Rangers-3, Columbus-1

Published by

on

Good morning, boneheads!

Best team in the league! Ever! We want the Cup! 😃
Has Torts been fired yet?
By the way, they will play against the best team in the league tomorrow.

Click here to read Carp’s game review.

246 responses to “Rangers-3, Columbus-1”

  1. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    The Kreider decision is getting easier, and more difficult at the same time.

  2. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    I can’t read it, but is Carp now trading Buchnevich?

  3. James G Avatar
    James G

    KZB line on fire right now. 30 points in ten games each player has at least six goals

  4. James G Avatar
    James G

    Don’t look now but Friday’s game against Carolina they could be in a position to leap frog then into 8th.

  5. tommyG Avatar
    tommyG

    In the past week haven’t noticed any trade rumors regarding Kreider. Hopefully Gorton and kreider’s agent are working on a deal. If Kreider really wants to be ranger hopefully he’ll take a little less than market value like panarin.

  6. James G Avatar
    James G

    BDL he actually praised Buch and said Quinn likes him a lot.
    Oh and Kreider May be traded

  7. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    At this point, are they really gonna trade Kreider? Really?

  8. James G Avatar
    James G

    Oh the caps the cap and that’s a wrap. Trade Kreider Strome and Tony too the facts of Strife!
    The facts of strife!

  9. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Trade em all and bring back Stogiepuss.

  10. James G Avatar
    James G

    Again I go back to that western Canada swing. It’s a shame that it’s where they bottomed out right before getting it through their heads that they need to play a certain way.
    Even 3 points off those 3 games would have made things look much more promising.
    This current situation is a great test for these younger guys though. It’s about as excited as I’ve been this season.

  11. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Midst of a potentially long run. Our sexy boys will beat Boston for 5 in a row.

  12. cregg7 Avatar
    cregg7

    Crazy to see the regulation wins not count more that the buttman points

  13. Norm Merton Avatar

    A little less than market value for Kreider is looking increasingly like 7.5.

  14. tommyG Avatar
    tommyG

    Norm, not really, rangers could give him a 8 year deal at 6.75

  15. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Mayor Pete’s Favorite Show:
    When you’re with the Flintstones
    You have a yabba-dabba-doo time
    A dabba-doo time
    We’ll have a gay old time…’

  16. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    James,
    There are a lot of what ifs. What if Zibanejad hadn’t gotten hurt , and missed 12 games. What if they pulled the plug on Hank sooner, and played Igor and George all season. They don’t matter. They what they are right now. Looking up at a bunch of teams that they may very well be better than.

  17. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    “The whole team accomplished it, not about me,” said the 24-year-old Bulgarian. “We played really great defense, made my job real easy. Really glad we got two important wins.”

    One thing about Georgie that goes a bit unnoticed is that he never throws anyone under the bus, verbally or by stink eye.

  18. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Great point Beezle. Hank accepted credit and dished out blame. The evil eye he’d cast at a teammate was pathetic. Nevertheless, Hank is yesterday. Georgie and Igor are the today and tomorrow.

  19. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Gorton dilemma. Two quality young goalies and $9,000,000 Hank.

  20. bobbyo2019 Avatar
    bobbyo2019

    Good on Georgie but Not sure when Hank accepted credit or dished out blame …he’s been in front of cameras for last 12 years as team spokesman though

  21. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    I don’t blame Hank a bit for casting the evil eye on any lazy, stupid, veteran, underperforming Dmen when it mans MY job, not theirs. He took charge when few else did. Shame.

  22. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    My athletic subscription ended today… yea or nay for re-subscribing?

    Roughly 2 months left of the regular season. I still read Carp’s reviews (thanks ilb for reminding every time) but am not feeling like dishing out $60 for only two months of Rangers hockey coverage.

  23. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Bobby – perhaps you missed the multitude of dirty looks, easy to see even with his mask on, whenever a teammate erred. Too bad Hank didnt cast his evil eye inward over the last 2-3 years when he’d give up plenty of bad goals.

  24. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    I really don’t like his very public stink eye. Save that stuff for the lockerroom and don’t forget that you too f* up. Its like a pitcher staring down a fielder for making an error. It happens and they don’t do it to you when you give up a HR (or bad goal).

    His pressers are usually OK, though I think Georgie goes further in pumping up the other guys in front of him.

  25. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    @CCCP: what would you use that $60 for instead? If something better then c’ya Carp.

  26. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    3C – You can get it for $30 if you cancel, then renew after expiration date when they beg you, which will be right away.

  27. Pete Avatar
    Pete

    i’ll agree a hometown discount for kreider at the moment looks like $7m/yr (likely for 7 years), don’t see why anyone expects him to do the rangers any favors here.

    Kreider is the key to the deadline obviously, but if he gets locked up i could see them mostly staying put (including stupidly not trading fast) and then trading at earnest at the draft for young roster players, as don’t see us getting a 1st on draft day and still don’t see a big market for a guy like Brady (or Georgie) at the deadline.

