Big Blue Huddle

Well GM Drury took his sweet time, but he finally buttoned up the "Kid" Line by signing Laffy to a two year extension @ $2.35 Mill per. I'm no Fan of the former #1 overall Selection. But his 39 Points (16 Goals) last season, seems to generate those type of contract #'s. Lafreniere has been treated with kid gloves (or so I thought) since his arrival. I was wondering if the delay in signing him was attributed to seeking a Trade partner? I had read some blurbs along the way, but nothing concrete, in that regard. Wondering what our new HC Lavialette will make of the underachieving Laffy :hmm:

Happy with locking him up. I didn't want to give up on him just yet.

I'm glad to see this too. I really didn't want to see them trade him, only for him to find himself with another team and become a great player for the next 10-15 years for someone else.

With that said this guy needs to start getting better soon. To date, he has been disappointing. I appreciate he's only 21 so I'm happy to exercise some patience, but I didn't feel like what I saw on the ice last season was any better than what I saw in his first two seasons.

I haven't watched any of the preseason, and I don't care what the scores of these games are, but I'm just curious if anyone has watched and had any observations of how some of our guys looked?

Broadly speaking, it seems to me that we are more or less rolling out the same group and trying it yet again, but this time with another coach. I don't want to be overly pessimistic, but I feel like I've seen enough of these core vets to know that they don't seem to be able to get it done in the playoffs. These guys are all 30-plus now, and they are what they are at this point.

I feel like we need some younger players to step up this year or we are going to be looking at a similar type result: we'll be among the better teams in the East, but clearly not Cup material. If we want to get to the next level we need guys like Kakko, LaFreniere, Chytil, Miller, Schneider, etc to step up in a meaningful (ie not incremental) way. If we get more of the same from them, the team will have another good but not great, ho-hum season.

Anyone have a different view? I'd love to hear a rational argument that is more optimistic than the above. With the way this Giants season is looking so far, I would love for our hockey team to carry us through winter, but I'm not seeing much difference between this year's group and last year's.

I haven't but still think they should have traded Lafreniere unless they're prepared to give him 1st or 2nd line ice time.

Quote from: Rambo89 on September 29, 2023, 06:07:38 PMI haven't but still think they should have traded Lafreniere unless they're prepared to give him 1st or 2nd line ice time.

I have a strange feeling your wish is going to come to fruition.

I was having a real hard time getting excited beyond a beating pulse about this year.

Especially when our new HC was named.  I mean c'mon how many failures does this guy get to experience and fans are supposed to get excited ????

Then I remembered Joe Torre and when he replaced Buck Showalter.  Big Stein even had buyers remorse after hiring Torre and tried to talk Buck into coming back and if he did kicking Torre into the front office.

Joe Torre failed 3 times as a manager.  What good could he bring to my Yankees.  I was pissed.  Shows what I know.

I pray Laviolette travels the same path for us.  One Cup in 82 years is inhuman for fans to endure.

Quote from: Giant Obsession on September 29, 2023, 09:15:25 PMI was having a real hard time getting excited beyond a beating pulse about this year.

Especially when our new HC was named.  I mean c'mon how many failures does this guy get to experience and fans are supposed to get excited ????

Then I remembered Joe Torre and when he replaced Buck Showalter.  Big Stein even had buyers remorse after hiring Torre and tried to talk Buck into coming back and if he did kicking Torre into the front office.

Joe Torre failed 3 times as a manager.  What good could he bring to my Yankees.  I was pissed.  Shows what I know.

I pray Laviolette travels the same path for us.  One Cup in 82 years is inhuman for fans to endure.

The one thing I'll say about Laviolette is that I read that the players really like him. I liked Gallant a lot and was sorry to see him get fired, but then I found out that the players weren't very supportive of him in the exit interviews.

So while it's basically the same group of guys, maybe the chemistry will be better this year.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on September 30, 2023, 07:16:02 AMThe one thing I'll say about Laviolette is that I read that the players really like him. I liked Gallant a lot and was sorry to see him get fired, but then I found out that the players weren't very supportive of him in the exit interviews

Maybe. I feel like there's too much player power with the Rangers. A different group got Torts fired and the same with Gallant. Neither of those squads were supposed to make the ECF, they were well coached well above their ability.

From what I've read (and it's not much) but Laf is going to get top six minutes to start the year.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on September 30, 2023, 07:24:31 AMMaybe. I feel like there's too much player power with the Rangers. A different group got Torts fired and the same with Gallant. Neither of those squads were supposed to make the ECF, they were well coached well above their ability.

Very fair point, but let's face facts, guys like Panarin, Zibs, Trouba, and Kreider aren't going anywhere. They have albatross contracts and (usually) no trade clauses. So if the coach isn't clicking with them, whether justified or unjustified, the coach is eventually going to have to go.

Again I like Gallant and was not happy when he was fired, but I'm not sure Drury had much of a choice. Clearly there is plenty that goes on behind the scenes that we fans cannot see or don't know about.

Well, we kickoff the 2023 - 2024 season Thurs. nite in Buffalo. Wonder if any Giants Players will be in attendance :hmm: New` HC Laviolette really shook things up in Training Camp/Pre. Players said they're in better condition due to the tougher demands of this Camp.
I can't tell for sure, but from what I can glean, Chytil is the 2nd Line C. Laffy has been moved over to RW. He struggled at his normal position at LW, so I'm not thrilled about his chances of success at RW. Looks like Kakko will get another shot at 1st Line RW. New guy Wheeler at age 36 has impressed thus far.

Drury brought in several low budget Vets to fortify the bottom six positions. Time will tell regarding the quality of their contributions.
Top four D remain constant, Schnieder is the 3rd Pair RD. Not sure who the 3rd Pair LD is? We have a new Backup Goalie named QuIck (hope he is?).

Don't have a good feeling about this season coming off last year how it ended and what little they did this off season.  Could see them missing the playoffs this year unfortunately.

Quote from: Rambo89 on October 11, 2023, 08:25:59 PMDon't have a good feeling about this season coming off last year how it ended and what little they did this off season.  Could see them missing the playoffs this year unfortunately.

I'm not taking an overly optimistic or pessimistic view myself. Going to see how it develops. I feel like when you have a top three goalie you're generally going to be in the conversation. Obviously our vets have not gotten the job done in postseason play and our hyped up young guys have not stepped up at all, so those are the negatives. On paper though I feel like the roster is good. It is also very clear now that as much as I may have liked Gallant, the players and he were not on the same page. That doesn't mean Lavvy will be much better, but the players seem to be more on the same page with him so far based on what I have gathered.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 11, 2023, 08:32:37 PMI'm not taking an overly optimistic or pessimistic view myself. Going to see how it develops. I feel like when you have a top three goalie you're generally going to be in the conversation. Obviously our vets have not gotten the job done in postseason play and our hyped up young guys have not stepped up at all, so those are the negatives. On paper though I feel like the roster is good. It is also very clear now that as much as I may have liked Gallant, the players and he were not on the same page. That doesn't mean Lavvy will be much better, but the players seem to be more on the same page with him so far based on what I have gathered.

Having a top three goalie means you have a solid backup working in tandem with your #1.

Halak started slowly, last year, but then played lights out from January onward and carried the Rangers a bit until Igor was ready to turn it up for the playoffs.

Quick is an old vet who's been around for a long time and knows his craft as a backup. As long as he can be at least as good as Halak was, last season, the Rangers will be fine in goal.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on October 12, 2023, 07:57:34 AMHaving a top three goalie means you have a solid backup working in tandem with your #1.

Halak started slowly, last year, but then played lights out from January onward and carried the Rangers a bit until Igor was ready to turn it up for the playoffs.

Quick is an old vet who's been around for a long time and knows his craft as a backup. As long as he can be at least as good as Halak was, last season, the Rangers will be fine in goal.

Peace!

I think that's true in the regular season but less so in the playoffs. In the playoffs, barring injury Shesty is playing basically every game (or very close to it). If he gets hurt we're dead in the water, whether our backup is Halak or Quick. I agree Quick is probably a bit long in the tooth at this point, and maybe that even goes as far as to cost us one seed, but in the end it will be Shesty carrying us in the postseason, for better or worse.

And if we miss the postseason due to the difference between Halak and Quick, then we were never going anywhere to begin with.

I like that we broke up the kid line and moved these guys to other top six locations. Either these guys pan out or they don't, and until they get a real opportunity it's hard to know. Gallant never really gave them that. Seems Laviolette wants to push his chips in on these guys to some degree. I think Chytil could end up working well with Panarin.

Bottom line though as I said earlier, at the end of the day we're rolling out more or less the same group as the last few years and hoping for a different outcome. I wouldn't call that a position of strength. However Shesty had somewhat of an off year last year so if he can return to 21/22 levels, and we can get better play out of the younger guys, maybe we can be a bit more of a factor come spring.

Watching the preseason games it is painfully clear that we are a slow team. I wasn't a big fans of gallants drop the pucks and go get 'em boys coaching philosophy.Also, he let the veterans especially panerin run all over him. I think kakko takes a big step this season, same with Chytil if he can stay on the ice. Laf, unfortunately I don't see the speed or shot necessary for him to be a major plus and eventually be traded elsewhere. Glad cuyyle made the team and feel shortly Othmann will be joining him. Igor's numbers should be much better as lav will actually have the team playing defense. Miller is another key to take nother big step forward. Would like to see him a bit more physical with his big body and not so much stickchecking but it is what it is. I think we make the playoffs and once in with a goalie like Igor anything can happen. After watching my awful yanks and giants really looking forward to our rangers giving us a good season. We play 7 of the first 9 on the road including a long west coast trip. I think that will be good for team bonding and give a pretty good indication of what kind of season we're going to get!

Since the NHL season started on Tuesday, is tonight's game called a "Day 3" match up?

Good stuff Steve, especially on the up and comers.
We have young talent in the pipeline. Thinkin' at some point Lav will tap into it.
The need for new blood is apparent.

What a night! It's just one game, but man did they look good. Buffalo isn't some pushover either. The Rangers looked great right from the jump. I loved all four lines and our D pairings. Laffy looks like a new player out there. Kreider, Bread, Zibs, and the D-men were all good. Shesty had a good night overall. The Buffalo goal was lucky but he did give up a couple of posts. Overall a solid night for him.

BTW I really like Cuylle. He makes his presence known every second he's on the ice. Very impressed with him.

I couldn't be more impressed with our season opener. The Scheme, the Lines, the execution and the effort, WOW =D>

Quote from: Jaime on October 12, 2023, 11:50:31 PMI couldn't be more impressed with our season opener. The Scheme, the Lines, the execution and the effort, WOW =D>

Agreed.

Obviously I'm reminding myself this AM that we're talking about literally one game in October, which in the grand scheme means very little, however for them to look this good in the first game points to how the offseason went and reflects very well on the new coach.

I understand that for many, Laviolette was not an "exciting" pick, but maybe he is the right guy at the right time for this group. It's not like he has not had success behind the bench. He has had plenty. The Rangers looked feisty, crisp, and hungry last night. I love that he has split up the "kid line" and has them shouldering real responsibility now.

