The difference a night makes, eh?
Another well played road game with a solid (and IMO impressive) defensive showing, but this time they flipped the script.
That was certainly a goal scorer’s goal by the future former Ranger after he stripped Brendan Dillon of the puck.
That take away may have been my favorite thing this season.
207 responses to “Rangers-3, Caps-1”
Mika magic! Great play
Refs almost handed the game to the caps with a phantom hook call on Pepe.
Joe michaletti waxed poetic for about 5 minutes pretty much defending Wilson. Ending with (and the hot on Carlo wasn’t even called a penalty in game – really joe- the refs never miss calls eh. No penalty makes it ok even though with review it got 7 games which is more like 12 prorated games).
What an ending to that game!
Btw- 2nd Pfizer shot hit me pretty good with body aches/chills.
Thank G-d for ibuprofen!
Must admit though, I got pretty emotional this morning, just thinking about how hard this past year is, and that I’m one step closer to seeing my parents/inlaws who haven’t seen their granddaughters in over a year (other than FaceTime).
SN, before you say it, i think the ice time at forward was fairly allocated last night as Laf continues to struggle keeping pace and Chytil couldn’t control the puck (hand or wrist may still be an issue), but he did have a big defensive zone face off win late in the third so that was one positive at least. And Lemeuix was ineffective. Kakko passed up a glorious chance to shoot, but played well otherwise-IF his offensive game ever develops, he could be quite an all around player
On D, Smith was pretty bad with that puck all night, but don’t recall Hayek doing anything wrong in particular.
PP1 was still a hot mess, may be time to break up that unit, at the very least by replacing strome with Buch. However, it also may give them a little more urgency if they were told they only get a minute out there before having to change.
Going to have some interesting decisions when Kratsov is allowed to play. First, if they are allowed to do it, Laf should go to Hartford. If not then I’d give him a couple games off and then work him back into the 3rd line.
Kakko or Kratsov should be on the right side with Panarin and Strome, with the other on 3rd line RW.
Biggest conundrum is that whether it’s injury or mental, Chytil likely should be at wing for the moment, with Rooney at center but that doesn’t work if Laf can’t go to Hartford.
Then have rotating 4th line duties with other forwards.
A coach who understands the importance of ice time allocation in the final 12 minutes of a tie game?
– Alexis Lafreniere got one 34-second shift over the final 12:45 and finished with a season-low of 7:53.
– Filip Chytil got two shifts worth 1:10 over the final 12:45.
– Brendan Lemieux did not get on the ice in the final 9:10.
– Libor Hajek sat for the final 11:48 and Brendan Smith was off for the final 8:34 as the club went with four defensemen through crunch time
Conversely,
– Fox was on for 5:12 of the final 9:55 and played 10:17 in the third period for a game total of 28:00.
– Mika was on for 2:48 of the final 5:31 for a sum of 21:10.
I love the smell of Napalm in the morning….smells like (……)!
At 27 years old, I think Ryan Strome is a keeper. He continues to improve and has become much more consistent game in and game out.
What did Pepe do or not do to get only 4 minutes of ice time? Can’t be his penalty. It was halfway through the third. Chytil’s FO work has improved and the hand doesn’t seem to bother him there. He and Kakko generate chances, but, don’t get anything for them often even passing up shots. Kakko only seems to shoot when he is at an angle that he can’t score from. They need to put something on the scoreboard. Their numbers are down from last year’s meager output. Great team effort though. They can build on these types of games.
I too was thrilled with the Mika take away from Dillon………..especially following the cheap shot boarding of Lindgren. I did not see the puck anywhere near Lindgren when he did that, and it was nothing more than an attempt to injure. If Lindgren would have laid on the ice for a few minutes, maybe it would have been a major penalty. So to see his weak arse falling due to a gentle push from behind and the red light on…….it was delicious. I was trying to focus on Kinkaid last night as well. I noticed that he went post to post and did not end up with his entire body being out of the crease and out of the play like the night before.
Peanut Butter
You are right about Strome. When he arrived at the doorstep of the NYR he was a bust….but somehow he realized this was his final destination if he did not play like the 1st round pick that he is. He is a good hockey player and should hopefully stay.
Craig Weather
You are right this last year has sucked. I hope your children get to see their granparents soon.
My oldest boy 27 lives in a group home because he is autistic…which sucks all around…but the pandemic has not allowed us to see him like did before. Better times are ahead.
Stay positive.
It seemed Howden was playing LW with Rooney at Center the last 2 games. He’s better on the Wing. Leave him there
Rueben seems to be on his toes more, comes to the puck; Georgie looks like the puck plays him or his reflexes/vision is off as he is lunging at or even missing pucks from the point. Is Igor still on the team?