    It’s been fun seeing them winning for sure, but still think they are best served to miss the playoffs again this year and get a little lottery luck again….and then hopefully not draft a lefty D or future 4th line center

  28. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Booze, Beezle…booze 😀

  29. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Radical View: Players Union should sue to get rid of the Cap.

  30. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    So far no beg email, coos lol

    I can make a new account and pay $9 per month on month to month basis. As I said before, I barely ever comment there and the crappy site settings are pissing me off.

  31. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    If the dough went directly to Carp, I’d pay $100.

  32. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Exactly.

  33. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    If Hank was a true team guy, he’d waive his nmc.

    Markus Naslund was a team guy.

  34. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Losing is never good, Pete.

  35. James G Avatar
    James G

    C3 mine auto renewed before I could cancel

  36. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Oh so that is why you’re so angry, James? 😀

  37. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Cccp
    You’re rich, that’s what you spend on fancy coffee drinks in a day, pay it!!!

  38. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Cccp
    Bwahahahaha

  39. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Well, I went back for $29.95. I’m sure they aren’t doing me a personal favor.

  40. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Did they glue Shayna to Carp to promote her gobblygook?

  41. TYM Avatar
    TYM

    They have really come together. There is chemistry, adherence to the system and much improved defensive play. The goalies are not being abused like they were earlier in the season or last season. I watched the game last night with particular interest in what impact the lack of Tony D in the lineup would have, and it did not have much impact at all because Fox stepped in for him. I can now see a path that includes the Rangers moving Tony D as some have opined here. Staal looks a lot batter back there playing with Brendan Smith than he did playing with Tony D. Fox is already the best defenseman on the squad, but none of them can skate like Tony D. If they think that Lundqvist is a worthy replacement, I can see them moving Tony D. He is at the top of his value and they should be able to get something good for him. I am now thinking that the 3 goalie thing lasts into the Summer. If Henrik does not decide to retire, they will move Georgiev at the draft, not unlike the Talbot deal. The backup goalie therapy the Rangers are providing to Henrik might result in his hanging them up. Might. The dude is proud and ultra-competitive so that might not happen.

  42. Pete Avatar
    Pete

    BDL, not advocating for tanking by any means and their losing earlier in the season may have already sealed their fate this season given the number of teams they have to leapfrog to sneak in. Not impossible, but wouldn’t bet on it and by no means would i be upset to watch them try and pull an upset in the playoffs. But still think they need more forward talent in the system and want to see them get a top 10 pick to do so (top 3 is a pipe dream absent total collapse and absurd lottery luck again).

  43. E3 Avatar
    E3

    The Rangers have turned the page on Hank. Gluing his azz to the bench was the first step. Next, how will they rid themselves of his contract. Will he go gently into the night via retirement? Or will he waive his NMC? Highly doubt any team in the league is interested. What to do? What to do?

  44. Pete Avatar
    Pete

    Did read somewhere that even if Hank were to retire the rangers would have a $3m or so cap hit because of the way his contract was structured (not the 35yr old rule as he signed before that age). Not sure if true, but if so, well done Slats!

  45. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Keeping Hank on the team next year and trading Georgie is fine so long as everyone is happy with Hank going 5-24-1 in the 30 games that Igor sits next season.

  46. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    How much is a top 10 pick going to contribute next season, in the last three years they have had a 2, a 9, and a 7. The two is on the big club. How much of a contribution he’s making is debatable. The 9 is in the minors, and the 7 ran away home. A top 10 pick is going to arrive and contribute around the same time as a pick in the teens and twenty’s. What they need are real live NHL players. Not more hopes and dreams. Enough is enough.

  47. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Bulldog – agreed. Aside from Igor and Chesdle, the rangers haven’t done much at all with their own picks. They are, however, superb at trading for players that were other teams’ high picks.

  48. James G Avatar
    James G

    F that. They have a Potential core of mostly top six guys. They have a goalie. They have the skilled Dmen you take with a top ten pick.
    The playoffs and that experience are way more important at this point IMO.
    Not that a franchise potential talent can ever hurt. Don’t take what I’m saying wrong. But the qualities they lack and that will round out this current team can be found in later parts of the draft.

  49. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    The Rangers have to resign Kreider absolutely necessary going forward. They also desperately need a shooter on Stromeo’s right side. D’Angelo just may be the guy to get that done. Hopefully Keane can take his place if needed. Or if they are going to push to get in to the playoffs keep Staal and Smith together. I have no doubt there is a market for Skjei at the deadline, a playoff team would jump all over him for a minimal return, and it would make signing Kreidsdale that much easier? Hajek is just as good as Beat Wide. Another option would be to trade for an older stay at home D man to pair with Trouba and keep Keane and Hajek in Hartford. The Minx has spoken!

  50. James G Avatar
    James G

    C3 I’m in a great mood today! Lol
    I even ignored BDLs inference that Zibanejad’s injury contributed to them being out of the playoff picture.

