after game also
Yup, but notice that was coming is on his off-side (right) and also after a great pass from JT Miller…
Left side leaves less choice. He actually need to slow down and track to middle as his speed almost works against him as he closes in on goalie to increase his shooting angle and options.
It’s not the replay I wanted, just the first I found. His go-to move is to drive the net off the left side (when he can bring himself to do it) and to get it to his backhand. The goalie has to cheat if he wants to poke, and I can’t recall a time that he went short side to defeat that. So it’s deke or nothing, but he doesn’t do it nearly often enough to try anything else. When he does go, though, it’s a nightmare for the other team–grade-A scoring opp. and/or penalty. More, please.
Otherwise stated, what the D would prefer him to do is what he usually does: coast-and-look, or shoot long-range.
Hey Poopyheads,
Is it time to sit Pee-oink again?
Kid had a nice game last night.
PB,
The fancy boy STATS say Pionk stunk last night.
McLeod out. Of course you play him against his former team, but you don’t really need him when you’re looking for finishing. And you have to see if Buch got the message, as Shatty and Hayes clearly did.
McLeod eminently watchable for his measly 5 minutes.
plus 1 or 2 goals not gonna cut it against the Capitals
Our brothers and sisters in Canada have legalized mary jane. Time to invade.
thought Chytil was fine last night…made a nice defensive play late in game to prevent shot in front. looked like the coaches noted it when he got back to bench
Shatty necessary on the PP and a good influence on the kids, but can’t play in his own end.
Crash the damned net and follow shots up, NO flybys. I like this Coach.
Pionk wasn’t the best ranger d man last night, his game was good though.
A root a toot toot
A root a toot toot
We are the kids in a Ranger suit
We’re not rough and we’re not tough
But we’re coachable
And that’s enough
Letteri should play PP2 wing
In place of howden or spooner
Could be a nice PP specialist with wicked one timers and a nose for the front of the net
Howden is quickly becoming fan favorite but doesn’t have a great shot (yet)
Good thing there is no fighting in college hockey because the hit on UConn’s Ruslan Ishakov would have started a benching-clearing brawl. Ishakov is 5-7 and an Isles draft pick. BTW, Rangers draft pick Adam Huska was in goal for UConn.
https://nypost.com/2018/10/17/islanders-draft-pick-victim-of-one-of-scariest-hits-youll-see/
Man, that announcer’s voice is totally grating. Predatory hit. Suspend and shun that evil kid.
Canada legalized? Living in Tacoma, I was too buzzed to notice. And last time I was in Vancouver, the whole town smelled like they clean the streets with bong water–not sure they needed a law.
@Wicky – went with the straight plow, more a result of other dealer dropping the ball and not calling back to sell me their 5K V plow before I gave up and called the other guy. They claimed phone probs the next day. Lame in this day and age.
Is Buch still out tonight? He should be. Give him a nice long look at other people playing hard(er).
Any word on who’s in for tonight? I think Hanks gonna get the start. I know Holtby is going for Wash.
McLeod? Buch? Bueller?
If Hank gets the start the Rangers should consider sending Georgiev down to Hartford to get in a game or two this weekend.
Not a bad idea Anthony.
I have a bold suggestion- put Shatty in Zucc’s spot on the PP with Zibanejad in Ovechkins office.
Howden Kreider Shattenkirk up front with Pionk and Zibanejad at the points
AbNorm – I prefer Hershey, PA and the smell of chocolate in the air.
Sharp at the point.
We need an eraser in front of #30.
Is there not anyone uniformed who should usurp Hank from the ‘C’? Goalies can’t be Captain? B.Chit.
Beezle
Sounds like it will work fine
Quinn was supposedly going to name YOU captain before the game tonight, Coos 🙂
The PP1 looked better last night but the PP2 is just dogs breakfast.
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My guess is Dennis Weaver comes out tonite, esp with Mr Wilson out and Butch gets some run in bottom 6.
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No skate today, so no line-up info.
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Be interesting to put Bev in for Pickle Man and keep Sharty and Mr Pink in the lineup or does Lone Wolf come back in.
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Salmon Joe were saying how the Craps must be happy NYR played OT b/c they will be more tired. Really?
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No Pierre tonite – oh my!
Pierre grates.
James I think Bueller would make a fine forward, creative thinker!
Yo Soy Capitan. Yo no soy marinero.
Bueller got the day off.
Yeah but Cooscoos it was because he had to go to a parade. Last one of those I remember was 1994
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
BONEHEAD ALERT
Until further notice, try not to piss off the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
Quinn picks up phone in locker room:
“QUINN?”
“yes?”
“This is sergeant Peterson, Chicago police!”….
That hit was scary. But from what I could tell totally clean with the small player crossing the blue line with his head down.
Similar to the lesson orpik taught Kreider his rookie year
Tough to see any youngster get hurt but it was not dirty I don’t think
Which hit, Cregg?
The link with the UConn player above. nY post had the story
Official word: Hank back in net. McLeod Buchnevich’d and Buchnevich McLeod’d
Please tell me Pickle Man a Rick and Morty ref…?
Fine with scratching Buch to teach him a lesson, but has Spooner really earned a spot in the lineup each game?!
DeAngelo turns 23 a week from today. What exactly is the plan for this kid? Not getting any better sitting in the press box, but he just doesn’t fit here. Don’t want to waive him because the belief is he’ll be claimed.
Shouldn’t that be McLeod Shatcanned (or the new Prucha’d). (I’m trademarking that one).
‘Until further notice, try not to piss off the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.’
Certainly don’t expect anyone in authority in this country to come to your rescue.
Wow
The dead cat on tRUMP’s head needs brushing.
No politics
Rangers 5
Craps 0
Gwg Dennis Weaver
Don’t mess with the needle or the spooner.
I’ve decided to bring triple Eddie out of retirement. Rangers will make the post season. Believe and it will happen…