Re TOI allocation; Chuck Knoblach is prolly like, fugg it, I am playing these games like Game 7 as my arse will be back in the Capitol City in 10 days. It will be a tough slog to keep the TOI like that over the next 27 games though.
I thought the Diaper line had some chances and would love to see Chytil and Kakko switch in /out every game at RW and put Rooney in the middle; creates some competition and take Flip out of the middle. Not a good culture to build when they have everything handed to them. Can’t wait to Barron comes up.
I know it will never happen, but Digger or even The Red Barron should be in for Howdy. Kid was lost so much last night in Dzone, esp on the Craps goal.
Kreider looks like he is hurt; pulling himself off shifts early, had a ‘maintenance day’ before 2 day Craps series; wrist/thumb (mid-upper/mid-lower body) as his skating is still there.
Valley Cat has commented on Kinkaid working with Benny to calm down and stay between the pipes. He says he used to be all over the place and has really changed his game. I think Georgie is a bit of a head case and not in a good way.
Strome has been great; he will need to produce when the ice gets smaller to win the big bucks; but he is adding a ton of production, night in and night out. His set ups are not being cashed in or he would have 10 more assists.
I think it was Howden who got run over along the boards during the siege that led to the goal and then failed to clear about 3o seconds later. Those sieges don’t happen nearly as much as they used to the last couple of years. They are better on board battles and breakouts.
Agree SN, Kreider was a step behind and off his game the last two. He may be hurt or may be entering Kreider Funk Time.
I’ve thought a lot about trying Cythil on the wing. However the one thing he does well is carry the puck through the neutral zone. Probably won’t have the opportunity if they switch him to the boards.
Lil Pepe only 4 minutes? That must be an error on the scoresheet
Assuming Mika is out of rut and not regressing, Strome has proven to be a more than capable 2C. If we can lock those two up for a combined $14M, do you do it?
Then, this team desperately needs a real 3C. The fact that Rooney is even an option tells you all you need to know. Like Rooney as 4C. Agree Chytil and Howden play better on the wings, but there is a glut.
All this 2C Stromeo and Buch love is fine but still expect at least one of them to go
Chytil will be the third wheel, still convinced he is the one who will be moved/packaged. DiG? Nice guy but not long term plans. Barron comes up on wing until Chytil moved, then slides over to center for remainder of season. Look for Laf/Barron/KHLsov line. I think Howden will also stay on the 4th wing and they’ll give him a shot to pick up his offense (or not).
Strome + Mika can probably be done for 13-13.5. IF (big one) NYR think the past couple of months have been an aberration with Mika, it is in their best interest to try to extend both of them now rather than wait until contracts are up next spring. Mika might not go for it but think Strome probably would take the security and pay raise to 5.5, perhaps 6 if it a shorter contract.
Totally fine with the playing time. First and foremost is winning games, whether you are all vets or all kids. If anything, this Hartford guy is quicker with the hook and more traditional than DQ in that regard. The flow and score of a game will dictate a lot about minutes in the third period, or should. No elder abuse/age discrimination against vets because fans want to see the new shiny.
Coos a Sakharov event in May. I can forward a link when available if you are interested: announcement
bobby, think the cap will force their hand on one, if not both of them. Buch likely has the most value he has ever had right and will likely get a decent raise at arbitration and then he is a UFA thereafter. So unless they can get him to pull a Zuc and take an undermaket deal for like 4 years, they likely have to move him at some point and better to do it at this deadline then next year’s. And if they are keeping Buch for more than another year it also means one of Kakko or Kravtsov is on borrowed time in the organization
Strome may well be a victim of both the cap, his age when his current deal is up and the decision to only give him a two year deal last offseason (which i honestly thought was borderline too long!). If you can extend him for 3 more years at $5.5m/yr this offseason, then yes do it. But if he wants to get a 5 or 6 year deal when this one is up at that $ or more then we should move on because we shouldn’t be giving that kind of deal to him at the age of 29 (which he will be 10 days after free agency opens in 2022).
Might be time at this year’s deadline or offseason to make a hockey trade for one or both of them
Pete the time to lock up Strome long term was in the summer …another bad contract decision by Gorts
While the game was on the line before the Mika Goal I was dissapointed to see howdy duty on the ice so late in the game when a goal is needed.
Sure he got a gimme empty netter late but he is literally where pucks go to die. Why was he getting late icetime like that?!