  51. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Pete – I am pretty sure and Ilb can confirm, if HL retires there is no cap hit at all because of when his contract was signed. If they buy him out I think they get 3M benefit next year and -1.5M the following. They need to convince him to retire and put him on the management payroll for whatever he is still owed. I can’t see a competitive guy like Hank wanting to be bench warmer getting at most 30 starts a year, likely less.

    As E3 notes, what team that is competitive is going to want him, even if we ate half the salary owed next year (I think the limit there is 2.75)? He might latch on with a bottom 8 team with cap room and willingness to extend for a couple years, but is that how he wants to go out? He’d be better off going home and playing in Sweden.

  52. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Requiem for a Heavyweight?

  53. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Right now they are in the 14th spot draft wise, not likely to fall below 12 barring total collapse, and quite possible they end up closer to 18 given games in hand and overall better play across all zones.

    Think a winning culture and even just the experience of trying to get into the dance is more important. They still haven’t overhauled the scouting/drafting so being 12/14/18 is not going to matter and the chances of moving up in the lotto are tiny.

  54. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    Hank’s only option to maintain any respect is to retire. Anthing else will just end up being an embarrassment to himself and the organization. JD needs to make that point clear to him IMO.

  55. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    What part of convincing Hank to retire and paying him the remaining $4.5 million on his contract as a member of the coaching staff or management is not cap circumvention?

  56. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    Hank will not agree to be traded he knows down deep he is not good enough anymore to help a playoff team.

  57. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    Very fun to watch this team and the young goalies.

  58. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    If I’m Hank, I just retire and enjoy my life and my family. He will not miss the $4.5 million. Take up the modeling career, the guitar career, public speaking, start a goalie camp. The Rangers would give him a job for life in some capacity.

  59. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Seriously, NHL has to get rid of this hard cap garbage. Why not go to a soft cap with penalties like in baseball?

    Or, go to a situation where if trying to secure the services of a homegrown player, the contract signed counts a certain percentage less against the salary cap. This way, teams are rewarded for developing and keeping their own talent. It will behoove teams to put a premium on scouting and development… homegrown players who develop into stars can be retained at a fraction of their cap hit.

  60. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Admiral – I’m not aware of any rule in that regard. Defer to Ilb.

  61. Norm Merton Avatar
    Norm Merton

    Throw Lundqvist Under the Bus Day, is it? I’ll wait for the gibberish to kick in later. I stink at Hank-bashing.

  62. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Hank is pretty. Can’t stop every puck anymore, but he’s uber beautiful.

  63. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Norm – Hank is done. Surely, even you, a contrarian’s contrarian sees that….

  64. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Beezle

    I don’t know if there is a specific rule regarding players who retire and then are re-hired by the same franchise and paid out the same money owed on the player-contract.

    If you just add up all the pieces, it’s very close to if not exactly cap circumvention. It’s the same as a buyout, except the player retires and is thus forbidden to play on another team for a while. Meanwhile the franchise no longer absorbs the cap hit, or the buyout penalty.

  65. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    A few days back I posted link to standings as they would be with just W/L/T and no shootout points. So I include two figures here:

    NYR pts/game: 1.123 NYR row/game: 0.509

    Remaining opponents, including BOS:

    pts/game: 1.206 avg, 1.224 median
    row/game: 0.492 avg, 0.491 median

    The three games left against Filthy heavily skew the opponents pts/game.

    If NYR beat all those with a lower row/game, they will add 28 pts to finish at 92, going 14-11. Of the 11 projected losses, they will need to win at least two or three. It doesn’t matter if they come against out of conference teams as the in conference projected losses are all going to get in regardless of what NYR doe.

  66. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Norm – its not bashing, more stating the realistic situation. Most don’t see an intersection between the set of teams he would consider playing for (perhaps even as a backup) and those who would be willing to take his contract on and extend (in terms he would also accept). It is pretty clear that DQ is pushing to make the playoffs with management blessing. If HL was the guy, he would be starting almost every game, not four starts since Jan 1.

  67. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Hear me now, see me later: the Rangers are making the playoffs this year and to truly blow your collective minds, will win their first round vs either the Caps or Bruins. I’ve called the last 2 games (down 3-2 vs Jets and going into the 3rd vs CBJ) using only a tiny fraction of my sigh-kick energy.

    I see dead people.

  68. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Beezle dropping the word “intersection” into the fray. HOLY VENN DIAGRAM BATMAN.

  69. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    I haven’t found any language with regards to players taking front office jobs upon retirement, but here is cap circumvention regarding players receiving compensation in addition to contract from an outside sponsor as part of a deal:

    Cap circumvention: “ in which the Player receives something of value that is disproportionate to (i.e., clearly in excess of) the fair market value of the services rendered by the Player on behalf of the sponsor or endorser.”

