LouLam is Forrest Gumping his way through this situation. Walks in and gets lauded for autodrafting on Draft Day. Brings in a hell of a coach, manages to lose Tavares, and goes the bargain bin route for the summer. Down years from the guys who were supposed to carry them, but gets balanced scoring from some unlikely guys (Tzaziki Sauce, Count Filppula) and lights-out goaltending. Inexplicably puts together a huge season and is now killing an also-ran team with mediocre goaltending. I guess…good job Lou?
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
Deux
Bdl
I’d rather we/you did our own stuff here. We don’t really discuss Carps articles here anymore.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
No one talking about the Thornton headshot?
Rob
Posting before Coos cancels his subscription to the Athletic because Carp gave Staal a B-
James G
A couple of observations now that I’ve put my playoff bracket and my pride aside 🙂
1- Columbus-Tampa IMO boils down to one coach having his team well prepared and another coach that did a terrible job getting his players ready.
Torts catches a lot of heat but he take this game to heart. He knows this is the year they have to go for it and he has these guys leaving it all out there against what everyone thought was a superior team thats now could get swept (Tampa will win game 4)
You’ve got ten goal scorers in 3 games. Sounds like a team buying in.
Meanwhile Tampa for all the wins and all the talent and the post season success they’ve had over the last few seasons, hasn’t shown squat. Kucherov is suspended and Hedman’s hurt- fine. Where the hell are Stamkos and Point and all these big time players that take all the credit in the regular season? This falls on Cooper. Maybe the ease in which They breezed to the ECF last year stuck with them idk. But they’re not winning this series. Lesson learned.
Now as for the Islanders- I don’t like them or Trotz. But I probably gave Pittsburgh too much credit heading into round 1. Shell of a Cup team. Trotz has these guys going about their business in the right manner against a team that has no pushback and they’re going to wind up in the semis against a much tougher opponent where they’ll have a chance to show they’re for real. I don’t like it.
Toronto is going to get bullied into defeat.called that one from the start. Bruins may not be the better team on paper but they know how to play playoff hockey. One of the only guys that knows how to do that in TO (Kadri) is probably gone for the remainder of the series now.
Maybe that coupled with the Marner contract will make them want to trade him. I know a team that could benefit from a 2C that plays with his temperament.
NHL’s Central Scouting released its Final Rankings. No surprises at the top of the least – its is Jack Hughes #1 among North American skaters and Kaapo di tutti Kakko as the #1 European skater.
The big question is who is the European goalie OTBG drafts this year – and in what round. My pick is Tomas Vlk of the Czech Republic in the 5th round. He is 6-1 so he fits in, size-wise, with Igor and Olof and will save the team a few fishnagels since his last name only has three letters – although they might have to buy him a vowel somewhere along the line. Maybe they can cash in on the saving when Fast dropped the “h’ off his name 🙂
Admiral Akbar
Agree with James G.
Better coaches are winning the Tampa and Fishsticks series. Also Tampa built for regular season (I’ve thought all year long), and Pittsburgh is a shell of what it was even 2 years ago. Toronto is talented, but still learning what playoff hockey is.
ECF Finals: Boston vs. Washington
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
That’s not the main reason Tampa loses this series, but cooper is overrated.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
Akbar
That’s who I had in my bracket ecf as well…
But it’s still a trap
Old Ranger Fan
If Tampa gets swept it will be one of the biggest playoff surprises I can recall. But 8 beating 1 does happen in the NHL. Teams getting bounced early sometimes make dumb trades just to change things or overreacting. ( Zubov/Nedved for Ulfie and Luc). Gorton should keep his phone on.
Bdl
The 81 Rangers (15th seed, 63pts), beat the the number two overall team in round one, and the number one overall team in round two. If CBJ were to win, it would be a big upset, but nothing that has not happened before.
James G
Wouldn’t be shocked, AA. Playoff hockey is a different beast. Guys like Marchand and Josh Anderson will always excel over guys like Matthews and Point.
There’s two lessons here- 1) be thankful they hired someone like Quinn who wants the type of players that should be able to find some success in a playoff type atmosphere and 2) it’s best to cool the jets a bit during the regular season when dishing praise on all of these President’s Trophy teams and the players that dominate the league from October through March.
Winning a Cup is about having the right combination of skill, balls and good fortune.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
I almost feel bad for some of the Tampa fan boys on here if they lose this series…almost
James G
BDL know what happened later that year? I was born lol
Bdl
Colin Campbell hated Zubov, and Nedved. Got Luc Robitallie, one of the greatest goal scoring LWs in the history of the game, and made him a RW.
James G
Stop lying Wicky.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
I said almost.