Special teams looked fantastic too, another sign of coaching.

I can't wait for the next game. Especially given the football situation.

Nice start to the season and good to put the young Buffalo goalie in his place after what he did to the Rangers last season.

Next goalie Rangers need to settle a score with: Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck. October 30th, Mark it on your calendar.

Peace!

Obviously just one game but you couldn't ask for a better start to the season. You can see that there seems to be more actual coaching going on with the shorter shifts and the defensive scheme, which is a nice change of pace from Gallant. The depth on this team is really good too.

So far so good!  Nice to get Laf on the board early.  Hopefully a sign of things to come.  Everything looked great if only for a day.  Looking forward to the season, particularly since the Giants season is already over.

Quote from: Gmo11 on October 13, 2023, 10:03:26 AMSo far so good!  Nice to get Laf on the board early.  Hopefully a sign of things to come.  Everything looked great if only for a day.  Looking forward to the season, particularly since the Giants season is already over.

I have been hard on Laf but he looked objectively excellent last night. The goal was nice but he was making plays throughout the game. Great tone-setting night. If he and the other "kids" take big steps forward this year that's an absolute game changer for this team. Takes us from being good to potentially a lot better than just "good."

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 13, 2023, 10:10:06 AMI have been hard on Laf but he looked objectively excellent last night. The goal was nice but he was making plays throughout the game. Great tone-setting night. If he and the other "kids" take big steps forward this year that's an absolute game changer for this team. Takes us from being good to potentially a lot better than just "good."

I really hope Laviolette lets this top 6 play out for a while. The only way this team is taking that next step is if Laf and Kakko take leaps forward so may as well lean on them.

Quote from: jgrangers2 on October 13, 2023, 10:50:59 AMI really hope Laviolette lets this top 6 play out for a while. The only way this team is taking that next step is if Laf and Kakko take leaps forward so may as well lean on them.

I agree, and I think it's a great point. Turk never really sufficiently empowered all three of them for an extended period of time. In his defense, they weren't performing well enough (Laf and Kakko in particular) to justify a promotion at someone else's expense, but Lavvy seems to realize that this team can't win in the postseason with the formula of relying on just 3 or 4 guys to provide 80% of the offense (obv an exaggeration but you get the point). So he might as well give these young guys real roles. I suspect he'll stick with it even if they go cold for a while, because getting it right is really the only potential path to a Cup for this team. The core group of vets just isn't enough on its own. That has proven to be the case for years now.

Yeah, Laviolette will stick with them for awhile. Thinkin' Chytil will flourish with his well deserved promotion to 2nd Line3 C. But I have little faith in Kakko as a 1st Line RW, or Laffy as a 2nd Line RW. Thinkin' Drury will wait until he's seen enough of our RW struggles, then realizing we're a flawed Roster, he'll pull the trigger for a couple of high powered RW's to give us a shot at a deep run.

Weird game tonite. We had two goals called back in the 1st. We got sloppy on D allowing too many rushes on Shesty. We were happy to shoot from the perimeter. Shesty gave up a Nickel, but no bad ones. Just the opposite effort of our W in Buffalo. Losing games like this last season, put us in a hole early. Hopefully we take a different tack this season.

Quote from: Jaime on October 15, 2023, 12:17:09 AMYeah, Laviolette will stick with them for awhile. Thinkin' Chytil will flourish with his well deserved promotion to 2nd Line3 C. But I have little faith in Kakko as a 1st Line RW, or Laffy as a 2nd Line RW. Thinkin' Drury will wait until he's seen enough of our RW struggles, then realizing we're a flawed Roster, he'll pull the trigger for a couple of high powered RW's to give us a shot at a deep run.

Weird game tonite. We had two goals called back in the 1st. We got sloppy on D allowing too many rushes on Shesty. We were happy to shoot from the perimeter. Shesty gave up a Nickel, but no bad ones. Just the opposite effort of our W in Buffalo. Losing games like this last season, put us in a hole early. Hopefully we take a different tack this season.

Frustrating game as in many respects we didn't play badly. No excuses, as it obviously wasn't good enough, but I thought we got some tough puck luck last night. With that said we can't be depending on puck luck against teams like Columbus, so it simply wasn't good enough.

I agree that we can't make a habit of having those kinds of losses. The Bruins, Leafs, and Canes are already 2-0 and a handful of East teams are 1-0-1. This conference is just too competitive to be getting sloppy and pissing away games we should win. Getting ourselves in a deep hole early in the season would be unwise.

I suspect we'll see a much better performance in the home opener tomorrow night.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 15, 2023, 07:23:39 AMFrustrating game as in many respects we didn't play badly. No excuses, as it obviously wasn't good enough, but I thought we got some tough puck luck last night. With that said we can't be depending on puck luck against teams like Columbus, so it simply wasn't good enough.

I agree that we can't make a habit of having those kinds of losses. The Bruins, Leafs, and Canes are already 2-0 and a handful of East teams are 1-0-1. This conference is just too competitive to be getting sloppy and pissing away games we should win. Getting ourselves in a deep hole early in the season would be unwise.

I suspect we'll see a much better performance in the home opener tomorrow night.

With all due respect, Columbus, Philly and Buffalo are no longer a breakin the schedule.  All 3 are very improved.

Are we ??  I have serious doubts we coast into the playoffs.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 15, 2023, 07:23:39 AMFrustrating game as in many respects we didn't play badly. No excuses, as it obviously wasn't good enough, but I thought we got some tough puck luck last night. With that said we can't be depending on puck luck against teams like Columbus, so it simply wasn't good enough.

I agree that we can't make a habit of having those kinds of losses. The Bruins, Leafs, and Canes are already 2-0 and a handful of East teams are 1-0-1. This conference is just too competitive to be getting sloppy and pissing away games we should win. Getting ourselves in a deep hole early in the season would be unwise.

I suspect we'll see a much better performance in the home opener tomorrow night.

I wouldn't even worry about the standings right now. Just try to gauge the team's mental toughness and see what the new coach does.

I can't blame any of them for having two goals pulled off the board even though they were legit offsides. They weren't the same after those and that includes the Blue Jackets' reversed goal.

Time to move on to the opener.

Peace!

Quote from: Giant Obsession on October 15, 2023, 12:54:11 PMWith all due respect, Columbus, Philly and Buffalo are no longer a breakin the schedule.  All 3 are very improved.

Are we ??  I have serious doubts we coast into the playoffs.

I don't consider any road NHL game easy, but Columbus was 25-48-9 last year. By the numbers they were the second worst team in the NHL and by far the worst in the Eastern Conference. When you're that bad, there is only one way to go, so I get that they're improved, but that's not a game we should come up with zero points in, even on the road.

I never said or suggested we will "coast into the playoffs." Those are your words, not mine. In fact, I haven't heard anyone here say or suggest that. The NHL regular season is always a slog. Should we make the playoffs with this roster? Yes. Is that a guarantee, and we can just take it easy (ie coast)? Of course not.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 15, 2023, 01:02:42 PMI don't consider any road NHL game easy, but Columbus was 25-48-9 last year. By the numbers they were the second worst team in the NHL and by far the worst in the Eastern Conference. When you're that bad, there is only one way to go, so I get that they're improved, but that's not a game we should come up with zero points in, even on the road.

I never said or suggested we will "coast into the playoffs." Those are your words, not mine. In fact, I haven't heard anyone here say or suggest that. The NHL regular season is always a slog. Should we make the playoffs with this roster? Yes. Is that a guarantee, and we can just take it easy (ie coast)? Of course not.

I NEVER said they were your words.  They are mine. Sorry, I don't do confrontational back and forth.  Not my style.  And not worth my time. 

Quote from: Giant Obsession on October 15, 2023, 06:10:16 PMI NEVER said they were your words.  They are mine. Sorry, I don't do confrontational back and forth.  Not my style.  And not worth my time. 

No offense was ever intended. I am sorry if you took it that way. I was just unclear where your point was being directed.

No more easy W's in the NHL. Got that right!
You'd think the Yotes would be a pushover at MSG. They fought tooth and nail in our Home Opener. Krides scores his 4th in three games. 1-1 into the 3rd. Marchand tips in the go ahead Goal. A gritty, physical, tightly contested tilt. We killed off a full two mins of 5 0n 3. Chants of Igor Igor during the kill.
Then later in the Game with us up 2-1, Shesty stops a Penalty Shot. He's 4 for 4 on Penalty Shot stops.
Major brawl ensued when time ran . Shesty of all people right in the middle of it all.
New HC Laviolette visibly emotional in his Presser commenting on the the W, the Crowd and the historic Franchise.

I'm glad we got the win but I thought we were pretty mediocre last night. Our 5 on 5 play needs to be better.

On further review, I saw how we let the Yotes stick with us on 5 on 5. We lit the lamp when we overwhelmed the scoring area.

A friend of mine made a point the other day which I think is valid, and it harkens back to the point Giant Obsession made a couple days ago about other teams improving while we don't. My friend's point, which was not identical but similar, was that a couple years ago we felt like a young team with tons of upside. Now we're starting to feel older and with a much lower ceiling, while other teams around us are getting younger and have more upside. All around us you're seeing players like Hughes, Tage Thompson, Logan Cooley, Adam Fantili etc and we just have the same young guys we keep trotting out like Kakko and Lafreniere, who still could improve but clearly are never going to be superstars. It's kind of a sobering realization. I still personally think we have ample talent to be a good, playoff caliber team, which is what we have been the last two seasons, but it's hard to see a path to the Cup with this core group, most of whom are unmovable assets. I would not have said that two years ago. I was much more optimistic about the ceiling then, but at the time I still believed we might be sitting on potential studs with the 21 and younger group on the team.

It's only game four but some of the fears some had seem to be coming to fruition.  We certainly don't seem to have the speed advantage against anyone.  Also, it appears Kakko and Lafreniere are going to be busts.  What's the hope with them?  That they might score 20 goals? 

Just a soft, sloppy, uninspired effort would explain our miserable game tonite. :boooo:
I've been calling Laffy a bust for some time now. I had hoped for Kakko to take the next step, no more...

As I mentioned recently, Drury will be working the phones (sooner rather than later) looking for a 1st Line and 2nd Line RW.

Quote from: Jaime on October 19, 2023, 11:14:38 PMJust a soft, sloppy, uninspired effort would explain our miserable game tonite. :boooo:
I've been calling Laffy a bust for some time now. I had hoped for Kakko to take the next step, no more...

As I mentioned recently, Drury will be working the phones (sooner rather than later) looking for a 1st Line and 2nd Line RW.

Neither of them stand out or do anything spectacular.  Typical for this organization.  Most teams get franchise players and the Rangers draft this.

Quote from: Messiah717 on October 19, 2023, 11:25:57 PMNeither of them stand out or do anything spectacular.  Typical for this organization.  Most teams get franchise players and the Rangers draft this.