Goat Barron Or kravstov should be playing over Howden any given night
Rooney is our 4C
i agree that was the time bobby, but disagree Gorts made the wrong decision with the facts he had at the time. Mika was coming off a monster year and great two years and he had just got Lafrienere in the draft. So in the face of a flat cap for awhile, it was pretty reasonable to expect to have to pay Mika big $ in two years and Laf a hefty second contract if he was as good as hyped, not to mention coming deals for Fox and others. And all of these things could still be the case, even re Laf if he breaks out next year.
So at the point the question was can he commit longer term to a guy like Strome, without still knowing how much his turnaround was the Panarin effect?
And don’t think anyone could say with confidence the answer was yes at that time. And still may not be the right answer for much of the same reasons.
Also, if we are locking up Mika and Strome to be our longterm top 2 centers, what are we trading some of these high-end prospects/young players for? A 3C and draft picks?
I Love the new coach but GGG
Let’s give Howden his due, since his benching the effort in the ozone has improved.
Beez – Sakharov’s justification for his work on thermonuclear weapons reminds me of Wernher von Braun who famously said ‘I just send them up. Where they come down is somebody else’s problem.’
He can hold off on those big contracts for KK and LAF for a while. Let’s see theme earn them first.
Same thing with Strome, Mika and Butch; they are all signed next season so no need to do anything drastic; let’s see how the all develop.
Maybe perform instead of ‘develop’
Pete – disagree with logic re Buch, Kakko, Kravtsov. If you think Buch is the real deal, what is the problem with signing him long term? Would it be horrible if Kakko and Kravtsov were (pick order) R2 and R3 for four or five years? How old would the be? 24/25? 25/26? And probably finishing up RFA status around that time?
Is the new conspiracy theory that DQ told Knoblauch ‘Play Howden or else!’?
Quinn the Eskimo knows
Howden and Hajek for McDonuts and JT Miller? Fire the damned Einstein who came up with that one. Immediately!
Not to go too deep in a topic, I would note that Sakharov went to the profound intellectual transformation, which turned him totally against his evel powerful keepers, whereas von Braun always reminded being cynical self, just opportunistically changing the Master. Both were geniuses, indeed. That’s undoubtedly in common.
I feel like carp defending managements choice of not playing Goatboy is a remix of his defense that Ryan Graves was no longer high enough on the depth chart to warrant a call up (despite being an AHL Allstar.)
It’s like Quinn and gorton and Company are so far up their own asses that we will let goat go somewhere else and we will see him blossom. (Like Ryan Graves and even pionk)
Meanwhile, Howden will continue to skate with the right intentions on the Pk.
But what do Fans know? Obviously nothing. Which is a good rule for Twitter verse. But now it just seems like they are being stubborn on purpose
My 9yo
“Dad, all Howden does is fall down and give away pucks “
This kid will be going to Harvard if he doesn’t get into MIT 😉
DQ sets the lineup according to Chuck Knoblach so, yeah, he’s calling the shots
Did anyone miss Henk last night? Only mentioned by Carp after a loss…
One of the kids scored against the Sabres…book it
*scores
Cregg-
Make no mistake. Gauthier will be the next player to go into that Graves/Pionk category if they give up on him
Trap game tomorrow night against the Sabres especially after a Huge win.
DQ may set the lineup (we really don’t know that for certain) but AHL coach runs the in-game use. He could have sat Howden like he did Pepe or Laf but did not. Howden must have a lot of dirt on the entire organization!
James – weren’t people in a bit of a huff over losing ‘the Duke’?
Big stretch of games coming up! Chance to go 5/7, 6/7 with some luck!
https://theahl.com/stats/player/7211/joey-keane
BTW – looking at the 3rd period shift chart – the reason the 4th line was out near the end is that they had already rolled line 1 and line 2. Line 3 was not being played. The 4th was on for 31 seconds. The reason why Howden was back out again is Kreider came off. Mika and Buch were still on ice.
Graves 8A in 28 games, 19:16 TOI Bad puck luck?
Beezle, the only issue with having those three as top 3RWs is that you also need to figure out where Laf, Kreider and hopefully Barron slot in (with Panarin a lock) and then there is Chytil. So yes could keep Buch, Kakko and Kravtsov, but something has to give at some point with the other cadre of wingers then. If you are going that route you’d also have to fix the pp ice time allocation, so the two units play roughly the same amount
Gauthier always had a very narrow path to finding a role on this team when he was acquired and got even smaller, if not disappeared entirely, when Laf was drafted. Now add Kravtsov to the mix and unlikely he is ever given much of a look here. Best thing for him (and most likely outcome) is Seattle grabbing him in the expansion draft
Not sure if Gauthier is waiver exempt, but if he is, he should go to Hartford when Kravtsov starts playing games. Sitting in the press box isn’t doing him much good.