There will be some serious shade a chirping heading their way.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
And
Bdl
James,
Is that another one of your BDL is old cracks? Because I’m not, wait, what were we talking about again?
Old Ranger Fan
After the lottery they may have used up all their luck. Probably too much to hope -Tampa giving them another 1st Rounder-, but, I didn’t expect them to get blown out in the first round. No cup for Girardi or Stralman. JT and McD will get another shot or two. Wonder if Taxfree get bought out.
bobbyo2019
Not a big Cooper fan but not sure how you hang this on him if your best players don’t show up… JT Miller only an all star here is tied with Namestnikov tied for playoff goals so far …at least Cooper has an nice extension if they can him
Scottsdale Ranger
James, you think isles are beating Caps in round 2?
tomk19
For the Rangers:
Tampa getting swept in the 1st round > Tampa losing in the finals
Difference between the 61st pick overall and the 47th pick overall.
(If my math is correct)
James G
Oh you mean two of the only 3 years Robitaille didn’t score 30-40? Lol
St Pete Eli
Watching the bolts Jackets last night I realized Tampa looks shell shocked they have no answers to the aggressive fore-check, the D can’t handle the pressure. Their speed has been neutralized and they are in panic mode. If the come back to win this the Minx will be speechless!
ilb2001
JT Miller is the least of their problem. Stamkos and Kucherov no show is.
James G
BDL that hurts. They’re not cracks. They’re just gentle reminders of the fact that you have more life experience than me. 😉
James G
Scottsdale I think that match up will be media circus. And I’d be pretty stunned if the Islanders with their reclamation project goalie can beat Washington 4 out of 7. Stranger things have happened though
ilb2001
Tampa, actually, was very close to tying it up in the third. The best they’ve played all series. Vasilevskiy bailed them out a few times.
Fat Guy
If BDL is gonna talk about the 81 team, I have to come out of hibernation. I’m still disappointed with that ’81 campbell conference final
James G
And BDL to your point it’s rare that the teams that dominate the regular season are the eventual Cup winners.
James G
Very close to tying it up and the Columbus goalie who it’s been said is a playoff choke artist put up a wall
James G
BobbyO, you think a coach is doing his job properly when that many guys are a no show for 3 straight games? Tell me one successful adjustment he’s made.
ilb2001
I will not be happy if Tampa doesn’t win the Cup. I do not like the team, and I, honestly, couldn’t care less about former Rangers not winning, or winning it. They don’t wear the jersey anymore, they are gone. It’s all about the Rangers. What happened on April 9th changes a lot. Having an extra first round pick ( or even two ) would help to accelerate this process even further. These picks could be used as important assets.
James G
ORF, My strategy of assuming they wouldn’t have any extra picks in R1 is paying off nicely. Can’t rely on other teams for things
James G
Well said, ILB.
Fat Guy
McD and Girardi both -2 for the series. They’re screwing the Rangers all over again
bobbyo2019
JamesG, guess Sullivan is also screwing up since his stars have been a no show ….. top players need to play like top players
CCCP
This guy is pretty good.
An overview of all @NYRangers overseas prospects, the chances of them coming over (5% the minimum I used) and their teams for next season if they don't. It'll be an interesting off-season #NYRpic.twitter.com/0tKirypQ3s
Yeah that’s right, BobbyO. Sullivan hasn’t gotten nearly enough out of his team either. I guess New York is the only place where the coach should be held accountable?
Admiral Akbar
That’s exactly right, ilb.
I too care nothing about Tampa winning their second Stanley Cup. However, I do care when it involves the Rangers gaining or losing an asset from the result of Tampa’s post-season.
Unfortunately, Former Captains Callahan and McDonagh, former bedrock Ranger Dan Girardi, and potential Ranger Star JT Miller fail have failed the Rangers in the post-season YET AGAIN.
James G
And it’s not a defense of the players. These guys get paid a lot of money and know what they have to do. But let’s be real. If it isn’t the coach’s job to keep them mentally prepared and doing what they have to do on the ice to play above the level of their opponent then why the hell are there even coaches? This is the hardest championship in the world to win. You think it doesn’t fall on the coach when after a 128 point season his team is 0-3 in being the better team after 3 games? if your answer is yes than don’t even bother responding. I have no words to for that kind of response.
DaveB
I didn’t realize that the draft lottery only affected the first round. Here I am, thinking that if Tampa gets bounced hard in Round One, that at least that R2 they’re sending over will be in the 50-range and not 62. Oh well.
I don’t dislike any of the former Rangers on that team, and wish them well. All my Tampa hatred is reserved for Jon Cooper.
That extra first rounder would’ve been a nice chip, whether it turned into a player, or was used with Winnipeg’s R1 to hop into the top-10.