I consider Laffy and Kakko more bad luck than bad drafting, myself. Both were no-brainer selections at the time they were drafted. Any GM would have taken them with those picks.

I also think the Rangers have a history of poor player development at the forward position. Besides Kreider what good Ranger forwards were home-grown in the last 25 years? Maybe Zucc? I feel like you have to go back to Kovalev.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 20, 2023, 06:03:34 AMI consider Laffy and Kakko more bad luck than bad drafting, myself. Both were no-brainer selections at the time they were drafted. Any GM would have taken them with those picks.

I also think the Rangers have a history of poor player development at the forward position. Besides Kreider what good Ranger forwards were home-grown in the last 25 years? Maybe Zucc? I feel like you have to go back to Kovalev.

The only thing I'll say regarding those two is that most teams with those two picks would find a franchise center.  The Rangers ended up with two wingers who at no time have even flashed anything resembling elite talent.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 20, 2023, 06:03:34 AMI consider Laffy and Kakko more bad luck than bad drafting, myself. Both were no-brainer selections at the time they were drafted. Any GM would have taken them with those picks.

I also think the Rangers have a history of poor player development at the forward position. Besides Kreider what good Ranger forwards were home-grown in the last 25 years? Maybe Zucc? I feel like you have to go back to Kovalev.

This is correct.  Kakko was 1B in a two player draft.  Hughes 1A, him 1B.  Every other team would have drafted him with the 2nd pick.  Laffy was 1 of 1 in his year.  Every single team would have drafted him with the #1 pick that year.  He was projected to be Connor Bedard type of a talent.  It just hasn't happened.  Whether that's bad luck or the Rangers lack of development is up for debate but you can't really blame them for making those picks, there was no decision to make in either instance. 

Having said that, they're still young.  And while you would hope to have seen more by now since they've been in the league a few years now, there's still a chance for them to develop. 

Spot on Gmo & DB =D>
Laffy & Kakko were consensus Picks at each of their respective Drafts.
I thought Laffy was a dud after watching him in a couple dozen games. Nothing in his skillset is above average.
However, I thought just the opposite with Kakko. He could skate, demonstrated good Puck skills, and had good size to boot. Thought he might have been under utilized on the 3rd Line. But when he was given Minutes in a top six capacity, the results didn't materialize.

I don't dispute the picks at the time but like you guys have said.  Watching them at the NHL level you just see nothing that screams superstar.

Quote from: Messiah717 on October 21, 2023, 06:10:10 AMI don't dispute the picks at the time but like you guys have said.  Watching them at the NHL level you just see nothing that screams superstar.

Completely true.

As Jaime said, eye test wise Kakko shows me a little bit more (or has in the past). He can hold the puck for a long time, shows some ability in the corners, and can be ok around the net. However he also has months on end where you basically don't hear his name.

With Laffy nothing from the eye test screams above average from a talent perspective. He's not fast, he's not big, he's not some amazing stick handler, he is nothing special on the PP, and he's not a standout finisher. There's just nothing there. Amazing that this kid had Bedard level hype when he came in.

Right now for me Kaako is a definite keeper and worth the playing time investment.

The other two I just shake my head.

Quote from: Giant Obsession on October 21, 2023, 10:43:03 AMRight now for me Kaako is a definite keeper and worth the playing time investment.

The other two I just shake my head.

When you say the "other two" do you mean Lafreniere and Chytil? I know Laffy is one, but I wasn't sure the other. I assume Chytil. Is that right?

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 21, 2023, 10:49:50 AMWhen you say the "other two" do you mean Lafreniere and Chytil? I know Laffy is one, but I wasn't sure the other. I assume Chytil. Is that right?

Yes, Chytil though I am really pulling for him as I do the other two.  They all seem to have their moments, but not nearly enough of them.

Lafeniere is the huge disappointment though I will admit that is probably my frustration with the fact I see no elevation in the team overall the last couple of years while the bottom dwellers seem ready to overtake us i.m.o.

I am just one damn frustrated fan.  Firing Torts and then Davidson are just daggers in my Ranger soul.

Hiring Sather years ago was an unholy nightmare.

Man, was Quick quick tonite! Not a busy nite for our our new Backup (17 shots) but he was sharp, only letting up one Goal.
Another 180 degree turn around from our blowout loss to Nashville. We smothered Seattle end to end for a 4-1 W to start our five game west coast swing.
Bread controlled the game every time he was on time he was on the ice, with two Tallies and a helper. Things went so well for us, even Kakko and Laffy scored.

Weird game with a portion of the lighting causing a late start, and remained off for the entire game. Teams had to switch ends at the midway through each Period as to not provide a sight advantage in Goal. Never knew Marchand could handle himself with the gloves off. He pummeled his opponent with ease.
After an away game across three time zones off the heels of a brutal home loss, we should be feeling much better about our Blueshirts thus far.

Quote from: Jaime on October 22, 2023, 01:24:30 AMMan, was Quick quick tonite! Not a busy nite for our our new Backup (17 shots) but he was sharp, only letting up one Goal.
Another 180 degree turn around from our blowout loss to Nashville. We smothered Seattle end to end for a 4-1 W to start our five game west coast swing.
Bread controlled the game every time he was on time he was on the ice, with two Tallies and a helper. Things went so well for us, even Kakko and Laffy scored.

Weird game with a portion of the lighting causing a late start, and remained off for the entire game. Teams had to switch ends at the midway through each Period as to not provide a sight advantage in Goal. Never knew Marchand could handle himself with the gloves off. He pummeled his opponent with ease.
After an away game across three time zones off the heels of a brutal home loss, we should be feeling much better about our Blueshirts thus far.

Life is good in the Pacific Time Zone (Arizona has it until daylight savings time ends and then we'll be an hour ahead of the west coast). But yeah, the light thing and all, definitely strange but, most important, it didn't create a home advantage for the Squidsters.

But the biggest takeaway is that we have a backup goaltender who is delivering results early in the season. I know we're pissy about losing to Nashville and Columbus, but remember last season the Rangers lost their first eight or nine games when Halak played and then he went gangbusters with that winning streak. Quick is giving the Rangers wins early which are making up for those early season Halak losses last year at this time. The Rangers also seem to have the Squids' number as they do well against them.

A good start to this early season Northwestern Canadian road trip which takes them to a very difficult matchup in Calgary on Tuesday, then Edmonton on Thursday, Vancouver on Saturday and finishing up in Winnipeg Monday 10/30. If they can take three of five, it will be a successful trip. Would love to see them finally break through the Flames and Jets goalies and steal wins out of their respective buildings. Also, Edmonton won't be easy either.

They finish this tough road trip only to welcome Carolina into the Garden upon their return, oh joy. A good test to see how they hold up against some of the better teams in the league.

Peace!

Nice win. I didn't stay up for the game, but I just watched the extended highlights. Seems like we did a nice job defensively in this game, allowing fewer than 20 shots.

While these West Coast trips are never easy, I like that we have a couple days off now and don't play again until Tuesday. Gives us some time to adjust to the time zone and get settled in in Calgary before we play them on Tues night.

Just finished watching the game. I thought Quick was solid and nice to see Chytil explode with a 3 point game. That assist to Laf was awesome.

Wow-wee! A win in the Saddledome is like being a kid again on Christmas morning! A sleep-walking start to the game erupted in the second period with the three goals and outstanding goaltending by Igor to close out a big win which was their first since 2018.

Going to Edmonton would be a difficult endeavor under any circumstances. But it has been confirmed that the Oilers will be without Connor McDavid on Thursday, due to his "upper body" injury sustained against the Jets. The Oilers will be arriving from Minnesota late tonight after losing to the Wild 7-4.

For once, lady luck appears to be shining on the Rangers as they knock out their longest road trip of the season, to start the season, and have dispatched one of the two teams they never seem to beat (i.e. Calgary. The other is Winnipeg coming up on the 30th). One game at a time, but this road trip is looking like the perfect ice-breaking session for the new players who are starting to look comfortable as New York Rangers.

Very pleased with tonight's performance.

Peace!

For whatever reason I had a sub-optimal night's sleep on Monday night, so I didn't stay up for this one. Glad to see they got the W. Two straight road wins. I was feeling a little bit optimistic about this one because they did have a nice break, not having played since Saturday, so hopefully they are now pretty much in sync with the time zone and just travel in general.

Good game for Shesty it looks like. I think it's important that he get into a rhythm. If this team is going to be any sort of legitimate contender this year, it is imperative that he play the way he did two years ago. He needs to be great, not just good. Without him being elite, forget it.

With the late start 8:45 here in Sconin I got home from the rink got my dinner and turned it on just as the puck was dropped. I will be honest Calgary set the tone for this game with fast high paced, high energy game; I wasn't sure the Rangers would match them. 

Shesty gave up the first shot of the game on a turn over 7' in front of the net.  Starting looking like the game last season. 
Igor put it behind him and just keep building from there, he looked real good.  He made 3-4 sick beautiful saves through the game. 

Rangers really just kept coming at the Flames. Beating the Flames and their best penalty kill in the NHL on their first 2 power plays (I think).  

Chytill was impressive and Schneider made some real nice plays at key moments as well. 

Not the best recap but it was a solid game the Rangers took over and I must admit I was real glad to get to see the game with the west coast start. 

Quote from: babywhales on October 25, 2023, 08:45:22 AMWith the late start 8:45 here in Sconin I got home from the rink got my dinner and turned it on just as the puck was dropped. I will be honest Calgary set the tone for this game with fast high paced, high energy game; I wasn't sure the Rangers would match them.

Shesty gave up the first shot of the game on a turn over 7' in front of the net.  Starting looking like the game last season.
Igor put it behind him and just keep building from there, he looked real good.  He made 3-4 sick beautiful saves through the game.

Rangers really just kept coming at the Flames. Beating the Flames and their best penalty kill in the NHL on their first 2 power plays (I think). 

Chytill was impressive and Schneider made some real nice plays at key moments as well.

Not the best recap but it was a solid game the Rangers took over and I must admit I was real glad to get to see the game with the west coast start.

Definitely a comprehensive, helpful recap. I can only glean so much from highlight footage so this was super helpful. Thank you.

Chytill logged three points last night. I would love seeing this type of performance from him on a more consistent basis. He's always been capable and maybe the new coach putting him alongside Panarin and Lafrenière is going to jump start something special this season. The Flames had no answer for them in the second period.

One other observation and that is the weird lighting in the Saddledome. I guess you had to watch the game to understand what I'm talking about, but they had a red lighting show going on before periods which makes sense. But during the game the light on the ice is supposed to be white (5000k, I believe). The lighting effects guy was changing the "warmth" setting of the lights from "warm" (2700k) to "cool" (5000k) and back and forth throughout the game. It was crazy and annoying to watch. There were light issues in Seattle as well. So, not sure what's going on with the lights in the Pacific Northwest or up in the Northwest Tundra of Canada these days, but hoping the light shows don't continue in Edmonton tomorrow night!

Peace!

Again, Quick was quick in recording a Shutout in our 3-0 W over the Oilers =D>
What a West Coast road trip!