Liked how Strome gave the puck to Howden for his 1st goal of the year. How about Strome for Captain?
tom, Gauthier would have to clear, large part why Carolina moved him in the first place.
The truest genius of the 20th century is David Hilbert
Humbert Humbert?
That your alter ego, Coos?
I mean, double name and all.
Wow. LOTS of Strome love from the Boneheads today. Unprecedented.
Just a couple of weeks ago he was to be traded for a bag of pucks.
That said: It’s nice to see an excellent hockey player living up to his draft status and getting recognition for his play.
Though his heat maps and shooting % are still giving the chart boys fits.
There have been a few of us that have liked the strome bringer since his arrival post spoonman
LETS GET CRACKIN
Strome a smart guy. And liked.
Pete, disagree. 100%. Gauthier is the one guy other than Barron and Lafreniere with some power forward potential.
They can’t just ice a team full of small skilled guys that make their money playing East- west hockey.
Kreider isn’t here forever. You don’t win in this league constructing a roster full of smurfs.
It’s like wanting 3 offensive d-men in the top six. Why? At some point the lack of defending is going to bury you regardless of how good your power play might be. MIGHT be.
AA,
I have been a fan of Strome since about ten games into his Ranger tenure. Have always liked the guy and thought he was a good teammate.
I had no issue with criticizing him for his play for the first month.
I felt that the poor handling of the contract situation in the offseason sent a message to him that was received loud and clear and he didn’t look motivated to play for this team.
He’s really cranked it up since Panarin’s leave took place. I hope he keeps it up. I am very happy being wrong about that situation
I just hope they don’t play down to the opposition tomorrow night. There should be 2 points for the taking there. If they don’t take them all the good work last night is for naught.
James, only small guys in the top 9 are Panarin and Strome, everyone else is 6-1 or above, including kravtsov at 6-3. Now i’d say to date none of them are really power forwards in the keith tkachuk sense of the word and that includes kreider and Gauthier. Barron looks to be more in that mold, but potentially without that level of offensive talent.
also kreider is here another 6 seasons. not against Gauthier, but just don’t think he is someone you prioritize over any of their other youngsters at the moment or the next year or two and don’t think having him on the 4th line would be productive
Blackwell is top 9
And some of the other may be “tall” but they aren’t playing the big power forward game.
Gotta have more people crashing that net.
Howden is tall but his BMI is like 18
So literally the Zucc could check him into next week
Laffy has the makings of a true power forward.
He is not afraid to get his nose dirty. Has that bulldog mind set you can just tell.
So excited to see his game grow
This is for certain there is no room for all the wingers they have in the top 9. A few of them are leaving we need centers and not like Eichel?
Even if Zibanajad and Strome both get extended, we’re going to need another top 6 center and we’ll need one with enough skill to play top 6 but a lot of will and snarl. Strome looked out of shape at the start of the season and in the bubble, but he certainly wasn’t the only guy who looked unprepared against the Canes last summer.
Even more reason to play Goat. If not in long range plans at least increase his trade value by showing him develop. Which outside of his penalties which can be a fluke that game he scored a highlight real goal and had been trending in right direction with his strong north south play
Right now they don’t know what they have in him and neither do trade partners.
With Kravtsov now here, even less room on wings.
All year they could have viewed goat and second half they could have seen vitally and Barron
Pete-
1. I agree with you when you say “Gorts made the decision with the facts he had at the time about Strome”
But to me the age thing doesnt factor in because they can’t rebuild forever and avoid having roster players in their 30s. It’s a ridiculous notion that some think is relevant.
2. When I say “power forward” I’m talking about the way a player plays. I don’t care about a players height and weight. I care about their ability and style of play.
Those types of forwards take longer to bloom. Have you seen Gauthier out there when he goes straight to the net? Have to have patience with a kid like that. He can do things people like Kravtsov and Chytil will never do.
They’ll have Panarin, Lafreniere, at least two of Buch/Kravtsov/Kakko/Chytil..
I mean how much East/West/Skill do they need?
I don’t mean any offense by saying this but some of you guys need to realize 2 things.
1. Theres no scenario where three years from now this organization still has Buch, Kravtsov, Chytil, Kakko, Howden all in the lineup
2. If they do they won’t be successful. That’s not a winning formula.
Cregg if you watch LaF closely you also realize that while his game needs work, he’s already an elite passer. His vision out on the ice is that of an NHLer. When he puts it all together it’s going to be fun to watch.
The RW stuff isn’t any different than the discussion we’ve had about how Fox-Tony D-Nils was never going to be the right side of the top six on D.