James G
And that goes double for Mike Sullivan who after handing out towels got the head coach position in Pittsburgh and then got all kinds of credit when the team won back to back Cups like he’s some genius and didn’t just inherit the most talented team in the league.
St Pete Eli
Imagine Cooper getting canned and the lighting hiring Avoiding Victory!
St Pete Eli
Crosby, Malkin, Kessel, and Letang aging out. Time waits for no one even the best eventually lose it!
Admiral Akbar
Word has it Bazooka Joe, aka Avoiding Victory is receiving interest from the Philth, of all teams.
How ironic!
Whistle to whistle, boys…
James G
Rooting against Tampa is one thing. But I won’t hate on the former Rangers over in Tampa. Callahan? fine.
But Mac and Miller didn’t want to be traded. That was an organizational decision. Just like allowing Stralman to walk. And Girardi..my god. The man bled, was stitched, welted and had bones broken and snapped back into place when he wore blue and toughed it out for the better of the team. Then he gets bought out and gets signed by Tampa and now we wish him and the others nothing but failure? That’s just being stupid and disgraceful and it’s that mentality which causes our fan base as a whole to be considered a joke.
I root for the name on the front of the jersey but I’ll be damned if I hold ill will towards some guys that tried like hell to get it done and came damn close.
Admiral Akbar
“Clean slate, grab it!”
tomk19
I think Tampa will come out flying in game 4 and if they get their best players going they will be a tough team to stop. However, Columbus was in a similar position last year with less talent on their roster so I don’t think they’ll get rattled. All they need is one more win. The other thing is,(FWIW), the Blue Jackets franchise is due. Hard to believe haven’t won a single playoff series . . .yet
Admiral Akbar
Dan Girardi, in particular, but also Ryan McDonagh deserve nothing less than our respect.
I admire both (particularly Girardi) for what they’ve accomplished on the ice, how they played the game, and what they’ve meant to the Rangers team.
I am rooting for both those men, along with JT and Stralman.
bobbyo2019
agree to disagree JamesG …when you get swept or play like Pens /Bolts are playing so far i think its on the players.
Lou and Trotz . Co-MVM. (most valuable management)
Bdl
I cannot root for Tampa to win 16 games. If they get to the point that they are one win away, sure I’ll root for them. I don’t really care if the lose. Same with Dallas. If the win 7 games, I’ll root for the 8th.
James G
Here’s my impression of how the organization treated McDonagh.
“Mac we’re calling you up we need you to play well”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac we’re going to make you captain we need you to lead on and off the ice”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac we’re letting Stralman walk even though he’s your most appropriate partner on D. We want a 37 year old puck mover”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac Girardi has a cracked patella we’re going to play him for the entire season like that and keep him your partner so you’ll have to make up for his inability”
Mac “OK”
“Mac we bought out Girardi. We’re going to try patch work on the right side, Maybe make you play the right side and make Staal or another 3rd pair guy your partner on the left”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac you’ve been traded to Tampa because we haven’t gotten enough out of you to warrant paying you”
Mac: “OK”
Bdl
The coaches have to put the team in the best possible position to succeed. Cooper is being badly out coached. Same with Pitts guy. Need to make adjustments during and after the games. Neither has had an answer for Torts, and Trotz.
James G
It’s cool bobbyO. I don’t expect everyone to agree with my opinion. I do expect the coaches around the league to take some accountability in addition to the players who he is supposed to hold accountable.
Funny, but once the Blueshirts are eliminated, my enthusiasms seriously wane. Other than us getting contingency picks, I couldn’t care less if West Nairobi wins the Cup.
DaveB
James, you also (possibly inadvertently) hit the nail on the head as to McDonagh’s leadership style and presence.
James G
Far from perfect, Dave. Just like most Rangers past and present. But they didn’t put him in the best of spots to succeed the way other top Dmen in the league have been in order to be at their best. Just my two cents.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
I could literally care less about a potential pick for a player that could potentially play in the nhl.
I’m not rooting for a team I hate.
James G
I’m going to talk about Kadri now, so get ready to pounce, boys. lol
Kadri probably isn’t going anywhere but IF he were to be on the block I can’t think of a veteran player other than Pavelski that would be a better fit as a stop gap. He’s got 3 years left at 4.5 million per. That’s a very tolerable contract for a 28 year old. Especially one that showed he can score 30 goals and put up 55-60 points as a 2C.
He’s ornery and plays physical (well duh) on a team that’s looking for skill and snarl. Considering their cap situation I doubt it’d take more than a respectable offer at the draft or in general. I wouldn’t mind it one bit.