Laf seems amongst the goals so far this season. Perhaps this is his breakout year.

I'm hoping this exceptional play by Quick lights a fire under Shesty.

Love seeing these road wins. We were fortunate to catch the Oilers without McDavid, but I don't want to take anything away from their effort. Any road shutout win is great.

We still have two more games on this road trip (Vancouver on Sat and Winnipeg on Mon). Both teams presently are above .500, so we will have our hands full. If they can just even split these last two that would be a tremendous road trip.

Got back from the rink and it was intermission, so unfortunately, I missed the 1st.

Where to start... Quick looked good, his motions looked fast and fluid.  T pushes, butterfly pushes and recovery were as nice as can be.  I had to look up his stats and was shocked to see he was 37.  I do not know much about him but the way he moved in the crease last night was beautiful. He was making some real nice saves too, a 29 shot shutout isn't easy, the guy certainly earned it.  My youngest a goalie came in, i asked him to stop and take a look, he was so impressed he didn't go to bed and simply sat down, and we watched the rest of the 2nd and 1/3 the 3rd together. 

Schnieder looked really good for the 2nd game in a row. This team can pass the puck and he transitioned into the high slot on at least 3 occasions creating some nice opportunities, scoring with a beautiful snapshot on one. It will be nice to see if adds some offense to his game this season.

Laffy with his 3rd goal in three games and what a goal it was.  A cross ice pass from the breadman and he dropped his hips and ripped a 1 Timer that was simply on point, just beautiful.


Faceoffs, is it just me or are the Rangers becoming dominant in winning faceoffs.  Last 2 games they simply win a lot more than they are losing. I do not recall this from last year, in fact I thought it was a weakness last year. (I will have to look it up)

I realize the Oilers  are without McDavid and that is obviously huge, but they didn't look bad really and skinner looked real good, despite letting in 3 goals.  He made some real sick saves and the score honestly could have been 6 or 7 to 0.

Looking forward to Vancover on Saturday.  My youngest plays 4 games this weekend with a 7:45 on Saturday so I am hopefully that I will get to the game by the 2nd period.

So far the Rangers look pretty good.  Great puck movement without over passing, even strength offense creating lots of high probability opportunities and scoring on some, quality goal tending, still have a great power play, and better defense than last year.  I am excited to see this team develop.



 

Gotta like what you're seeing from the Rangers so far.  Only 1 real stinker in there and a whole lot of positives.  Laffy off to a hot start, certainly hope he can keep that up all season.  Maybe finally realizing his potential? 

Quick has been the best backup goalie they've had for Shesty yet.  Halak was fine down the stretch, but started ice cold (pun intended) whereas Quick looks like the goalie of old all over again.  I think not having to play a full season as a starter should help keep him fresh as the year goes along too.  He's no spring chicken.  But it's good to know if Shesty gets into one of his funks, or even just has a nagging injury, they can go to a guy that can play at that level.

And how about the backend of the roster!  Goodrow/Bonino/Vesey is a much better 4th line than the crap they've been throwing out there the past few seasons and Gustaffson seems to have finally solidified that last D pair.  Even contributing on the Power Play.

It's still early but hard not to get excited about what we've seen so far.  Especially since Zibs hasn't found the scoring touch just yet and you know that's coming.

Quote from: babywhales on October 27, 2023, 08:55:42 AMGot back from the rink and it was intermission, so unfortunately, I missed the 1st.

Where to start... Quick looked good, his motions looked fast and fluid.  T pushes, butterfly pushes and recovery were as nice as can be.  I had to look up his stats and was shocked to see he was 37.  I do not know much about him but the way he moved in the crease last night was beautiful. He was making some real nice saves too, I 29 shot shutout isn't easy, the guy certainly earned it.  My youngest a goalie came in, i asked him to stop and take a look, he was so impressed he didn't go to bed and simply sat down, and we watched the rest of the 2nd and 1/3 the 3rd together. 

Schnieder looked really good for the 2nd game in a row. This team can pass the puck and he transitioned into the high slot on at least 3 occasions creating some nice opportunities, scoring with a beautiful snapshot on one. It will be nice to see if adds some offense to his game this season.

Laffy with his 3rd goal in three games and what a goal it was.  A cross ice pass from the breadman and he dropped his hips and ripped a 1 Timer that was simply on point, just beautiful.


Faceoffs, is it just me or are the Rangers becoming dominant in winning faceoffs.  Last 2 games they simply win a lot more than they are losing. I do not recall this from last year, in fact I through it was a weakness last year. (I will have to look it up)

I realize the Oilers without McDavid and that is obviously huge, but they didn't look bad really and skinner looked real good, despite letting in 3 goals.  He made some real sick saves and the score honestly could have been 6 or 7 to 0.

Looking forward to Vancover on Saturday.  My youngest plays has 4 games this weekend with a 7:45 on Saturday so I am hopefully that I will get to the game by the 2nd period.

So far the Rangers look pretty good.  Great puck movement without over passing, even strength offense creating lots of high probability opportunities and scoring on some, quality goal tending, still have a great power play, and better defense than last year.  I am excited to see this team develop.

First, wishing your kid all the best this weekend. Four games? Wow! I miss being young.

Pitching a shutout in Edmonton is an unheard of achievement in the annals of Rangers history. It truly was a tale of two stories where the Oilers are having some problems beyond McDavid's absence and a Ranger team that is operating on a beat that was missing during the Devils' series in last season's playoffs. These guys are putting in the hard work in the corners, are getting back after losing the puck in the opponent's zone and love Period Two, for some reason, as that's been their go-to for results (i.e. three goals, two posts and a BS disallowed fourth score after the referee concluded that Will Cuylle kicked the puck into the net; he "craftily redirected it," in my opinion). Edmonton goalie, Stuart Skinner, deserved a star of the game as the score could easily have hit double digits. The Oilers turned up the heat in the second period, but Ranger goalie Jonathan Quick opened many eyes last night with a performance you'd expect from the goalie wearing the #31 sweater. Quick shined in the third period and he was at his best in the final 10 minutes when the Oilers pushed to try and avoid getting blanked. But the Rangers' defenders held up very well and withstood the charge, except for one play. One of the Oilers took the puck behind Quick's goal, K'Andre Miller in front of Quick pursued the Oiler who passed to teammate Zach Hyman alone at the point. Hyman blasted the one-timer and Quick made the reflex save which was his highlight for the game. The Rangers are getting massive ROI from Quick to start the season and, as I have mentioned before, these wins from the Rangers' backup goalie, compared to last year at this time, was the difference in the Rangers finishing third in the standings. So keep that in mind as we will revisit this in March if it's another logjam at the top of the standings between New Jersey, Carolina, the Islanders and the Rangers.

Three wins in three tries on the great Northwestern Canadian Road Trip is a huge accomplishment as the Rangers are now sitting #1. Vancouver next up!

Peace!

What a game !!!
The energy by both teams, the flow, the constant back and forth; such a high pace, high quality game.

The Rangers get the OT win in a very good games
Too much to discuss and it's too late.

Can they take the Jets and sweep the Road Trip ?

If you have a heart condition, and didn't see tonite's game in Vancouver, you made a wise choice. 
Shesty gave up three, but saved the game late in the 3rd & in OT. Made saves that you had to see to believe :o
Dig this, tied in the 3rd (under 10 min. left?) and Zib takes a High Stick to the face that cut his cheek. We get a four min. PP. So, with any luck we maybe could score the game winner here. Well somebody did score during our 1st two min. but it wasn't us. Van came down on a 2 on 1 and beat Shesty on the short side.
If I recall correctly, in the 2nd two min. Foxy came down low, took a pass on the doorstep and roofed one to tie the game, that eventually would send us into OT. But before OT happened, Shesty made a save lying on the ice and stuck out his glove to stop a rebound at the side of the Net :o

With the jump that Van played with right to the end, hard to believe they played the nite before. 
Shesty continued his brilliance into OT with a couple of highlight reel saves. This Game was so back and forth with each Team being awarded six PP's. Mostly a N/S Game with little E/W play. Alot of heavy clean hits by both Teams. Don't know the exact total, but we blocked a huge amount of shots. Bonino blocked three on one shift!
Krides broke out of our Zone in OT. He then baited the Goalie into thinking he was going to take a shot.
But then passed the Puck away from the lone Van Defender and put it in the wheelhouse of a braking K Miller. Miller gave the Goalie no chance by burying a one-timer that kept us undefeated on this Western Canada Road Trip, with one game remaining. Heard at 6-2 we are atop the Metropolitan Division. And as mentioned, we have only put up one stinker this Season.  :goteam: 

We've locked in no worse than 4-1 on a west coast road trip, and we have a shot at 5-0 or 4-0-1.

Either way, that's tremendous.

Great recap Jaime. I taped it and will watch it later

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on October 29, 2023, 06:50:30 AMWe've locked in no worse than 4-1 on a west coast road trip, and we have a shot at 5-0 or 4-0-1.

Either way, that's tremendous.

This! Four wins is a major success for the Rangers on this road trip.

Getting the fifth win is going to be the toughest since they have to overcome goaltender Conner Hellebuyck who, to date, has owned the Rangers. But tomorrow night's game could be different. Having former Jet captain, Blake Wheeler, on the team now, alongside current Ranger captain, Jacob Trouba, the Rangers will want to play hard for those two guys with the incentive of sweeping the road trip.

It's a big matchup on Mondsy Night!

Peace!

Bad O line, stupid special teams plays.. the story of this season! 😡

Quote from: GloryDays on October 29, 2023, 02:06:25 PMBad O line, stupid special teams plays.. the story of this season! 😡

This is the NY Rangers thread!!! You must be really angry if you're posting about the Giants on the Rangers' thread!

You win the prize for the angriest Giant fan this week.

Watch that blood pressure now.

Peace!

Thanks Steve, enjoy :ok:

Tremendous win tonight. I thought we looked a little tired at times (which was understandable), but they showed a lot of grit and discipline. Last year's team would have pissed this game away. What a road trip. Just tremendous.

They did it! Last seconds of OT, the Z man one times his shot past Hellebuyck for the winner, 3-2, to clean sweep the Great Northwestern Canadian Road Trip.

This was a game they would have lost, last year. They kept their cool all game, never panicked when they went down 2-1, and found a way to tie the game in the third and send it to OT.

The Jets turned the heat up in OT while on the power play. Plenty of shots yet Igor refused to let them score.

The Jets will be muttering among themselves and rightly so. Retribution from Hellebuyck's play last year was sweet as it was for Blake Wheeler.

Peace!

First time in history going 5-0 on a road trip.  They definitely looked sluggish but still managed to get the overtime winner.  7-2 and I still don't think they have played their best hockey.  Looking forward to them getting back home Thursday night. 