    I don’t see how it’s too far of a stretch for the NHL to decide that awarding Lundqvist a $4.5 million dollar “management position” upon retiring is paying way above the fair market for the position, and therefore cap circumvention by the Rangers.

    Of course – I believe an arbitrator would decide this, and it would be upon the NHL to prove that the $4.5 million position is really for the player to recoup his money lost upon retirement… a retirement that would benefit the franchise by absolving it of a $4.5 million total cap hit over the next 2 seasons.

  70. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Clearly, ilb2001 has more zeal for the inner-workings of the NHL and it’s salary cap, and perhaps will share his insight on this?

  71. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    I’d never recommend that a goalie be the spokesperson of the team. I believe It creates animosity in the locker room. I’ve seen some ugly things occur when a goalie starts criticizing the players in front of him. Conversely, you’ll hardly if ever hear a player calling out their goaltender for a week goal. I think Georgi gets that. Hopefully Igor gets it too!

  72. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    Hank is not being thrown under any buses. If he was capable of winning the majority of his games DQ would be playing him. This is a playoff push and great for the youngins!

  73. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Admiral – the closest I can find was written by someone else in regards Kovie. I tried to find a copy of the NHL by-laws for the relevant section but could not, Ilb might have it. Remember, Hank’s contract is not subject to recapture rules.

    8.5(a). A player whose name has been entered on the Voluntarily Retired List by a Member Club at his request, or by direction of the Commissioner under Section 8.2 hereof, may not re-enter organized hockey, professional or amateur, as a player for a period of three years from the date of such entry without written consent of the Member Club making such entry.

    Section 8.5(b) is nearly identical to 8.5(a) and simply states that a player also cannot re-enter organized hockey in any non-player role, either, during the timeline laid out by 8.5(a).

  74. E3 Avatar
    E3

    The Hank apologists need to drop some saline into their eyeballs. He’s third string right now for a reason. Hank was great in his day but so was Babe Ruth and I don’t see too many MLB teams rushing out to dig the Bambino up and stick him into their lineup.

  75. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Beezle

    Then according to what you’ve found, Hank couldn’t even come aboard the team in any paid capacity following retirement for 3 years.

    After 3 years are up after retirement, I wonder if the NHL were to cry foul if LQ were paid out his remaining $4.5 million to join management.

  76. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Wings get a shorty vs Bruins. Lead 1-0. My money is on our sexy boys also getting a shorty tomorrow.

  77. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Great convo today chucklefaces!!

    You guys are asbestos..I mean the bestest 😉

  78. E3 Avatar
    E3

    One small step for man, one giant beak on Marchand.

  79. Old Ranger Fan Avatar
    Old Ranger Fan

    What about Garth Snow? I think he had years left on his contract when he became the Isles’ GM and they didn’t take a cap hit. although it wouldn’t have mattered since they always have cap space.

  80. Pete Avatar
    Pete

    think you are right after all beezle as Hank shouldn’t be subject to recapture because he signed his new deal post the new CBA singing date.

    James, don’t disagree a top 10 pick likely isn’t going to contribute a ton the next couple years, but still not sold that’s their timeline to being legit contenders absent a bunch of moves, and still don’t see locking up all three of kreider, strome and tony as a successful path forward given all the roster space they’d have to both clear and then eat up to do so. Going have to be some painful choices to acquire and make cap space for the missing ingredients and then luck that the majority of the first rounders already drafted hit their ceilings or even surpass (such as one of the lefty D prospects)

  81. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Bernie Williams and Henrik guitar concerto at Radio City, then tour the world?

  82. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Avery: ‘Hank, wanna be in a Play?’

  83. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    I am considering naming my second daughter (due late June!) Avery.

    🙂

  84. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Avery Sean CCCP. A lovely name. Congrats…..

  85. Fat Guy Avatar
    Fat Guy

    Why not Igor?

  86. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Salmon Joe are the worst broadcasting pair in the league. I get the opponent’s feed most nights and what an improvement. No 20 minute stories about nothing related to the game – just good descriptive play by play and analysis.

  87. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Why not Igor? Imma call her Fat Guy. Build strong self-esteem from the get-go lol

  88. Pete Avatar
    Pete

    i find myself muting the game on msg a lot, sam’s voice itself is irritating and even more so his constant mistakes

  89. James G Avatar
    James G

    Pete
    honestly I don’t think it is going to cost them as much as you’d think.
    For years they had the opposite issue- built on all bottom six talent. Needed to acquire top six quality pieces.
    Kind of the opposite right now.
    There’s skill up front. They need two way forwards, grinders, size on the blue line. You can find that stuff later in a draft. End of first round into the 3rd or 4th rounds. Even adding it via UFA or trades isn’t overly expensive

  90. James G Avatar
    James G

    Sam also can’t keep track of who is in goal night to night..
    Last five games you keep hearing
    “And a save…by Georgiev” etc

  91. James G Avatar
    James G

    C3 how about a gentlemen’s agreement. Name her Avery and we’ll name our son (due in July!) Sean 😉

  92. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    James

    be careful, man… we’re 90% agree on Avery 😉

  93. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Congrats, btw! Ukrainian honey FTW!