James G
Wicky, odds are no one they could take at 31 would have been receiving the stamp of approval around here anyhow.t t
The important pick this year is Hughes/Kakko pick. They have roster players and guys in Hartford that can be bundled with the ‘Peg pick if they want to attempt to move up for another top 10. Otherwise there’ll be some names there late in R1 that could be nice pieces.
James G
Pressure is all on Columbus now. Lightning can come out and attack for days in game 4. If they keep themselves alive and win a game 5 then all of a sudden people will start going “uh oh”..
Fat Guy
maybe Torts will end up winning another cup before Tampa or the Rangers do
ilb2001
Could a Dallas plus Tampa first rounders plus a prospect get you a D-man? Assets, guys, not players.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
We have plenty of assets, gorton just needs the onions to use them.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
James
Yes, Id be in for kadri
Bdl
Me too James!
James G
Step 1. Don’t blow it with the 2nd overall pick. Step 2. Proceed from there. Unlike this blog the Rangers organization hasn’t resided to the fact that Lias and Chytil are busts.
James G
Wow, it’s a good day when I’m in sync with you two lol
James G
BTW did I mention NEVER BOOK ANYTHING THROUGH TRAVELOCITY? I just got off the phone with them. Call began when I made my post at 1:03…..
Bdl
Ilb,
Certainly not going to turn my nose up at a first round pick. But if you are asking me to root for a team I despise, for said pick, that is not going to happen. Screw Tax Free!!!
Bdl
James,
Your short term veteran center idea is right on. I like the idea of Duchene long term, but Pavelski, and Kadri are also just the kind of center that would really help speed this along.
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
I love the fact that all the talking heads out there on tsn and rds today are all asking why kadri didn’t just drop his gloves instead of the headshot…
Duh!!!
Whiskey India Charlie Kilo Yankee
Bdl
Help what along?
This quick turnaround whatever “re” it is started with a pr move “public” letter and ended after the lottery with a pr move mass enail.
Just smart asset management like every other teams does all the time now 😉
Bdl
Wicky,
Duchene, Pavelski, or Kadri as the 2nd line center, instead of the Magician, makes them a playoff contender. So that’s what I mean by helping it along.
James G
BDL my only gripe is that there isn’t a veteran with a ring they can bring in.
I’m opening up to the idea of the Duchene thing though. Overbuilding at center is rarely a problem. That guy just produces everywhere he goes. Looking great in this series against Tampa so far.
bobbyo2019
Kadri and Tony D would be quite a duo
CCCP
BREAKING: AV has been hired as the #Flyers new coach.
Hahaha! Flies are going nowhere hahaha
More reasons to dislike AV.
James – in addition to all the errors you cogently listed re: McDonuts, naming him Captain and strapping that additional weight to his back qualifies as stupid. I could understand an ‘A’ but not a ‘C’.
ilb2001
I suppose Shestyorkin didn’t mind two-way contract after all. Not that he had a choice.
St Pete Eli
Avoiding Victory to the Philth dreams can come true! The cotton candy flyers lol!
Rangers Report 2.0
As far as Tampa outcomes go, once they made the playoffs, going out in the first round was the second best outcome after winning the Cup. So this is fine. It will cost us 23 spots in the draft (from 31 OA to 54 OA), but it’s good to see the playoffs open up.
Of course, if the Islanders win the Cup, I will burn this all down.
DaveB
James (re: McD) – Agreed. Not putting their best players in the best position to succeed is hopefully the old MO.
DaveB
Wow – we win the #2 pick, we sign Kravtsov and Shestyorkin, AV goes to Philly, Hartford begins a much-needed overhaul (and hopefully it doesn’t end with sacking the coach – the org needs a complete philosophy change as to how to run their farm) – it’s all coming up Rangers!
Pete
Duchene in the $6-7m/yr for five years would be fine, but likely he will want in the $7.5 to 8.5+m/yr for 6 to 7 years, which I think we’d regret after year 3 or so
Bdl
No Rykov?
James G
Flyers will have a president’s trophy soon. And we all know how that works out
Alex
this was during the game and some goals were scored subsequent
Erik Karlsson has been on the ice for 9 of the 10 Golden Knights goals in this series.
CCCP
100 FOOT POLL EK!
Alex
agree with James and Admiral on ex Rangers on Tampa Bay
RR2
I think Tampa falls to 5th from bottom in each rd with the conference finalist going to top 4 spots. So I think 58 is the spot we’d get from Tampa.
ilb2001
No new post for all these news since the Go Time Post is due in an hour. I updated it accordingly.
I believe Alex is correct about Tampa’s pick.
DaveB
Alex is 100% correct on the Tampa pick. While the draft lottery only influences the first round, it also only influences teams outside the playoffs. The draft order for the playoff-bound teams is dependent on how they do, with the “tiebreaker” being their original seeding.