Gauthier and Barron should be considered important parts of the future here until they prove to be otherwise.
As Zibanejad heats up offensively (and if that’s even the case), Gorton needs to be cautious.
What does this guy give you when he’s not scoring?
Strome has been the 1C by default for the last month. A hat trick and a game winner by 93 doesn’t change that fact.
They won’t keep both.
And that’s how you catch up on a days thoughts after being non-stop with your teething son since 5am Sunday morning.
I’m out. Don’t burn the place down, you jackals 😜
JamesG,
Laffy is an “elite” passer?
Holy Hyperbole!!!
If I were to recast MSG with the boneheads equivalent
James is Gorton
Admiral is Drury
ILB is JD
Pete is Dolan (be glad he doesn’t run the team 😉)
Wicky is Capt Cally
SN is Vally
Cregg is Gianonone
Coos Coos is Dave Maloney
CraigWeather is Kenny
St Pete Eli is Pido
Olga or Fivefinns are Trautwig
JPP is Sam
Beezle is Joe Michelleti
BobbyO can be Ron Dugay
Sheesh. This is getting hard at the end. Sorry if I missed any regulars. This was off the top of my head.
PB is Quinn
Saw an article from Philly about the Flyers needing a new coach. Had to laugh.
Goat boy goes to the net better than anyone they have except(maybe) CK. I’m not sure he ever will do it consistently, but, they need to play him to find out. He could give them a N-S player that they really need. I’d almost like them to stop even talking playoffs so they can find out what they have in Kravstov, Gauthier, Barron etc. Maybe they will after the deadline (4/12).
It was Therrien they were targeting in the article -not AV. They said the team is too soft.
Olga is Sather
C3P is Uncle Larry
E3 is the Walrus, coo coo ka choo
cregg, Ha! comparing me to Dolan…absolutely brutal! I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy. Also Dolan has no idea who 90% of the team is, let alone any of the prospects. So I’ll take Benny, please and thank you!
I am the egg man …..which was actually a line referring to Eric Burden of the Animals….apparently his kink was cracking eggs in his babes before doing the nasty…
On his babes^^
Haha Pete. Glad u have a sense of humor with it. All in good fun
Yes SN. Good choice for C3p
ORF is Cas Marques
TYM is Jerry Dineen
Alex Is Jacques Martin
Tomk is Oliver
The Late Anthony M (rip) is Gordie Clark
Anerin is Jim Ramsey
BDL is
Smith?
or
Mika?
Wow. How did I forget BDL. Damn it!
I hadn’t opened it up to players, only company directory people, but for BdL we could make an exception
If going along the lines of management and support personnel
BDL can be Jef Ortmeyer
Jed (typo)
Eric Burdon, tells this story: shaking off a steamy but failed love affair, he one night found himself performing in a strange city. Wanting to drown his sorrows alone, he anonymously wandered into a bar where they were doing karaoke. After a few drinks, he did ‘House of the Rising Sun’ When he came back to his stool the bartender said, ‘Let me buy you a beer. That wasn’t half bad.’
Gravy is ADA, the forgotten bonehead.
I love that I’m Dreary – the Assistant to the Regional Manager!
Thanks cregg!
If it wasn’t half bad, was it half good? It couldn’t be because then it would also be half bad. I guess it would have to be at least infinitesimally more than half good.
Sorry, Papa. Lafreniere sucks. Kakko sucks too. Know who is good? Howden. And Tony D.
Cregg, the brilliance in that post of yours is that I can stand SN about as much as I can stand Valley and he can stand me about as much as he can stand Gorton : D
(love ya, Sn)
AA,
I’m going to need 3 large pies hold the hot oil.
And do you guys have any garlic knots?
BDL can be Gorton. Wicky and I just made up, I can’t afford to play that part right now ; )
ORF, I have wondered for years if Kreider became scared after the Price incident in the post season. Very easy to give yourself a rep in this league.
THE changed after he got a questionable major for a check against CBJ in his third or fourth season and AV benched him.
If you were going to give tonight’s game a potential title, I think it would be ‘The let down’. Obviously I don’t have to explain why.
Shoot!!! Sorry gravy. But that is a perfect one for you. aDA the forgotten!
Kreider definitely had a different set of rules applied to him after the Price incident. The league seemed to take sides in that dispute. He has to very careful along the end boards. If he bumps someone a little too strong he will be tossed and he knows it. Also goaltender interference is called tighter against him than against other players.
It’s a very small sample but Goat Boy seems to have better hands close in to the net when he beats the defender wide. CK is very predictable.
cregg7
I should be Phil Esposito I worked the both for the Rangers but I’m really a Lightning fan. Wink Wink Nod Nod Wicky!