Jets Goalie Clutterbuyck made a couple of all-world saves late to maintain the tied score. Alot of speed and crisp passing by both Teams prevented numerous big hits from happening. Again, we blocked a huge amount of shots. It takes me back to the days of Torts. Wonder if Girardi is healed up after being a human Pinata? A blown call gave the Jets a PP that had them score on a wrap around to go up 1-2. We were 0-2 on the PP, but were awarded a 3rd PP with under five mins. remaining. Krides, who can only be described as a magician in front of Opponent's nets, deflects in a Goal to tie the Game to send us into OT. Even on slow motion replay, tough to tell (for me) just how Krides deflected Foxy's shot past Clutterbuyck. Fox leads all NHL D's in scoring. A 2nd Norris Trophy maybe?

So on we we go to OT, being shorthanded for aprox. 1:45 (playing 3 on 4) on a Penalty that carried over from Regulation. Superb kill, as the Jets never got off a quality chance. Now playing three on three, Bread on his B-day (with a 3 point game) slides a pass across the high slot into Zib's wheel house that he one-times past Clutterbuyck for the OT Winner!!! For the 1st (I believe) in our Franchise's history, we have gone 5-0 on a Road Trip.
In his presser, Laviolette was emotional describing the aforementioned.
I'm a little concerned about that dreaded 1st home game from a Road Trip. This Roster has already proved it's not typical.
So maybe I need not be overly concerned?

You would think the Rangers will need a game or two adjust after that huge road trip, Jaime. I remember last season's Western Canadian trip, which they did a good job on, but came home flat for like a week or so. It's a good observation and against a tough Divisional rivals in Carolina you'd want to see them hang tough and put some points between them and the division contenders.

But what a road trip! The papers are celebrating it and deservedly so.

The Canes at home on Thursday!

Peace!

Incredible road trip for the boys in blue.  Going out west like that for an extended period of time is always tough and to come away with the maximum points is quite an accomplishment.  We've mentioned it before but last year they dug themselves a big hole losing a bunch of games they should have won.  This year it seems quite the opposite because I looked at this trip and anticipated probably 2 losses but instead we got a clean sweep!

This pace is gonna be hard to keep up all season, but on paper they look better than last year and so far are performing that way too.  I'm starting to get excited about this bunch!

Unfortunately, I missed the live game with two kids on the ice staggard from 4-9:30. Was quick to follow up on some of your thoughts on the game.

Here is an interesting article on Laviolette and some changes from Gallant. 

5 ways NY Rangers coach Peter Laviolette is making an early impact (lohud.com) (https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/nhl/rangers/2023/10/30/5-ways-ny-rangers-coach-peter-laviolette-is-making-an-early-impact/71376504007/)



Looking forward to the Carolina Game!

Any college hockey fans here?  Badgers have a huge sweep of Minnesota on the road. 

HUGE WIN on 1st Game back from best Road Trip in Franchise history!!! A real Playoff caliber game vs. a top Team in the Canes.
Rook Cuyle with game winner and 1st Star. He scores with a hard working pass from the corner by Trouba in 3rd Period, who played nearly 26 mins. !!!
Fox leaves the the game in the 1st Period with lower body injury, extent unknown..  Chytil leaves the game in the 2nd with an upper body injury.
Krides continues his Goal scoring tear, with another PP Goal.
Igor on fire giving up a goal in the 1st Period, then shut the door. Marchand wins 14 out of 20 Faceoffs!

Big win. I actually was worried we'd have a let-down tonight. Those worries were unwarranted as I watched a gritty, methodical, disciplined win against a tough team that always gives us a tough game. I'm very pleased with this one. This was a classic let-down spot and they didn't let that happen.

Coach Laviolette said in his presser, that he was pleased with how his Team came out of the gate!
He made mention of how upon review, he didn't like the hit that injured Chytil.
Also stated how with the game tied, the Team came out hard in the 3rd period to take charge against a good Team.

I echo your sentiments, folks. They could be forgiven for a letdown after a 5,900+ mile road trip. Last year, you could penciltjis type of game a loss. This year? For now, not the case.

Beating Carolina is like a four point difference in the standings.

Eight wins in the first 10. We couldn't ask for much more.

Peace!

Got home last night and my wife had the game on and what a game it was.  

The high energy style of play at both ends of ice is very exciting and effective so far.  WE have gotten to enjoy some very good game so far and only 10 games into the season.

In 22/23 Rangers 
31 shots per game (17th in league)
3.3 goals per game (12th in league)

giving up 27.9 shots per game 
2.63 goals per game

In 23/24 Rangers

27.9 shots per game  (6th lowest)
3.0 goals per game (18th in league)

giving up 24 shots per game (7th lowest)
1.9 goals per game (2nd lowest)



Last year the Rangers offense was opened up but had little regard for defense.    Ratcheting up the defense has been a welcome change, especially the types of shots they are given up.  Last year they gave up high percentage opportunities and expected the Igor to save their asses night after night.  IMO it appears this year they are not giving up as many opportunities in the high and mid slot (I would like to find stats on such)

Great win against the other top team of the division so far.  Carolina plays a boring annoying brand of hockey but damnit it does seem to work for them.  I'm concerned about the two injuries.  Hopefully nothing too serious but losing a couple of key members of the team like that for an extended period of time will really hurt.

Very costly win for the rangers last night. Fox goes to LTIR with what is rumored to be a sprained MCL. I understand he has to miss at least 10 games. Chytil to IR with what is rumored to be a concussion which would be very bad news for him as it would be his 4th or 5th concussion in the last 2 years and if so will be gone for a long while. And last but not least Domingue brought up from the minors as Igor banged up and looks like quick may be the goalie for a little bit. Next time we play the canes AHO should call in sick as he will be a DEAD MAN!

Quote from: Section 101 Steve on November 03, 2023, 05:31:20 PMVery costly win for the rangers last night. Fox goes to LTIR with what is rumored to be a sprained MCL. I understand he has to miss at least 10 games. Chytil to IR with what is rumored to be a concussion which would be very bad news for him as it would be his 4th or 5th concussion in the last 2 years and if so will be gone for a long while. And last but not least Domingue brought up from the minors as Igor banged up and looks like quick may be the goalie for a little bit. Next time we play the canes AHO should call in sick as he will be a DEAD MAN!

It was a bit surprising that all the high sticks were not called and, further, the Rangers not going after him for it. In fact, I was even more surprised Sam and Joe weren't calling it out and making a stink out of it.

But, the season is young and we'll see if the Rangers file this one away for another day. I'd love nothing more than to see Brind A'mor's goons get their back ends handed to them the last time these teams played in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Peace!

I know this isn't Rangers related but I don't know if you've seen this story in the last week: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-67306896

The guy had a short stint in the NHL with the Penguins. I'm off to see my local club play tonight, I suspect the atmosphere will be quite somber.

Quote from: Section 101 Steve on November 03, 2023, 05:31:20 PMVery costly win for the rangers last night. Fox goes to LTIR with what is rumored to be a sprained MCL. I understand he has to miss at least 10 games. Chytil to IR with what is rumored to be a concussion which would be very bad news for him as it would be his 4th or 5th concussion in the last 2 years and if so will be gone for a long while. And last but not least Domingue brought up from the minors as Igor banged up and looks like quick may be the goalie for a little bit. Next time we play the canes AHO should call in sick as he will be a DEAD MAN!

This news is a total disaster. Just when things were going well.

Wow-wee! Minnesota homecoming for a few Rangers' players and our boys look right at home putting three in the net in the span of 3:40 in the first period. Minnesota pulls its goalie and its 3-0 Rangers 10 minutes in.

Hopefully more to come.

Peace!

yeah more to come alright, but not for us. The Wild just scored a couple to cut the score to 3-2

Quote from: kartanoman on November 04, 2023, 08:43:47 PMWow-wee! Minnesota homecoming for a few Rangers' players and our boys look right at home putting three in the net in the span of 3:40 in the first period. Minnesota pulls its goalie and its 3-0 Rangers 10 minutes in.

Hopefully more to come.

Peace!

Well there have definitely been more goals in this game since then.

The Rangers have been outplayed since taking the 3-0 lead. 

Big Kreider goal ties it 4-4.

Krieds waves his magic wand once again, effectively sending us into OT.
The Wild score four unanswered Goals.
Spot on Mess!!!
Quick stood tall, as we were badly outshot.
Our old Pal Zucc sure made his Shoot Out Goal look easy.
Bread was $ for us once again. He scores on 60% of his Shoot Out attemps.
So we score 13 Points out of a possible 14 Points in our last seven Games.
Not too shabby...

This game was a good reminder of why it can lead to disappointment in sports to start celebrating too early in a game. No lead in the first period means anything.

Man that was a tough one.  They looked so good at the start.  The Wild really wanted that one.  Hell of a game by them. To Dave's point I was feeling good after 1 and sure it was going to keep up that way.  Bad idea that.  ~X(

The Wild were sleepwalking in that first period and their starting goalie must have had a hangover because, from the moment he left, the Wild's play actually for their team name.

What is it about sending starting goalies to the bench that turns opponents' motors on. We saw it last year against Nashville, didn't we see it against New Jersey in the playoffs and last night.

But I agree. Escaping with a point was huge and Quick was magnificent to keep it at 4-4 in regulation. A long road trip, one home game and back on the road again and I think rubber legs were setting in, especially at the end of regulation.

Detroit on Tuesday up next.

Peace!

I have heard many coaches talk about the purpose of pulling goalies. It's not always because they think the bad situation the team is in is the goalie's fault. Many times it's not, or not completely. A lot of times it's just about shaking things up. It also sends a message to the whole rest of the team. It makes them feel responsible for having cost their goalie the right to continue playing. For any team-first guy that's going to weigh on you and can be a wake-up call.

Like every single Rangers fan I felt good when they were up 3-0 in the first period, but I had a feeling the Wild would not just roll over. I didn't think they'd come all the way back to win, but no way in hell I thought they'd just lie down for us the rest of the game. Especially in front of their fans. People are prideful about hockey there. It's like football in Texas.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 05, 2023, 10:01:59 AMI have heard many coaches talk about the purpose of pulling goalies. It's not always because they think the bad situation the team is in is the goalie's fault. Many times it's not, or not completely. A lot of times it's just about shaking things up. It also sends a message to the whole rest of the team. It makes them feel responsible for having cost their goalie the right to continue playing. For any team-first guy that's going to weigh on you and can be a wake-up call.

Like every single Rangers fan I felt good when they were up 3-0 in the first period, but I had a feeling the Wild would not just roll over. I didn't think they'd come all the way back to win, but no way in hell I thought they'd just lie down for us the rest of the game. Especially in front of their fans. People are prideful about hockey there. It's like football in Texas.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head about hockey in Minnesota.

Can't argue with your take on pulling the goalie to shame the team either. Saturday night was the best turnaround I've seen from pulling a goaltender in a long while.

Of greater concern, are the Rangers starting to lose a little steam? They have the extra day before tomorrow's matchup with Detroit, but will that be enough for them?

Peace!