Too much to keep track of…
Beezle
Coaches need to prepare the team and set the base strategy, make adjustments. But at the end of the day, if your generals and majors don’t carry out the plan, you lose the war.
CCCP
A Frenchman (AV) signs with the Flies and one of the most beautiful French (and the world) icons burn down. Not a good sign for the Flies.
103 responses to “Report Cards by Carp”
LouLam is Forrest Gumping his way through this situation. Walks in and gets lauded for autodrafting on Draft Day. Brings in a hell of a coach, manages to lose Tavares, and goes the bargain bin route for the summer. Down years from the guys who were supposed to carry them, but gets balanced scoring from some unlikely guys (Tzaziki Sauce, Count Filppula) and lights-out goaltending. Inexplicably puts together a huge season and is now killing an also-ran team with mediocre goaltending. I guess…good job Lou?
Deux
I’d rather we/you did our own stuff here. We don’t really discuss Carps articles here anymore.
No one talking about the Thornton headshot?
Posting before Coos cancels his subscription to the Athletic because Carp gave Staal a B-
A couple of observations now that I’ve put my playoff bracket and my pride aside 🙂
1- Columbus-Tampa IMO boils down to one coach having his team well prepared and another coach that did a terrible job getting his players ready.
Torts catches a lot of heat but he take this game to heart. He knows this is the year they have to go for it and he has these guys leaving it all out there against what everyone thought was a superior team thats now could get swept (Tampa will win game 4)
You’ve got ten goal scorers in 3 games. Sounds like a team buying in.
Meanwhile Tampa for all the wins and all the talent and the post season success they’ve had over the last few seasons, hasn’t shown squat. Kucherov is suspended and Hedman’s hurt- fine. Where the hell are Stamkos and Point and all these big time players that take all the credit in the regular season? This falls on Cooper. Maybe the ease in which They breezed to the ECF last year stuck with them idk. But they’re not winning this series. Lesson learned.
Now as for the Islanders- I don’t like them or Trotz. But I probably gave Pittsburgh too much credit heading into round 1. Shell of a Cup team. Trotz has these guys going about their business in the right manner against a team that has no pushback and they’re going to wind up in the semis against a much tougher opponent where they’ll have a chance to show they’re for real. I don’t like it.
Toronto is going to get bullied into defeat.called that one from the start. Bruins may not be the better team on paper but they know how to play playoff hockey. One of the only guys that knows how to do that in TO (Kadri) is probably gone for the remainder of the series now.
Maybe that coupled with the Marner contract will make them want to trade him. I know a team that could benefit from a 2C that plays with his temperament.
NHL’s Central Scouting released its Final Rankings. No surprises at the top of the least – its is Jack Hughes #1 among North American skaters and Kaapo di tutti Kakko as the #1 European skater.
The big question is who is the European goalie OTBG drafts this year – and in what round. My pick is Tomas Vlk of the Czech Republic in the 5th round. He is 6-1 so he fits in, size-wise, with Igor and Olof and will save the team a few fishnagels since his last name only has three letters – although they might have to buy him a vowel somewhere along the line. Maybe they can cash in on the saving when Fast dropped the “h’ off his name 🙂
Agree with James G.
Better coaches are winning the Tampa and Fishsticks series. Also Tampa built for regular season (I’ve thought all year long), and Pittsburgh is a shell of what it was even 2 years ago. Toronto is talented, but still learning what playoff hockey is.
ECF Finals: Boston vs. Washington
That’s not the main reason Tampa loses this series, but cooper is overrated.
Akbar
That’s who I had in my bracket ecf as well…
But it’s still a trap
If Tampa gets swept it will be one of the biggest playoff surprises I can recall. But 8 beating 1 does happen in the NHL. Teams getting bounced early sometimes make dumb trades just to change things or overreacting. ( Zubov/Nedved for Ulfie and Luc). Gorton should keep his phone on.
The 81 Rangers (15th seed, 63pts), beat the the number two overall team in round one, and the number one overall team in round two. If CBJ were to win, it would be a big upset, but nothing that has not happened before.
Wouldn’t be shocked, AA. Playoff hockey is a different beast. Guys like Marchand and Josh Anderson will always excel over guys like Matthews and Point.
There’s two lessons here- 1) be thankful they hired someone like Quinn who wants the type of players that should be able to find some success in a playoff type atmosphere and 2) it’s best to cool the jets a bit during the regular season when dishing praise on all of these President’s Trophy teams and the players that dominate the league from October through March.
Winning a Cup is about having the right combination of skill, balls and good fortune.