  94. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Janes, and Pete having a conversation. What am I, Daphne from scoobie doo?

  95. Fat Guy Avatar
    Fat Guy

    Sam is basically John Sterling now. Having difficulty following the play, verbalizing the action, getting names right. He’s way past his sell by date but I imagine the org Thinks he’s an icon we can’t do without

  96. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    He had a difficult time with Fast, and Fox last night. It tough for me to see Sam struggling, having spoken to the man about a half dozen times. He is one of the nicest most sincere people you will ever meet.

  97. Fat Guy Avatar
    Fat Guy

    I don’t care if he announces our games forever but for the love of all that’s holy, someone please tell him to update his hairstyle

  98. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Joe isn’t bad when he’s away from Sam…together…yeesh.

    Sam is not good.

  99. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Admiral – that rule means the only team he can do non-player stuff after retirement is nyr unless they grant permission

  100. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Lol, kane deleted his tweet

  101. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Sam isn’t pretty

  102. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Oof, now it’s back lol…my bad

  103. Norm Merton Avatar
    Norm Merton

    Are we in gibberish time yet? On the road gassing up in Spokane for those interested in my personal movements. (Take it away, E3)

  104. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Erik Karlsssssssson our remainder of the season with a broken thumb. Horrible ROI with that signing

  105. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Norm has gas – silent but deadly? Or loud and proud?

  106. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Filthy down 1-0. Go lightning go.

  107. E3 Avatar
    E3

    2-0 TB

  108. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    I’m sure Sam is a nice man. Never says a bad word about anyone. Therein lies his failure.

  109. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Beazle

    Doesn’t section 8.5(b) mean retiree must stay also away 3 years in a non-playing capacity?

    “Section 8.5(b) is nearly identical to 8.5(a) and simply states that a player also cannot re-enter organized hockey in any non-player role, either, during the timeline laid out by 8.5(a).”

  110. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Bolts need to win in regulation, and Fishsticks need to lose in regulation tonight.

  111. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Filthy still down 2-0 early in the 2nd.

  112. E3 Avatar
    E3

    3-0. Now

  113. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Regarding the preponderance of overtime/shootout points in the NHL:

    The current system with so many 3 point games encourages teams to play a DEFENSIVE style, a la Fishsticks under Trotz or Blue Jackets under Torts, etc.

    Defensive teams keep games close, usually one goal games, which thereby increases the chance of getting to overtime, where the team is guaranteed at least 1 point in the game. The team can then “open up” and play for the extra point or take chances in a shootout with one already in the bank…. Those so-called Bettman bonus loser points add up big time by the end of the season, and can drastically affect a team’s playoff positioning.

    Teams that play an open run and gun offensive style are summarily punished by this NHL system as they squander Bettman points by playing getting less OT/SO.

    Trotz isn’t stupid.

  114. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Whole lotta wedgie grabbin’ goin’ on, as Jerry Lee Lewis might say.

  115. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    If Trotz has diarrhea, does he get the Trotz with a z?

  116. TYM Avatar
    TYM

    Evander Kane issues a statement blasting George Parros and the NHL DPS. I am not an Evander fan, but he is right on with his comments. Of course, Bettman says the DPS does a great job. He also calls NHL officiating “exemplary.” His credibility on both opinions is questionable at best.

  117. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Rangers have second fewest OT/SO appearances in the NHL with 8. Only Detroit has fewer with 7.

    In comparison, the Fishtanks are tied for 2nd in the NHL with 4 other teams with 17. CBJ leads the NHL with 18 OT/SO appearances.

    League average is 13.125 OT/SO appearances. If the Rangers had 5 more OT/SO appearances to meet the league average of 13, and had lost all 5 of those appearances, they would be only 2 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

    So, boys and girls, it’s not that you lose in the NHL, it’s HOW and WHEN you lose.

  118. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    I’d rather have the Torts than the Trotz.

  119. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    I believe Buttman used the word “extraordinary” when describing his league’s officials.

  120. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Bolts V Filth is quite the chippy affair.

  121. E3 Avatar
    E3

    3-1 Bolts end of 2

  122. TYM Avatar
    TYM

    Thanks for the correction Admiral. I believe you are correct. Gary Bettman however, is most certainly not!

  123. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    It’s a shame that at the biggest moment in his career, Sam, who seems to be a very nice person blew the call of the Rangers only Stanely Cup in 80 years with his
    “AND THIS ONE WILL LAST A LIFETIME!!!”
    Just a really poor call of an historic event for Ranger fans.
    But he does seem to be a genuinely good person, and I say that all sincerity.

  124. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    * with all sincerity

  125. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    I really like the play, effort and decisions of Trouba on this road trip
    I hope he doesn’t have a case of the MSG jitters that we’ve seen other successful players have in the past.
    Keep It up Jacob.