ORF, when Gauthier was playing in Charlotte he scored a decent amount of his goals like that. Obviously he doesn’t get to the net very often but you have to be in the game and then on the ice to do so.
Goat Boy played 5 games for Charlotte and no goals; has played in a total of 37 NHL games and has 2 goals so I am assuming you are talking about his time as an AHL legend.
.
Love the size and speed, but don’t see the snarl; that has to be in the DNA, part of the will component that is hard to teach. Take a hit to make a play, scrape the boards with Dman cracking you in the side; stand in front of the net with your spine getting reconfigured. That is what separates the contenders from the pretenders.
.
He is going to be 24 at the start of next season so no longer a prospect, moving into the ‘suspect’ category. I would have been a proponent of him getting top 6 minutes over Kakko just to see what you have as part of assessing current assets under control.
Micheletti? That’s really harsh! And Craig W is no where near as upbeat as Kenny!
As far as comparing with Kreider; THE scored 7 goals when he was 23.. in the PLAYOFFS!
Brooksie, besides copying my Buch stuff, has Chytil out on the wing with a notion of him being a ‘power’ winger. More bonehead stuff. There have been few indications so far that he would or could fill that role, it is just not in his nature.
Unless there is Igorish disappointment, and feel free to juggle, the top 9 of the next three to four years are likely to be:
Bread, Strome, Buch, THE, Zib, Kakko, LAF, Barron, KHLsov.
Fourth may still have Howden, but on a wing. Other two spots are open.
I think Strome and management will come to some type of marriage that works for both. There are not a lot of signficant upgrades to Strome available at either reasonable cap or without trading away too many other pieces. Perhaps a deal with one of those 15 team NMC can be the bridge.
Yes, SN. That’s why I said “Charlotte”..as in the Checkers. I should have mentioned his play with val-d’Or Foreurs just to irritate you more.
Anyone watch LAK/VGK last night? First period looked like skating in quicksand but pace did pick up later. Guess LAK caught them on a tired night.
Ownership/Management at Vegas puts to shame most of their various competitors in those same positions.
Curious on everyone’s opinion on this topic- what’s the timeline supposed to be on Gauthier? A lot of comments here argue that 20/21 is too young for the NHL and these guys need to develop in Hartford but then I’m reading 23/ 24 is late for a player like Gauthier to be proving he’s more than we’ve seen in his first full NHL season. His being buried in the bottom six when he plays isn’t an excuse…and then I’ve seen some people here were clamoring for Sam Bennett, who is also 24 because of what he will eventually be as he comes into his own with more playing time in the top 6.
Know why, Coos? They had a plan. One plan. Everyone on the same page. It was committed to and executed correctly.
Beezle,
Quinn is going to have to roll 5 lines in the upcoming years in order to play all of these wings that they’re supposedly hanging on to and playing at the NHL level.
Kravtsov may practice tomorrow. Isn’t that exciting news!
to my point Jimmy about playing Goat Boy this season in top 6; should have given him 5-7 games in a row with Stromeo and Bread and that, along with practice time, would have provided a ‘decent’ sample size of what might be.
Every time I write Goat Boy I think of Jim Breur. Dude is hilarious
Good morning, boneheads!
Just checking in. Been a little busy. Skiing all day and then spending some time with Wicky and his girls. Enjoying every moment.
Nice hockey discussion. And great work, JamesG. Thanks for helping.
I had figured the only reason Howden was still playing was issue with center depth
For him to secure a spot on wing is asinine
Besides PK he does nothing a bottom six is supposed to do. He does not bring energy. Does not pot the occasional goa outside of and empty netter. Does nothing to change momentum unless it’s when he gives the puck away falls down and let’s the other team have their way with him.
A little surprised at the amount of frustration with Kakko and Lafrenière. Would be nice if they scored more, for sure. But as someone mentioned, it’s difficult to give them more responsibilities the way this team is currently constructed, especially on the wing. This team isn’t higher up in standings because of them not producing more.
Goat gets tough, he stays and he thrives. Simple as that. Same goes for Miller.
No prob, ILB. Enjoy yourself. Don’t let him convince you to eat those lumberjack breakfasts 🙂
They are 1-6-4 in one goal games this season. They have had the lead in the third period of some of those games.
Multitude of reasons/excuses could be cited but at the end of the day they haven’t been good enough. the TEAM hasn’t been good enough. Not in goal, up front or on D…and NOT behind the bench.
That reminds me, any update on IR-gor? Heir to the throne? Mr KHL dominator? Mr “mild groin sprain” that’s had him out like 3 weeks?