I almost feel bad for some of the Tampa fan boys on here if they lose this series…almost
BDL know what happened later that year? I was born lol
Colin Campbell hated Zubov, and Nedved. Got Luc Robitallie, one of the greatest goal scoring LWs in the history of the game, and made him a RW.
Stop lying Wicky.
I said almost.
There will be some serious shade a chirping heading their way.
And
James,
Is that another one of your BDL is old cracks? Because I’m not, wait, what were we talking about again?
After the lottery they may have used up all their luck. Probably too much to hope -Tampa giving them another 1st Rounder-, but, I didn’t expect them to get blown out in the first round. No cup for Girardi or Stralman. JT and McD will get another shot or two. Wonder if Taxfree get bought out.
Not a big Cooper fan but not sure how you hang this on him if your best players don’t show up… JT Miller only an all star here is tied with Namestnikov tied for playoff goals so far …at least Cooper has an nice extension if they can him
James, you think isles are beating Caps in round 2?
For the Rangers:
Tampa getting swept in the 1st round > Tampa losing in the finals
Difference between the 61st pick overall and the 47th pick overall.
(If my math is correct)
Oh you mean two of the only 3 years Robitaille didn’t score 30-40? Lol
Watching the bolts Jackets last night I realized Tampa looks shell shocked they have no answers to the aggressive fore-check, the D can’t handle the pressure. Their speed has been neutralized and they are in panic mode. If the come back to win this the Minx will be speechless!
JT Miller is the least of their problem. Stamkos and Kucherov no show is.
BDL that hurts. They’re not cracks. They’re just gentle reminders of the fact that you have more life experience than me. 😉
Scottsdale I think that match up will be media circus. And I’d be pretty stunned if the Islanders with their reclamation project goalie can beat Washington 4 out of 7. Stranger things have happened though
Tampa, actually, was very close to tying it up in the third. The best they’ve played all series. Vasilevskiy bailed them out a few times.
If BDL is gonna talk about the 81 team, I have to come out of hibernation. I’m still disappointed with that ’81 campbell conference final
And BDL to your point it’s rare that the teams that dominate the regular season are the eventual Cup winners.
Very close to tying it up and the Columbus goalie who it’s been said is a playoff choke artist put up a wall
BobbyO, you think a coach is doing his job properly when that many guys are a no show for 3 straight games? Tell me one successful adjustment he’s made.
I will not be happy if Tampa doesn’t win the Cup. I do not like the team, and I, honestly, couldn’t care less about former Rangers not winning, or winning it. They don’t wear the jersey anymore, they are gone. It’s all about the Rangers. What happened on April 9th changes a lot. Having an extra first round pick ( or even two ) would help to accelerate this process even further. These picks could be used as important assets.
ORF, My strategy of assuming they wouldn’t have any extra picks in R1 is paying off nicely. Can’t rely on other teams for things
Well said, ILB.
McD and Girardi both -2 for the series. They’re screwing the Rangers all over again
JamesG, guess Sullivan is also screwing up since his stars have been a no show ….. top players need to play like top players
This guy is pretty good.
Yeah that’s right, BobbyO. Sullivan hasn’t gotten nearly enough out of his team either. I guess New York is the only place where the coach should be held accountable?
That’s exactly right, ilb.
I too care nothing about Tampa winning their second Stanley Cup. However, I do care when it involves the Rangers gaining or losing an asset from the result of Tampa’s post-season.
Unfortunately, Former Captains Callahan and McDonagh, former bedrock Ranger Dan Girardi, and potential Ranger Star JT Miller fail have failed the Rangers in the post-season YET AGAIN.
And it’s not a defense of the players. These guys get paid a lot of money and know what they have to do. But let’s be real. If it isn’t the coach’s job to keep them mentally prepared and doing what they have to do on the ice to play above the level of their opponent then why the hell are there even coaches? This is the hardest championship in the world to win. You think it doesn’t fall on the coach when after a 128 point season his team is 0-3 in being the better team after 3 games? if your answer is yes than don’t even bother responding. I have no words to for that kind of response.
I didn’t realize that the draft lottery only affected the first round. Here I am, thinking that if Tampa gets bounced hard in Round One, that at least that R2 they’re sending over will be in the 50-range and not 62. Oh well.
I don’t dislike any of the former Rangers on that team, and wish them well. All my Tampa hatred is reserved for Jon Cooper.
That extra first rounder would’ve been a nice chip, whether it turned into a player, or was used with Winnipeg’s R1 to hop into the top-10.
And that goes double for Mike Sullivan who after handing out towels got the head coach position in Pittsburgh and then got all kinds of credit when the team won back to back Cups like he’s some genius and didn’t just inherit the most talented team in the league.
Imagine Cooper getting canned and the lighting hiring Avoiding Victory!