  126. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    Skjeil is the real enigma on this team. He could be an all-star with his size and skill. He just needs to complete the package with his brains and balls.

  127. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    There are players who Be some paralyzed with the fear of making a mistake. At times I feel Skjeil fits into that group.

  128. CCCP Avatar
    CCCP

    Wonder how many additional days Kane will get suspended for, for bad-mouthing NHLPS?

  129. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    Staal much to my surprise, has been steady as a rock on the blueline. The last time I remember feeling that way about him was when Norris Stralman was his partner. I think Quinn really believes in him and wants to keep him around.

  130. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    Kane fits the mold of a player from Days gone by. Full speed ahead and I’m going to hit you into next week. Probably would make a great linebacker or safety.

  131. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    I think if Kreider had the edge that Kane plays with, he might be considered the best power forward in the game, next to the Great Alex.
    Ovi, when all is said and done, should be In running for the title of greatest power forward off all-time. Better than Gordie Howe.

  132. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    Ovi is neither man nor beast. He is the Secretariat of Hockey always “is moving like a tremendous machine”
    Which BTW, in contrast to Sam’s call of the Ranger’s Cup, is one of the legendary calls in sports history by the late great Chic Anderson.

  133. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Admiral: posted last from phone so was brief. From 8.5a: may not re-enter organized hockey, professional or amateur, as a player for a period of three years from the date of such entry without written consent of the Member Club making such entry

    So it sounds like, yes he can do management type things after retirement, but ONLY for the NYR for the first 3 years or until they give him consent to go to another organization.

  134. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Anyone who lauds Staal as being anything more than ordinary at best is either blind or not watching.

  135. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    @Admiral: On the points/shootouts etc, did you see my link from a few days ago? Bottom half shows league standing based on the old way of doing things. But feel free to double check my math, Norm won’t, told me to speak to E3 but he’s always on the can.

  136. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    game is at 8 on nbc

  137. Norm Merton Avatar

    coos, you’re at your best when you’re the last man standing. The tenacity! The devotion to the lost cause! Not to worry, though, Staal isn’t Superman–he’ll make a mistake you can jump all over soon enough 🙂

  138. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    Colorado vise. LA? Blah. That’s a brown crayon.

  139. Peanut Butter Avatar
    Peanut Butter

    I Think Coos promoted Staal to ordinary! Ay Caramba!

  140. Norm Merton Avatar
    Norm Merton

    What’s the promotion up from shuffleboard? Snowboarding?

  141. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Golden Showers hosting Fishsticks 0-0 after 1 period.

  142. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Wonder if Rangers tighten your their defense next season to take advantage of the free Buttman Bonus Losers Points (BBLPs) and climb up the standings?

    Valuable BBLPs left on the table this season are costing the Rangers a playoff spot.

  143. TYM Avatar
    TYM

    Grubauer injured. Wonder if Gorton has Joe Sakic on speed dial.

  144. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Grubauer got hurt a bit tonight. any team w an excess of goalies?

  145. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Trade Hank to Avs for anything.

    Golden Showers V Fishsticks scoreless. After 2.

  146. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Make that 1-0 Golden Showers with 34 seconds left in 2nd. I shot my load prematurely.

  147. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    There’s good reason Staal’s call letters are TRS.

  148. tommyG Avatar
    tommyG

    If the rangers managed to sneak into the playoffs and the islanders somehow collapsed and missed the playoffs, Islander fans heads would explode.

  149. ilb2001 Avatar
    ilb2001

    Good morning, boneheads!
    Out skiing all day. Go Time Post scheduled at 3 pm, someone remind people of a new post, please. No idea about the lineup.
    Beezle, AA, and everyone else. Saw all your CBA related questions. I’ll answer when I get a chance. It will take time to explain fully.

  150. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Then possibility of the Fishsticks missing the playoffs is legitimate. Despite their fans still holding onto the dream they are an elite team, in the class of Boston, Washington, or Tampa in the East, the Isles have done nothing but tread water since the 17 Game undefeated streak ended in November.

    For instance, if the Rangers were in the Isles position now, every Bonehead gloom and doomer would be out in full force on this blog, calling for Uncle Lou (Past his Prime)’s head, the constant inability to draw free agents, the arena situation… we would all be on the Ledge, just waiting for the team to fall out of playoff contention.

  151. James G Avatar
    James G

    Lmao I laughed out loud reading that Admiral.
    You’re 100% spot on bro. Even the year the Rangers won the presidents trophy there were fans worried about nyi

  152. James G Avatar
    James G

    AV’s losing a lot of key guys at the wrong time of year.

  153. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Isles 17-15-4 since the Streak ended in November. Mediocrity personified.

  154. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Rangers 20-14-2 during same time period.

  155. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    It really is a big boy pants game today. If they can pull off a win against the big bad bee’s anything is possible!