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 05, 2023, 10:01:59 AMI have heard many coaches talk about the purpose of pulling goalies. It's not always because they think the bad situation the team is in is the goalie's fault. Many times it's not, or not completely. A lot of times it's just about shaking things up. It also sends a message to the whole rest of the team. It makes them feel responsible for having cost their goalie the right to continue playing. For any team-first guy that's going to weigh on you and can be a wake-up call.

Like every single Rangers fan I felt good when they were up 3-0 in the first period, but I had a feeling the Wild would not just roll over. I didn't think they'd come all the way back to win, but no way in hell I thought they'd just lie down for us the rest of the game. Especially in front of their fans. People are prideful about hockey there. It's like football in Texas.

You are correct, the pride in Minnesota is second to none, they are the epicenter of youth hockey for the US, rivaled by only the Boston area.
Most communities in Minnestoa have a community center with two full sheets of ice, some as many as 14 full sheets.

We travel to twin cities area for select hockey all spring and most of the summer.

I was at the badger vs Michigan game Saturday but checked the score and saw the Rangers were up 3-0 and was thrilled. Checked when I got home after a completely thrilling badger win with .06 sec left, to see the Rangers were going to OT.

The streak was bound to end at some point.

Let's see how the blue shirts rebound for the Red Wings tomorrow.

5-0 Rangers late in the second period. PLEASE, Detroit, DON'T switch goalies!!!

Peace!

Quote from: babywhales on November 06, 2023, 03:18:57 PMYou are correct, the pride in Minnesota is second to none, they are the epicenter of youth hockey for the US, rivaled by only the Boston area.
Most communities in Minnestoa have a community center with two full sheets of ice, some as many as 14 full sheets.

We travel to twin cities area for select hockey all spring and most of the summer.

I was at the badger vs Michigan game Saturday but checked the score and saw the Rangers were up 3-0 and was thrilled. Checked when I got home after a completely thrilling badger win with .06 sec left, to see the Rangers were going to OT.

The streak was bound to end at some point.

Let's see how the blue shirts rebound for the Red Wings tomorrow.

Mike Hastings is proof how important great coaching is to college athletics. I don't think there has ever been a bigger turn around from one season to the next in college sports than what we're seeing in Madison right now.

Quote from: madbadger on November 07, 2023, 09:19:47 PMMike Hastings is proof how important great coaching is to college athletics. I don't think there has ever been a bigger turn around from one season to the next in college sports than what we're seeing in Madison right now.

Up to #3!! Sweeping the #1 Gophers and #4 Wolverines over a 10 day period, what a run.
And the ladies are #1!

Aside from three seasons ago the past 10 years has been rough.
I completely agree RE: Hastings, the exciting style of play is unbelievable, the team bye in and how its' defined by out hustling the opponent.  The Badgers out work the opponent at both ends of the ice in every facet of the game.  After the past two seasons and 

Michigan was more talented, but they simply were outworked.

Missed the blue shirts but saw it was 5-0 at one point.

Good win. Detroit was flying in the third period. We had a few PP we had to kill but great win.

Jones has to keep playing like this with Fox apparently expected to miss another 12-15 games.

I feel like they're just playing a great team game right now.

Marchand with two Goals. Two PP for the Blueshirts. Krides waves his magic wand again.
Plenty of clean hard hitting throughout the game. Our 4th Line had a good Game.  Quick was heading for a shut out till early in the 3rd...
Detroit with three unanswered Goals in the 3rd. They were within striking distance with aprox. eight mins. remaining.
We had three or four shots just miss the Open Net.

Sounds like the coach jumped on them pretty good after the Minnesota game, with the message, "not having Fox and Chytil had less to do with the loss than sloppy play from everyone else", and the team responded, coming out on fire.  Next he can work on sustaining that energy for three periods.

Well, they took care of Minnesota tonight, and with Louie Domingue called up from Hartford and put on a great show with 26 saves.

Panarin extends his scoring streak to 13 consecutive games. Trocheck also adding another goal and assist and Lafrenere a goal and assist.

The second period was the head scratcher as the Rangers were outshot 11-1, I believe, and couldn't keep pace with the Wild. That they only gave up a single goal was huge and they responded in the first two minutes of third with the game winner.

10-2-1 to start the season and second only to Boston in the conference. They are a fun team to watch and I hope it continues.

On a separate note, did any of you watch the Devils-Avs game on Tuesday after the Rangers finished? The Avs won but the Devils kept it interesting for a while. I hope Colorado bounces back so we can see the Elite matchup of the Rangers and Avs at their best when they play late in the season.

Peace!

4-1 W sounds like a walk in the park. It was anything but that. We dominate the 1st, only score once.
The 2nd was a complete 180. Go figure? we go into the 3rd tied at 1. We score three unanswered Goals.
One on a PP, one at five on five, and one on an Empty Net.
Laffy with a three Point night a Goal & two Helpers.  Maybe as mentioned, this is his breakout season?
Marchand scores again, plus another night of being dominate on the Dot. Heard he's at 63% on Faceoffs, what a #! The guy throws the body every night.
Bread continues on his scoring tear (if I'm not mistaken) he needs to score in the next two games to break Rod Gilbert's record that has stood since 1973.
I saw Rod score a couple times. My Father had Season Tix and would take me. I was a Senior in H.S. at the time with the GAG Line in full swing.

Most amazing Game was by our 3rd String Goalie. Injuries to (day to day) Shesty and Quick had us call up ( poor sp.) Domique from the Wolf Pack.
He only had to handle two  shots in the 1st. He gave up a Goal in the 2nd, but handled the other 25 (or so?) shots. He was a terrific interview in the Locker Room. He may be the Starter for the next game, depending on the status of Shesty & Quick?
Laviolette has them drinking the Kool-Aide!

No walks in the park, as this game wasn't decided until the empty net goal, but the Rangers kept the Wild tamed throughout the game by neutralizing their tough, grind it out play with some of their own. It's a style I'm not sure they'd win much of last season, especially in front of goal.

Domingue sealed the win with a beautiful save right in front of him when a Ranger defenseman went behind the goal to take on the puck handler, and left his opponent open in front of goal. That's at least twice I've noticed that and twice Ranger goalies have made great saves. When your farm team goalie gets called up, and helps deliver a win with one goal against, you can say the Rangers are getting great mileage out of their goalies so far. But the Defense is a story that is becoming one of the highlights in this early season so far.

A nice couple of days before taking Columbus to the woodshed on Sunday.

Peace!

Nice win. Had a dinner so I completely missed it but given our injuries this was a nice result.

Glad they have nothing until Sunday and we're still at home. Chance to get healthier.

I don't think they should rush their goalies back. While being atop the division is nice, I'd rather have a mediocre 2 weeks than risk exacerbating any injuries. Ideally neither of those things happens, but I am just thinking long term. It's only early November.

I had three hockey practices yesterday and missed the game; I do enjoy reading your write ups.   

Proud Dad moment, my 14 year old freshman decided to school choice to a neighboring school district for high school to play hockey with the kids he grew up playing, also a significantly better program.  Despite being a guaranteed 4-year letter winner in our home districts very poor hockey coop he left for the unknown and a most certain spot on JV.  

Last night,  I was told he just missed making 2nd line but made varsity as the 3rd line center. The kid is a 125 lb 5'6" undersized 14 year old playing 14-19 year olds; this should be interesting.  

Love the fact he took a chance and went for the unknown; couldn't be prouder!

Back to the Rangers: 

With only 1 game over the next 8 days and 2 games over the next 10 days it will be interesting to see how healthy they can get and if they can take on the Devils with a high intensity level of play.  

I have read the practices this year are much more intense than last year but they are given more days off from physical practice as a trade off and have more film and strategy sessions. 

I am hopeful Laviolette can keep them intense and focused. 

After playing the Blue Jackets on Sun. we have five days off. Then, a huge tilt at the Rock with the Devils.
I can't report on our injuries, or those of the Devils at this time. If any of you have Intel re; Injury Reports, please share it. The Devils game begins our mini marathon of seven Games in 12 days, featuring Boston as the 3rd game in four days. Our five days off comes at a very, much needed, juncture of time. :goteam: 

What a goal to get the point and bring it to OT! I was starting to worry, especially after that bad no goal call in the 2nd. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bong, The Shoot Out winner by Laffy topped his tying Goal in Regulation :o
It was a soft Backhander over the shoulder of the Goalie!!!
Quick back in Net after a minor injury was SUPERB! His save on the Blue Jackets on the last shot gave us our 2nd Point!!!!

Bread has tied Rod Gilbert by scoring in the 1st 14 Games of the Season!!!
Bummer re; Lindgren leaving the game after taking a BRUTAL Boarding hit. Originally a Major Five Minute Penalty which would have been a Game Ejection, that was reduced to a Minor Penalty. We played the remainder of the game with five D. We had a 5 on 3 for a Minute with a minute of PP following that, but no dice and the Game remained with us down a goal at 2-3.
That remained the score until Laffy banged in his 2nd with 10 seconds remaining!!!

Great job considering it doesn't seem like they've played their best.  Fox and Chytil out along with Shesterkin for that matter.  Even Mika hasn't made his impact felt all that much. 

What a thriller of a game; however, they fell into the Columbus trap of letting them get physical and take control of the game. But it was the referees who did the most damage. First they did Lindgren a gross injustice by changing a boarding major to a minor. Lindgren wasn't heard from the rest of the game. The second, when the Rangers thought they tied the score at three each in the second period, disallowed the tying goal after a six and a half minute review.

It just looked like they were off a step tonight and Columbus has their number this year. But Laf's goal with 10 seconds left in the game restored faith in the magic of this season, so far, and going on to win in the shootout was a dream come true.

They can enjoy the week while getting ready for the Devils on Saturday.

Peace!

Looks like Laffy has turned the corner. He's averaging pretty close to a point a game. Not getting much out of the first and second overall picks has hurt the franchise. Now if they can just get Kakko to pull his head out of his rear end they could be special.

I will raise my hand here and fully admit that (as recently as right before the start of this season), out of Laffy and Kakko, I had thought that if one of them took a leap forward and became materially more productive, it was more likely to be Kakko than Laffy. That looks to have been wrong. Laffy has flat out been one of our best players this year, and Kakko is an absolute ghost.

I also thought Quick would be an absolute seive but his been playing very well.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on November 13, 2023, 07:45:31 AMI also thought Quick would be an absolute seive but his been playing very well.

Compare where the Rangers were last year, at this time, with Halak, versus now, with Quick, and keeping in mind they finished third in the division last year, imagine the possibilities should they get at least 80% of the goaltending that Quick has given them up to this point.

Right now, they could have sent Igor home for a two week break and not a single eyelash would have been batted. I haven't seen this good of a tandem since Richter and Healy, and these two may even be better.

But the cup isn't won in November and, by March, we'll long forget about this outstanding start to the season. But let me say that it has been a long time for me to see the Rangers this far ahead in the standings as we approach the holidays seasons.

Hoping they enjoy it but come back ready to take on the Devils in Jersey for what will be their biggest matchup of this early season so far.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on November 13, 2023, 08:13:41 AMCompare where the Rangers were last year, at this time, with Halak, versus now, with Quick, and keeping in mind they finished third in the division last year, imagine the possibilities should they get at least 80% of the goaltending that Quick has given them up to this point.