Crosby, Malkin, Kessel, and Letang aging out. Time waits for no one even the best eventually lose it!
Word has it Bazooka Joe, aka Avoiding Victory is receiving interest from the Philth, of all teams.
How ironic!
Whistle to whistle, boys…
Rooting against Tampa is one thing. But I won’t hate on the former Rangers over in Tampa. Callahan? fine.
But Mac and Miller didn’t want to be traded. That was an organizational decision. Just like allowing Stralman to walk. And Girardi..my god. The man bled, was stitched, welted and had bones broken and snapped back into place when he wore blue and toughed it out for the better of the team. Then he gets bought out and gets signed by Tampa and now we wish him and the others nothing but failure? That’s just being stupid and disgraceful and it’s that mentality which causes our fan base as a whole to be considered a joke.
I root for the name on the front of the jersey but I’ll be damned if I hold ill will towards some guys that tried like hell to get it done and came damn close.
“Clean slate, grab it!”
I think Tampa will come out flying in game 4 and if they get their best players going they will be a tough team to stop. However, Columbus was in a similar position last year with less talent on their roster so I don’t think they’ll get rattled. All they need is one more win. The other thing is,(FWIW), the Blue Jackets franchise is due. Hard to believe haven’t won a single playoff series . . .yet
Dan Girardi, in particular, but also Ryan McDonagh deserve nothing less than our respect.
I admire both (particularly Girardi) for what they’ve accomplished on the ice, how they played the game, and what they’ve meant to the Rangers team.
I am rooting for both those men, along with JT and Stralman.
agree to disagree JamesG …when you get swept or play like Pens /Bolts are playing so far i think its on the players.
Lou and Trotz . Co-MVM. (most valuable management)
I cannot root for Tampa to win 16 games. If they get to the point that they are one win away, sure I’ll root for them. I don’t really care if the lose. Same with Dallas. If the win 7 games, I’ll root for the 8th.
Here’s my impression of how the organization treated McDonagh.
“Mac we’re calling you up we need you to play well”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac we’re going to make you captain we need you to lead on and off the ice”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac we’re letting Stralman walk even though he’s your most appropriate partner on D. We want a 37 year old puck mover”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac Girardi has a cracked patella we’re going to play him for the entire season like that and keep him your partner so you’ll have to make up for his inability”
Mac “OK”
“Mac we bought out Girardi. We’re going to try patch work on the right side, Maybe make you play the right side and make Staal or another 3rd pair guy your partner on the left”
Mac: “OK”
“Mac you’ve been traded to Tampa because we haven’t gotten enough out of you to warrant paying you”
Mac: “OK”
The coaches have to put the team in the best possible position to succeed. Cooper is being badly out coached. Same with Pitts guy. Need to make adjustments during and after the games. Neither has had an answer for Torts, and Trotz.
It’s cool bobbyO. I don’t expect everyone to agree with my opinion. I do expect the coaches around the league to take some accountability in addition to the players who he is supposed to hold accountable.
Funny, but once the Blueshirts are eliminated, my enthusiasms seriously wane. Other than us getting contingency picks, I couldn’t care less if West Nairobi wins the Cup.
James, you also (possibly inadvertently) hit the nail on the head as to McDonagh’s leadership style and presence.
Far from perfect, Dave. Just like most Rangers past and present. But they didn’t put him in the best of spots to succeed the way other top Dmen in the league have been in order to be at their best. Just my two cents.
I could literally care less about a potential pick for a player that could potentially play in the nhl.
I’m not rooting for a team I hate.
I’m going to talk about Kadri now, so get ready to pounce, boys. lol
Kadri probably isn’t going anywhere but IF he were to be on the block I can’t think of a veteran player other than Pavelski that would be a better fit as a stop gap. He’s got 3 years left at 4.5 million per. That’s a very tolerable contract for a 28 year old. Especially one that showed he can score 30 goals and put up 55-60 points as a 2C.
He’s ornery and plays physical (well duh) on a team that’s looking for skill and snarl. Considering their cap situation I doubt it’d take more than a respectable offer at the draft or in general. I wouldn’t mind it one bit.
Wicky, odds are no one they could take at 31 would have been receiving the stamp of approval around here anyhow.t t
The important pick this year is Hughes/Kakko pick. They have roster players and guys in Hartford that can be bundled with the ‘Peg pick if they want to attempt to move up for another top 10. Otherwise there’ll be some names there late in R1 that could be nice pieces.
Pressure is all on Columbus now. Lightning can come out and attack for days in game 4. If they keep themselves alive and win a game 5 then all of a sudden people will start going “uh oh”..
maybe Torts will end up winning another cup before Tampa or the Rangers do
Could a Dallas plus Tampa first rounders plus a prospect get you a D-man? Assets, guys, not players.