  156. James G Avatar
    James G

    I’m going to try to stay positive even though “they’re due” is pulsating through my mind. As in “they’re due to play one of those games that will have you and BDL going back and forth for three hours Monday morning”

  157. James G Avatar
    James G

    Also BDL wherever you are/
    Since you keep writing “Janes” in reference to me, I will now call you Daphne. I was an avid Scooby fan (the original show)

  158. James G Avatar
    James G

    Bruins have lost twice in the last Month btw.
    9-2 since 1/16….

  159. Old Ranger Fan Avatar
    Old Ranger Fan

    A win would great, but, they need to at least be competitive. The game they had with the Bruins early in the season was one of their worst games.

  160. tommyG Avatar
    tommyG

    I don’t expect the rangers to beat one of the best teams in the east on the road so if they lose, ok, on to the next game.

  161. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    When did TB go on 10-0-0 run?

    Norm, in the interest of blog peace I’m going to let that snowboarding comment slide

  162. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Ilb you are a brave man. I wouldn’t go near any mountain the first weekend of Presidents week. May the cattle prod be with you!

  163. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Last time they played in Boston, didn’t the Rangers lose in OT?

    I would be happy with a competitive/onions game that shows the Rangers kids have been making progress. Other than that, 1 or 2 points would be icing on the cake.

  164. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Maybe this is Tampa’s year (finally):

    “Sharty, come get your Stanley Cup! Dolan-bucks are already in the mail!”

  165. CraigWeather Avatar
    CraigWeather

    tommyG,

    The game’s at MSG. I’d actually prefer they play on the road bc they play a much simpler game. But, we’ll see how it all shakes out. If they win today, they’re very much back in the playoff picture PLUS, they’ll be getting hot at the right time of year. Not that this team has the same tools as that 2013-2014 team so I don’t want to use too many comparisons or even jump the gun, but that team was a .500 team until basically the last 30 something games and got hot/rode that streak right into the playoffs. AGAIN… this is NOT that team, but…. you can’t keep me from fantasizing 🙂

  166. James G Avatar
    James G

    Heave Ho five in a row! Don’t believe me ask Eddie O. I want Kreider with the game winner too. Show them what they can’t have

  167. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Ryan Graves +41? How the heck does that happen? Surprised JT Miller only +9 given his offensive stats this season.

  168. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Who is in net today?

  169. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Should be Igor if healthy, Georgiev if Igor not healthy, but wouldn’t be surprised if Lundqvist as he has historically played well against Boston. My suspicion is that it will be Georgiev.

  170. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    I think the ways to win the game today is to play the way they normally play at home, fast and loose. Try and suck Boston in. If they try to beat Boston at there own game, they will lose.

  171. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    I suspect Georgiev as well.

  172. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Rangers 5
    Bruins 0

    GwG Breadman
    Lemieux knocks Marchand into 10th row
    Phillip D knocks Krug out onto 7th Avenue

  173. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Rangers dominated bruins in Boston last time they played. Today we get the two points….

  174. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Hank giving the evil eye to DQ in the room

  175. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Hank’s hair getting ready to jump ship

  176. Norm Merton Avatar

    Nice edge on that post, Beezle.

  177. Fat Guy Avatar
    Fat Guy

    I don’t care who wins the Cup as long as the Bruins don’t

  178. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Lets hope TB doesn’t, Wicky will be apolectic 🙂

  179. James G Avatar
    James G

    FG
    Not that I want to see it but they’ve been my pick since before the season started.

  180. Fat Guy Avatar
    Fat Guy

    I don’t want any Boston sports fans to ever be happy about anything

  181. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    Pens are wining the cup boys plain and simple. I will be pulling my hair out, oh wait!

  182. Fat Guy Avatar
    Fat Guy

    I have no problem watching Sully win his third Cup and write his ticket into the HOF for his port-Torts career

  183. Fat Guy Avatar
    Fat Guy

    I’m embarrassed that I don’t remember this more clearly but great tweet, sights, sounds and names
    https://mobile.twitter.com/nyrangers/status/1229072508776861696

  184. bobbyo2019 Avatar
    bobbyo2019

    Coos a lot of folks agree with you on Staal but not the coach or GM apparently

  185. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    More rumors Beat Wide to Panthers for Trocheck what’s up with that?

  186. St Pete Eli Avatar
    St Pete Eli

    It does nothing to help keeping Kreider.

  187. James G Avatar
    James G

    If the Rangers can acquire Trocheck they should pounce without debating it. Man do I love Vinny T’s game!

  188. James G Avatar
    James G

    Very very few pieces I wouldn’t part with in that scenario too.

  189. bobbyo2019 Avatar
    bobbyo2019

    Why would Panthers trade a center like Trochek

  190. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Talon needs D. Rumors heating up on Fast getting traded

  191. Bdl Avatar
    Bdl

    Where are you guys seeing this stuff?