Right now, they could have sent Igor home for a two week break and not a single eyelash would have been batted. I haven't seen this good of a tandem since Richter and Healy, and these two may even be better.

But the cup isn't won in November and, by March, we'll long forget about this outstanding start to the season. But let me say that it has been a long time for me to see the Rangers this far ahead in the standings as we approach the holidays seasons.

Hoping they enjoy it but come back ready to take on the Devils in Jersey for what will be their biggest matchup of this early season so far.

Peace!

Good points Kart. Ranger fans should feel very good about the way things are going so far, but not only is the regular season a slog, but regular season hockey might as well be a different sport than playoff hockey. We know we have guys on this team who are notorious for shutting down in the playoffs despite being studs in the regular season. I don't need to name names. Can this coach change that? Remains to be seen. But there is nothing wrong with enjoying the ride that we are presently on.

Considering the injuries and Mika doing little to nothing the Rangers should be thrilled by this start. 

They're doing everything they didn't do last year.  They will never be able to sustain this pace, and last night they damn near lost to a less than stellar Columbus team, but right now they're hot, Laffy is hot, Quick is hot, and lets ride this wave for as long as it lasts.  And when the other shoe does drop at least they'll have built up enough of a cushion to where it won't matter as much.

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 13, 2023, 01:57:20 PMThey're doing everything they didn't do last year.  They will never be able to sustain this pace, and last night they damn near lost to a less than stellar Columbus team, but right now they're hot, Laffy is hot, Quick is hot, and lets ride this wave for as long as it lasts.  And when the other shoe does drop at least they'll have built up enough of a cushion to where it won't matter as much.

Columbus seems to have their number this season. But it's really no secret, is it? Take the physical game to them, rough up their vulnerable players (e.g. Lindgren). Then, throw in a few questionable calls by the referee, and this is a game the Rangers lose last year. But they kept fighting and never quit to the final siren. They find their opportunity at 59:10 of the game and cash in. Tell me that isn't the difference in a new head coach. Further, Quickie kept them in the game to make that play the game tying goal.

Is this streak a realistic expectation to continue? Of course not. All these teams at the top right now, the Rangers, Bruins, Stars and Golden Knights will have their slumps. But so will the teams below them chasing them feverishly right now just to keep pace.

The Rangers need to use this week to heal up and get fresh for the onslaught of games coming at them next week which will directly threaten their consecutive point streak. No matter their current condition, Jersey will look forward to hosting them on Saturday. Will that be a carry over from last year's playoffs?

As I said before, we'll long forget the five game sweep of the Western Canadian Road Trip when March rolls along and the Rangers are positioning themselves for the playoffs against Carolina and New Jersey. They've already snagged one on their southern rivals and hope to do the same for their heated rivals across the bay.

With the Giants' season over, having the Rangers play this brand of hockey has more than filled up the fall time slots for me and hopefully for some of you all. No matter what may come for them in April and May, right now they are fun and enjoyable to watch. I'll take that anytime.

Peace!

Any chance Chytil and/or Lindgren are back after this mini break? I'm pretty sure Fox is gonna need a little more time.

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 14, 2023, 07:08:47 AMAny chance Chytil and/or Lindgren are back after this mini break? I'm pretty sure Fox is gonna need a little more time.

Not sure.

What about Shesty? I know Quick has been good, but I question whether he can sustain it if he's playing every game?

Anyone understand why Will Cuylle's goal was disallowed? I thought the ref's explanation didn't make any sense.

Quote from: Giant Jim on November 14, 2023, 02:17:58 PMAnyone understand why Will Cuylle's goal was disallowed? I thought the ref's explanation didn't make any sense.

Shenanigans?  There was no real explanation for that.  It was clearly a goal.  Regardless of camera angle they all showed it was a goal.  Inexplicable to not rule that a goal.  Between that and a plethora of missed calls in that 3rd period really makes you scratch your head.  Fortunately they were able to overcome all of that.

The deciding key for allowing a disputed Goal is when did the whistle blow and is there clear visual evidence that the Puck crossed the Goal Line prior the Whistle sounding. In both cases, I thought there was clear evidence that the whistle had not blown and the Puck had crossed the Goal Line.
I too thought the reasoning for "NO Goal" was unacceptable by the Referee.

Huge Tilt on tap tonite at the Rock in Newark, NJ. Devils superstar Hughes has already played this week and should be rounding into form.
Was thinking Shesty and Chytil might return to the LIneup. During Chytil's absence, Marchand was superb scoring Goals, throwing the body (as well as his fists), he was superior on the Dot,  clocked at 63%. Our Former Norris Trophy winner,  Adam Fox suffered a strained MCL  knee ligament (and just guessing) Fox has at least another week - ten days before returning to the Lineup.

Quote from: Jaime on November 18, 2023, 04:20:25 PMThe deciding key for allowing a disputed Goal is when did the whistle blow and is there clear visual evidence that the Puck crossed the Goal Line prior the Whistle sounding. In both cases, I thought there was clear evidence that the whistle had not blown and the Puck had crossed the Goal Line.
I too thought the reasoning for "NO Goal" was unacceptable by the Referee.

Huge Tilt on tap tonite at the Rock in Newark, NJ. Devils superstar Hughes has already played this week and should be rounding into form.
Was thinking Shesty and Chytil might return to the LIneup. During Chytil's absence, Marchand was superb scoring Goals, throwing the body (as well as his fists), he was superior on the Dot,  clocked at 63%. Our Former Norris Trophy winner,  Adam Fox suffered a strained MCL  knee ligament (and just guessing) Fox has at least another week - ten days before returning to the Lineup.

So tonight the whistle blew and they allowed the Devil goal. Even though the Devils scored on the PP that was a beautiful hit by Trochek on J. Hughes. Every time J Hughes is on the ice he should be the recipient of some rough physical play. A body check, a cute slash to the ankle, a chop on the wrist(I don't care about penalties), shoot the dam puck at him with the appearance that it's part of the normal course of the game. As a Ranger fan I want him diminished or out. Period. Go ahead and call me whatever. Yeah I know he's good for the game, the only thing I care about is what's good for the Ranger's game.

For some unkown reason the MSG feed wasn't avail tonite ~X(
I had to listen to some squeaky voiced play by play guy, and Ken Dynako ( who I respect for his playing style and his no-frills broadcasting).
In a nutshell 2-2 in the 1st, Shesty visibly rusty.  He shook that off. Plenty of  hard hitting 2nd with both Goalies standing on their head. No scoring.
enter 3rd tied, Devs score 5 mins in. More end to end hockey, with big hits and big stops. Then (been watching NHL for 55 years and never saw this) a Faceoff to the left of their Goalie. Typical scrum, the Puck moves two feet and lays there, nobody touches the Puck.  Then Bread swoops in and buries a forehand wrist shot on the short side over the Goalie's glove hand.  Oh baby!!!

A few mins. later a scramble in front of the Devs Goal, a weird rebound Has Jimy Vesey collect a rebound, spin around and throw a lazy backhand into an open Net for the Game Winner. Two mins remained, Devs pull their Goalie, oops. An empty netter seals the deal.  We score three unanswered Goals in the 3rd. With the Devils feed, I got to watch our former Assistant Coach Lindy Ruff's presser. He was really a bit emotionally shook up, and after a couple of questions, he said thankyou, and abruptly walked away from the podium.. Our come from behind Win, sure took the wind out of his sails. We play the Devs three more times this season.

Bread deserves his own paragraph for this highlight. Two goals and a helper has allowed him to break Rod Gilbert's record that has stood since 1973, for the most games in a row with  Points  to start the Season.

Panarin is off to an MVP type start to the season. I read on twitter that he has a point on 53% of all the goals the Rangers have scored this season.

Tonight was a game they could have easily lost once they went down early in the 3rd. And last year they probably do lose it. I was already feeling it that these damn devils just have the Rangers number. Thinking how important it is to not see them in the playoffs. But then Shesty knocking the rust off after a shaky first period and Panarins twisted wrister perfectly placed over the glove shoulder had me believing again.

Also a shout-out to then 4th line. Not just veseys 2 goals but numerous other shifts where they kept the pressure on and the puck in the offensive zone. Recent years that 4th line has been a liability... But not this year. This team finally goes 4 lines deep.

Quote from: Jaime on November 18, 2023, 10:37:03 PMFor some unkown reason the MSG feed wasn't avail tonite ~X(
I had to listen to some squeaky voiced play by play guy, and Ken Dynako ( who I respect for his playing style and his no-frills broadcasting).
In a nutshell 2-2 in the 1st, Shesty visibly rusty.  He shook that off. Plenty of  hard hitting 2nd with both Goalies standing on their head. No scoring.
enter 3rd tied, Devs score 5 mins in. More end to end hockey, with big hits and big stops. Then (been watching NHL for 55 years and never saw this) a Faceoff to the left of their Goalie. Typical scrum, the Puck moves two feet and lays there, nobody touches the Puck.  Then Bread swoops in and buries a forehand wrist shot on the short side over the Goalie's glove hand.  Oh baby!!!

A few mins. later a scramble in front of the Devs Goal, a weird rebound Has Jimy Vesey collect a rebound, spin around and throw a lazy backhand into an open Net for the Game Winner. Two mins remained, Devs pull their Goalie, oops. An empty netter seals the deal.  We score three unanswered Goals in the 3rd. With the Devils feed, I got to watch our former Assistant Coach Lindy Ruff's presser. He was really a bit emotionally shook up, and after a couple of questions, he said thankyou, and abruptly walked away from the podium.. Our come from behind Win, sure took the wind out of his sails. We play the Devs three more times this season.

Bread deserves his own paragraph for this highlight. Two goals and a helper has allowed him to break Rod Gilbert's record that has stood since 1973, for the most games in a row with  Points  to start the Season.

The ESPN+ stream had Sam and Joe and both were in great form after the long break.

After Igor shook off the rust, in the first period, he made a mountain of outstanding saves. Both goalies were outstanding, in fact, all game.

Jack had a decent game in returning for the Devils; however, Igor and the Rangers' D kept him from becoming a menace all game long. The Devils were missing a few other big names in their lineup but in no way does that diminish the Rangers' accomplishment last night.

But Panarin's freak goal, to tie the game at three, completely took the momentum from the Devils and gave the Rangers the shot in the arm they needed to take the game over. Up to that point, the 3-2 Devils' lead was playing out like games three or four of last season's playoff round between the two teams. The Bread Man's magical goal, however, was the tide turner they needed so bad last season that they didn't get. But he did last night to move past the "Greatest Ranger of Them All" to score in each of the opening 15 games this season.

Lots of Rangers fans in Newark last in their building to make it feel like home. I always love it when our team invades enemy territory and steals their building to make it our own. I may try to do that when the boys come out here to play the Coyotes the day after my birthday in late March.

10-0-1 in their last 11, with division leading Dallas Stars up next, the challenge to keep pace with Boston continues.