We have plenty of assets, gorton just needs the onions to use them.
James
Yes, Id be in for kadri
Me too James!
Step 1. Don’t blow it with the 2nd overall pick. Step 2. Proceed from there. Unlike this blog the Rangers organization hasn’t resided to the fact that Lias and Chytil are busts.
Wow, it’s a good day when I’m in sync with you two lol
BTW did I mention NEVER BOOK ANYTHING THROUGH TRAVELOCITY? I just got off the phone with them. Call began when I made my post at 1:03…..
Ilb,
Certainly not going to turn my nose up at a first round pick. But if you are asking me to root for a team I despise, for said pick, that is not going to happen. Screw Tax Free!!!
James,
Your short term veteran center idea is right on. I like the idea of Duchene long term, but Pavelski, and Kadri are also just the kind of center that would really help speed this along.
I love the fact that all the talking heads out there on tsn and rds today are all asking why kadri didn’t just drop his gloves instead of the headshot…
Duh!!!
Bdl
Help what along?
This quick turnaround whatever “re” it is started with a pr move “public” letter and ended after the lottery with a pr move mass enail.
Just smart asset management like every other teams does all the time now 😉
Wicky,
Duchene, Pavelski, or Kadri as the 2nd line center, instead of the Magician, makes them a playoff contender. So that’s what I mean by helping it along.
BDL my only gripe is that there isn’t a veteran with a ring they can bring in.
I’m opening up to the idea of the Duchene thing though. Overbuilding at center is rarely a problem. That guy just produces everywhere he goes. Looking great in this series against Tampa so far.
Kadri and Tony D would be quite a duo
BREAKING: AV has been hired as the #Flyers new coach.
Hahaha! Flies are going nowhere hahaha
More reasons to dislike AV.
The Flyers will turn the other cheek now,
Hell of a day for us.. Shesterkin and Kravstov signing, AV going to Philly, and now the Pack have fired their coaches.
Keith McCambridge got whacked. Good thing. Not good when you have to bring players to the NHL to develop because they don’t in the AHL.
AAAAAHAHAHAHA Flyers fans are going to be lining up on the Ben Franklin bridge to throw themselves in. #furureformerflyerjesperfast
I guess they feel they’re ready to compete for the Cup in Philadelphia. Before the window closes on Carter Hart.
James – in addition to all the errors you cogently listed re: McDonuts, naming him Captain and strapping that additional weight to his back qualifies as stupid. I could understand an ‘A’ but not a ‘C’.
I suppose Shestyorkin didn’t mind two-way contract after all. Not that he had a choice.
Avoiding Victory to the Philth dreams can come true! The cotton candy flyers lol!
As far as Tampa outcomes go, once they made the playoffs, going out in the first round was the second best outcome after winning the Cup. So this is fine. It will cost us 23 spots in the draft (from 31 OA to 54 OA), but it’s good to see the playoffs open up.
Of course, if the Islanders win the Cup, I will burn this all down.
James (re: McD) – Agreed. Not putting their best players in the best position to succeed is hopefully the old MO.
Wow – we win the #2 pick, we sign Kravtsov and Shestyorkin, AV goes to Philly, Hartford begins a much-needed overhaul (and hopefully it doesn’t end with sacking the coach – the org needs a complete philosophy change as to how to run their farm) – it’s all coming up Rangers!
Duchene in the $6-7m/yr for five years would be fine, but likely he will want in the $7.5 to 8.5+m/yr for 6 to 7 years, which I think we’d regret after year 3 or so
No Rykov?
Flyers will have a president’s trophy soon. And we all know how that works out
this was during the game and some goals were scored subsequent
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Erik Karlsson has been on the ice for 9 of the 10 Golden Knights goals in this series.
100 FOOT POLL EK!
agree with James and Admiral on ex Rangers on Tampa Bay
RR2
I think Tampa falls to 5th from bottom in each rd with the conference finalist going to top 4 spots. So I think 58 is the spot we’d get from Tampa.
No new post for all these news since the Go Time Post is due in an hour. I updated it accordingly.
I believe Alex is correct about Tampa’s pick.
Alex is 100% correct on the Tampa pick. While the draft lottery only influences the first round, it also only influences teams outside the playoffs. The draft order for the playoff-bound teams is dependent on how they do, with the “tiebreaker” being their original seeding.
Too much to keep track of…
Coaches need to prepare the team and set the base strategy, make adjustments. But at the end of the day, if your generals and majors don’t carry out the plan, you lose the war.
A Frenchman (AV) signs with the Flies and one of the most beautiful French (and the world) icons burn down. Not a good sign for the Flies.
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