  192. Beezle Avatar
    Beezle

    Perhaps I don’t watch Pussycats enough (EV might have something on it) but looks to me like Trocheck has struggled the past two years to score goals. 6 ES in 55 last year, 7 ES in 50 this season, 3 PP last year, none this. Seems to be a 50pt ish guy, one big season in 17/18.

    Where does he fit? He’s under contract a few more season at 4.75M per, roughly expected Stromish money, but Strome the past season and half seems the better guy. Trocheck a bit better at the dot but he is also a smaller player.

    Not moving Zib out and Chytil appears set at 3rd line for the next season or so. Can’t pay that for a 4th liner.

  193. tommyG Avatar
    tommyG

    Craig, my bad, thought game was on the road, your right, they appear to play better on the road.

  194. tommyG Avatar
    tommyG

    Friedman stated that the panthers are willing to move Trocheck for a defensemen but haven’t seen any reports the rangers are involved but Friedman did say that Fast has moved up as the top of the list regarding rangers trading him a the deadline which makes sense because he will be a free agent and that spot could go to Kravtsov. I haven’t hears anymore Kreider being traded rumors since it was reported that Gorton was going to start talking to Kreider’s agent. It’s apparent to me the rangers have to sign Kreider, sign him and make him the Captain.

  195. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Over the last two seasons tampa has realized that size is important and have tried to add it throughout their lineup.

    This is the most balanced team I’ve seen them with. I think this is their best chance to win a cup, not sure they can beat a couple teams in the east but their best shot imo.

  196. jpp Avatar
    jpp

    Let’s go boys

    Every game is a playoff game

    Being backed into a corner brings out the best in some people

    Your my boy Rich

  197. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Wouldn’t know about skiing. Trying to put food on the table.

  198. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Huge game. Not must win. But a win here sends a message to not just the fans and the league….but to themselves.

  199. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    If offered, THE has to really WANT to be Captain. If he’s on the fence, the job and the working Press will (uninentionally) ruin him. (see old #27).

  200. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    jpp, being backed into a corner brings out the best in rats. 🙂

  201. E3 Avatar
    E3

    Kooz – THE has already assumed the Captain-ship. McD was a different bird. Far too reticent. THE is outgoing and personable whereas McD shy and quiet….

  202. Norm Merton Avatar

    Nobody puts rat baby in a corner

  203. Norm Merton Avatar

    I never met either guy. I’ve read that Kreider can be a bit aloof, but who the hell knows.

  204. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Maybe so. eddie, but I see it Norm’s way as a quick take, but Captaincy calls for a different breed from the ordinary in many ways.

  205. bobbyo2019 Avatar
    bobbyo2019

    Still think it’s 75/25 on Kreider trade and that the Panthers would be looking for a much better return on Trocheck than Skjej

  206. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Little Jack Horner sat in a corner, that Rat motherf…..

  207. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    THE played a little bit with the olden Captain, Dave Maloney, and confused the hell out if him.

  208. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    If THE is aloof of Bread, does that mean he would slice Panarin if he got the chance?

  209. James G Avatar
    James G

    While I see much more value in Skjei than most here, I don’t disagree with Bobby. Trocheck would be worth more. Maybe a R1 and Lias

  210. Norm Merton Avatar

    I’m in the Zibanejad camp, even if making Kreider captain could be a way of motivating him if he’s signed.

  211. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Seems to me that we’ve had our fair share of big sized goofs who eschew contact and like(d) to skate with a daffodil stem between their teeth.

  212. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Trochek for Beat Wide, Lisa, and an R2.

    Would be interesting if the deal could be sweetened with Smith included. More cap relief.

  213. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Maybe so, Norm, and he’s unlikely ever to go all Torts on a Maloney or Giannone type with a plethora of unending stupid questions as Kreider might eventually be wont to do.

  214. Admiral Akbar Avatar
    Admiral Akbar

    Seeing rumors Kovalchuk to Fishsticks

  215. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Smith, though overpriced, is a handy type of Swiss Army Knife to any NHL coach.

  216. cooscoos Avatar
    cooscoos

    Is it true that Dale Hunter owns Hunter’s Mountain?

  217. James G Avatar
    James G

    Yeah because Kovalchuk and the trap have the potential for a healthy relationship.

  218. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Man, what a play by Tanev. I can’t emphasize enough what a great signing that was.

    Clear league trend in signing impact bottom 6 forwards to long term lower aav deals (Tanev a bit higher on aav).

  219. James G Avatar
    James G

    Even if Trocheck rumors are unsubstantiated that’s the type of player they need to add

  220. James G Avatar
    James G

    Wick
    Rutherford was criticized heavily for “overpaying”
    Guess fans aren’t always smarter than the GM

  221. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    I’d love to see them name trouba captain just to see peanut blow his shell.

    😉

  222. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    James
    Yeah, we fans are the best.

  223. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Georgiev in net

  224. Norm Merton Avatar

    Fast for Captain!

  225. Wicky Avatar
    Wicky

    Is Craig smith in Nashville a winger?

Previous Post
Next Post