Quinn reads the blog
23 min ago carb on athletic tweet said Goat in for Howden
Ron Francis drafted Gauthier. Wonder if he winds up in Seattle?
Gauthier has the tools. The question really becomes how much does he have between his ears and how badly he wants it. As i said the other day, he strikes me as (a poor-man’s) Benoit Poiliot.
James—“Mild” groin strain? Could have fooled me. They way he went down, it looked like he has been hit by Lee Harvey Oswald. Either that, or he is the hockey version of Neymar.
Too bad Howdy will not be able to keep his goal scoring streak going…
Gauthier has been his own worst enemy. The mistakes he makes (penatlies, turnovers, poor defensive play) are more expected of a 20/21yr old than at 23 going on 24 with significant AHL time (over 180 games). Speaking of AHL time, he had 27g in 75 games in 18/19 and 26 in 44 in 19/20 scoring that does not appear to have translated to NHL level (yet).
BTW – Vinny Letter’s put up similar offensive numbers in the AHL.
James – were Igor to start Twerkin’ again on Thursday it would be 21 days. No idea why mgt have played this silly day to day thing, doesn’t help anyone. Should have put it as 4-6 weeks any everyone could have been really happy if he came back after three. Instead after every game its when will he be back? why isn’t he back?
Gauthier played the season opener on the right of Strome and Panarin.
Do you really think he would have one goal this season or look like Lettieri at the nhl level if he stayed there?
If it isn’t in NY he’ll catch on somewhere. Maybe with a coach that will give him some responsibility.
Once he’s gone everyone can start ripping into Kravtsov instead..oh and Kakko of course…and Lafreniere…and Howden…and Miller…and Zibanejad…and Lemieux….and Chytil…
….. and kreider
Beez I hate conspiracy theories so I won’t claim there is one.
But it seems as if it’s either that they didn’t want to give the media fuel to make it a huge deal with, or that they spoke with the doctors and felt he would be able to come back sooner.
All I know is that if/when the next injury occurs, oh boy..
…… and bread…….and buch…………….and this years number 1 pick (remember we already gave away our 2nd )………….
Again, nothing against Blackwell, but having him on the right of 16-10 isn’t helping anyone.
Please trade everybody especially Lafreniere and Krakko they both are busts 😉
Gravy, right. And Blackwell is a competitor but he isn’t without flaws. Same goes for veterans on this team.
But they get to make their mistakes and take their penalties.
It’s going to be the same with this Kravtsov thing. “Oh he’s going to practice with the team”
..right. And pencil in at RW w Strome until he makes his first mistake.
Then it’s limited shifts, healthy scratches, 4th line. Everyone knows the deal by now
Kinkaid in net tonight btw
They should play that video if/when he scores. I’m not saying he is CK. I just think they should give him enough ice time to be evaluated. I would not be shocked if he became a player elsewhere but it happens because guys get caught in the numbers. That’s what happened to Ryan Graves. Also with Marchessault. He bounced through several organizations before finding a home in Vegas. William Karlsson in Vegas too. They scouted well and got a bit lucky.
OF – agree; kid needed time THIS season when Crapsoft was in USSR but it is, what it is. Funny thing is he is definitely not a 4th liner type player from what we have seen so far. Just very little rhyme and reason on lineup decision other than; let’s play everyone! where? it doesn’t matter…
ORF my concern is that it will go down exactly as the Graves scenario. They feel it’s better to part ways and then not only does he work out well for another team but he does so while providing an element that the Rangers sorely lack.
Kreider is 30 years old in April. Gauthier is seven years younger.
And besides, having Kreider doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for another guy that can play a similar style. Since when do teams cap how many big bodied forwards they have? Is there such a thing as having too many guys that can win a board battle or crowd a crease?
They don’t even play the same position…meanwhile the grand vision here sometimes is having Fox- Nils and Jones all in the top six. No redundancy there. In fact maybe they should trade Lindgren now before he wears down LOL
Tonight is a game they should win, I will not at all be surprised if they don’t. They have proven time and again they are consistently inconsistent! I would love to see Frenchy and Krakko get more PP time but that’s as unlikely to happen as OTBG drafting a center?
Too many wings and the bird can’t fly. The Minx!
Minx,
the schedule certainly gets interesting from here. I for one am not even concerned with the playoffs because I don’t think it’s realistic. After the Sabres they go two more with Philly and 2 more with Washington. 10 points…how many of them are they going to take? Boston would have to completely collapse to lose a six point lead over 26 games.
Would be fun if they made it close, however. Boston has 2 games in hand and the Rangers close the season with their last 2 against the B’s.
James
Stranger things have happened but their chances are slim to none! Gorton must, I repeat must, make the correct moves concerning the excess at the wing position. The wrong moves throws a bid fat wrench in the rebuild.
100% James
Not properly evaluating him. They are stubborn cowards. At least today he is playing. But they need to let him get a good stretch in to really know. You do yourself no service playing him so sporadic
Anyone know if Shestyerkin was injury prone in the KHL?
boston plays 7 more times vs buffalo.
Cregg he’s played 10 games in the last month and he’s gotten over 12 minutes of ice time in 4 of those.
Critics will say ‘well, he’s not doing the things the coach wants him to do’. To which I say, well it’s easy to get caught up in taking a bad penalty in 9 minutes of ice time when you’re pressing. Not so easy to pass the audition that way though.
Bluebird day at the office. Almost too warm for gloves Buffalo don’t like warm temps!
Does he get TOI credit when sitting in the penalty box? Asking for a friend…
Unlikely, a friend!
Excuse SN, guys. He thinks the bottom six should include Brassard, Craig Smith and Marcus Foligno while Gauthier, Lafreniere and Kakko play in Hartford every night.
Meanwhile they’re paying Brendan Smith 4 million to sit in the box …..
And ice the puck 5 times a game.
Big game brass is a first ballot HoF’er
Dolly Parton proved to be a bust.
Double bust!
Cally’s going senile. Dresses like Love Boat captain and wants to live in Buffalo.
Could Igor’s not coming back be due to the position he plays? I would imagine a groin problem might be a little tougher for a goaltender to recover from. I don’t really know.
The word ‘groin’ should not be used on a family blog. Period.
I like staying abreast of most situations….
Would you prefer crotch or loins?
Eddie, All I know is that since he came up last January he has managed to play 12 games then missed 11 then played the last game in the bubble…came back this year, managed to play 15 games and now he’s been hurt again for 10.
He wasn’t on top of his game to start the year either because of a mental or physical lack of preparedness. And that’s as much of as we’ve seen.
Awesome goalie when he’s 100% and on top of his game but that’s only been 27 NHL games in nearly 15 months of NHL career.
Dolly’s bra must be made of titanium to support her Smokey mountains
I prefer ‘balls area.’
lower balls injury
Body language wise, I suspect that Miller has not yet been fully taken into the fold. He seems aloof. Not for nuttin’.
Sully’s coaching the Pens, Elaine is coaching the Filth and Ruff is HC of Derbils.
Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right
Here I am
Stuck with DQ
Anyone want to make a quick million bucks?
Fan Duel has Howden still listed on their player props; +/- .5 goals tonite. You would think the under is a given even if he did play…
There must be some kind of way out of here
Said the joker to the thief
There’s too much confusion
I can’t get no relief
In a nod to the many NYR fan blogs, temporary replacement commandant Kloblach played the third (“kids”) line for 40 even strength minutes tonight.
Though the line did record four shots on goal, including one grade A chance, the only goal of the game was by Smith, a deflection of a shot by Rooney.
‘m a joker, I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I sure don’t want to hurt no one
test
Your mic is on 4ever, careful!
Did Howden successfully tail Ovi the second game?
Who threw the overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s chowder?
https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/dan-girardis-coaching-a-fresh-perspective-for-sabres-struggling-defensemen/article_66d3a86a-8a68-11eb-9e5f-77010bdbd449.html
Every time that wheel goes round, Howden’s bound to cover a little more ground…..
If the thunder don’t get ya then the Cockoh will….
Girardi – Associate Defensive Ice Fishing Coach
James 4:21
So basically you’re saying we still need a #1 goalie?
DQ told LaFrenchie he was feeling lost
Lacking in some direction m
LeFrenchie told DQ upon scrutiny
That his back might need protection ….
upper ball injury – that’s all we’re releasing at present.
If they know it’s his balls, they’ll attack them. That’s how it works in this League.
‘Wilson’s trying to walk that fine line, Joe – between just injuring and outright maiming…’
See what happens when he eats dinner over at DQ’s house
If Georgie slams Krusty with his waffle pad, who goes?
E3 we still have Swedes on this team? I though Zika counted as Persian…
Wicky, did you misplace something?
So Goat Boy only got in because Howdy got sick
That’s some Persian Rug he’s got hanging out of his helmet.
I had a boss once tell me ‘Never show your back side to a Swede….’
They love them some Howden in NYC
I have strategically placed the GO TIME post at a special time so 4ever and Papa get thrown off..😀
I’m kidding. It’s set for 6:30pm
No BANJing!