Peace!

As ever. Thanks for the detailed round-up boys.

I'm looking forward to the Boston test on Friday.

I love games where my team is down in the third period (or 4th quarter in football or basketball or 8th/9th inning in baseball) and then wins in regulation. Sure, you'd rather they just win in dominant fashion every game, but that all but never happens, even with elite teams. These come from behind wins are great.

As for Panarin: enjoy the ride, but it's all for naught if he disappears in the playoffs yet again. Unfortunately this trend with him goes back to his Columbus days. He needs to figure it out this year. He's running out of years where he is going to be capable of playing at this level.

Delighted with Vesey's performance last night. What a night!

We sure put up a stinker :boooo:
We're up 2 -0 middle of the 2nd. We're playing a strong road game.
Krides takes a perfect pass that has him all alone in front of the Goalie and he gets stuffed with a leg save.
Then we give up five unanswered Goals. The 5th was an empty netter that we gave up on a PP thanks to a stupid ass no-look pass between his legs by Gustufsan (sp?). Maybe the worst game Shesty has had as the Rangers Netminder. ~X( The first two he gave up were legit. the 2nd two he gave up were similar. He was on top of the Puck both times. #3 he pushed into the Goal, the other, he let a Player poke the Puck from underneath him into the Goal.

A tragic challange by Lavolette that was easily defeated, now we have tp kill off a PP. Redfaced
I sure hope we got that tragic game out of our system. :(  Next we're at the Igloo Weds. We then start three games in four days, with Boston being the 3rd game :goteam:

Ugly night. I'm not going to analyze it - just going to move on.

One comment though. And this isn't just about last night. I think we all have to admit the inconvenient truth that Shesty is simply not an elite goalie. He hasn't been this year, and he wasn't elite last year either. Last night was a bad game and he has had better nights than that this year, but let's face facts - the 37 year old Jon Quick has been better than him this year.

Now.. I don't think the above trend will last. I'm sure by the end of the season Shesty will have better numbers and will have been the better player. And I'm obviously not saying Shesty is bad. But when I look at what he was in 2021/22, and I compare it to now or even compare it to last year, he really is just a far cry from that. I'd love nothing more than for him to prove this criticism wrong and get back to what he was, but I'm just not seeing it, and I have to call it as I see it.

I think that Dallas isn't being given credit for a game well played. They skate and play fast, their screens in front of Igor were effective and their pressure put the Rangers on their heels.

Yes, the game got away from them in the third period but they weren't hoping to win every game.

You move on and deal with the gauntlet ahead of you: Pittsburgh tomorrow, Philly in Friday and a Boston Saturday matinee.

Forget Dallas. Try and bounce back against two division rivals in their rinks before measuring up against the best in the league.

Peace!

I would start Quick at the Igloo. Give Shesty some time to work on his game with Benny (the Goaltending whisperer).

Also, during Pre-season(?) I commented that both Kakko and Laffy wouldn't measure up to being promoted by Lavolette to #1 RW Kakko and #2 RW Laffy. Well, I missed badly on my Laffy prognostication, he's been an effective  Player. Thus far, his game is light years beyond what we have ever seen from him. He's playing his Off- Wing being centered by Marchand who's really thrived in Chityl's absence. Bread is the 2nd Line LW and is off to a MVP season.
Chytil may have another concussion, the latest in a series of similar injuries. The fear here is this concussion could be career threating.
However, I've been spot on With Kakko's struggles. He's been demoted to the 3rd Line, replaced by (I think) Blake Wheeler. Unfortunately, Wheeler doesn't look to be a long term answer for #1 RW. So, as I previously mentioned, Drury will have to work his magic and find us a legit #1 RW.

Going to be tough tonight. Definitely a winnable game, but the way we looked in the last game after the fast start worries you a little about carry-over into this game. Pens and their annoying fans will be fired up to play us too. Will definitely be a hostile environment. Good test.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 22, 2023, 06:57:06 AMGoing to be tough tonight. Definitely a winnable game, but the way we looked in the last game after the fast start worries you a little about carry-over into this game. Pens and their annoying fans will be fired up to play us too. Will definitely be a hostile environment. Good test.

At Pitt, at Philly, home Boston matineé in consecutive days is a mini gauntlet.

Quickie tonight makes sense and let's see them put away an annoying rival to get back on track before facing another annoying old rival. I just want them to have some gas in the tank to give the Bruins a fair shot.

Quirky early schedule with five days off then five games in seven days. Makes the Western Canadian trip seem like a cakewalk.

Peace!

Quick will definitely get a couple starts during this run of games and it does seem like Shesty is still finding his game a bit after the injury.  A lot of goals trickling in on shots he seems to have secured.  Some of that is bad luck but there's been a lot of that the past couple games.  He did flash that Vezina skill in his first game back after a shaky first period though so I think it's in there and he will find it again as the season goes along.  We got a long ways to go! 

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 22, 2023, 10:00:33 AMQuick will definitely get a couple starts during this run of games and it does seem like Shesty is still finding his game a bit after the injury.  A lot of goals trickling in on shots he seems to have secured.  Some of that is bad luck but there's been a lot of that the past couple games.  He did flash that Vezina skill in his first game back after a shaky first period though so I think it's in there and he will find it again as the season goes along.  We got a long ways to go! 

I agree some of that is just lack of puck luck.

Tracking the puck comes in waves as well, sometimes it seems like a beachball, sometimes not so much.

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 22, 2023, 10:00:33 AMQuick will definitely get a couple starts during this run of games and it does seem like Shesty is still finding his game a bit after the injury.  A lot of goals trickling in on shots he seems to have secured.  Some of that is bad luck but there's been a lot of that the past couple games.  He did flash that Vezina skill in his first game back after a shaky first period though so I think it's in there and he will find it again as the season goes along.  We got a long ways to go! 

Fair enough. Tough of me to judge him harshly right after an injury. I did think he wasn't as good last year as the year before, but the year before he was not only Vezzina but was even in the MVP discussion, so that's a tough bar to hold him to. Statistically speaking it was the best goaltending season in franchise history.

When you have a #2 who is playing as well as Quick is right now, take some of the pressure off Igor until he's ready to build back up again.

Quick hasn't lost a game yet this season and that should be a luxury for the Rangers, as well as Igor, to get back in the saddle when he's back to 100%. Even the kid from Hartford can be called back up and be counted on in a pinch.

Division rival games are always rough affairs and none more so than Pitt and Philly with Boston to top it off. Healthy and hot goaltending is of the essence.

Peace!

Quick pitches his 60th Shut Out :o
Hank and Valley broke down Quick's game and how it has evolved for the 37 year old Netminder. Great stuff! Basically they marveled over how compact he stays, and his ability to play the exactly correct angle to the shooter.
Well, I'll be having a big slice of Humble Pie, again. Five mins. into the Game, Laffy takes a pass and gets a step on the last Pitt defender.
He pulls the Puck to his backhand, and throws the Puck over the shoulder of the Goalie. Yes, it was the same shot he used in the Shoot Out previously.
Pitt owned the first five mins until then.  Who knew that Laffy's Goal would be the Game Winner...

Tight checking ensued, with both Teams having quality chances. Trouba with some open ice bombs.  Pitt went 0-5 on the PP.
Quick made saves that I couldn't track the Puck on, but he did. We blocked alot of shots for Quick. Our 4th Line C and former Pitt player Bonino leads all F's in the NHL for Blocked Shots. Pitt did score, but Laviolette challenged on an Offside call and the Pitt Goal was disallowed.
Sid the Kid & Malkin had a few quality looks, but Quick stood tall in Net.
Heck of a W at the Igloo!!!

Cracking win, just finished watching it on delay, as I'm on leave today. Quick was outstanding, really, really quick.

Laffy was very lively, could have scored two or three but for some excellent saves from Jarry.

PK didn't give them a sniff.

Great start to this mini gauntlet. 

Quickie!!!

Need I say more?

What a pickup this off-season! Play him until Igor gets back on track. The man is pro's pro and is hot right now. The team is also responding to him.

I'd say give him the start in Philly AND Boston. But I suspect both goalies will split the two games.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on November 23, 2023, 09:47:25 PM'd say give him the start in Philly AND Boston. But I suspect both goalies will split the two games.

Has to be a split, Igor is just back from injury so needs games to find his feet. Plus you don't want to overwork Quick, incase Igor picks up another injury later in the year.

I do think Igor will be fine, he's a top 5 (or at least top 10) goalie. Those don't grow on trees.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on November 24, 2023, 05:32:56 AMHas to be a split, Igor is just back from injury so needs games to find his feet. Plus you don't want to overwork Quick, incase Igor picks up another injury later in the year.

I do think Igor will be fine, he's a top 5 (or at least top 10) goalie. Those don't grow on trees.

The Rangers struck gold (as in Knights) in acquiring him this season and the timing of his outstanding play couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

Guessing that he'll take Philly tonight and Igor gets the matineé tomorrow at MSG against Boston. The way the two are playing, though, maybe it should be reversed.

Looking forward to two ancient physical rivals back to back!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on November 24, 2023, 08:20:21 AMThe Rangers struck gold (as in Knights) in acquiring him this season and the timing of his outstanding play couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

Guessing that he'll take Philly tonight and Igor gets the matineé tomorrow at MSG against Boston. The way the two are playing, though, maybe it should be reversed.

Looking forward to two ancient physical rivals back to back!

Peace!

Quick has really earned it but I suspect you're right. He'll be in today and Igor gets the Bruins. I have no idea though. We'll see.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 24, 2023, 10:26:06 AMQuick has really earned it but I suspect you're right. He'll be in today and Igor gets the Bruins. I have no idea though. We'll see.

Its Igor today! I like that better. Don't need to hurt Igors confidence any more by throwing him to the wolves against the bruins. Plus quick has been better lately anyway

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 24, 2023, 01:09:09 PMIts Igor today! I like that better. Don't need to hurt Igors confidence any more by throwing him to the wolves against the bruins. Plus quick has been better lately anyway

I think a case could be made either way although who am I to question anything Laviolette is doing right now.

3-1 Rangers victory, and a relatively easy one at that, sets up the measuring stick game tomorrow against the Bruins. Whomever is in goal will be coming off a victory so goodness there.

Nice to see the Z-man putting a couple in the net today. Long overdue but it's still the first quarter of a long season so plenty of time for him to get hot.

Get a good night's rest, Broadway Blueshirts, and give 'em hell tomorrow at the matinee!

Peace!

Solid win today against a team we generally handle.

Tomorrow is the big test. Boston played today (in Detroit) too, so we can't use fatigue as an excuse, especially when we're the home team.

Really looking forward to tonight's game.

Lovely finish for Zibanejad's second goal.

They are playing really well.

Big test tonight, UK friendly time so I'll be tuning in live.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on November 25, 2023, 06:04:15 AMReally looking forward to tonight's game.

Lovely finish for Zibanejad's second goal.

They are playing really well.

Big test tonight, UK friendly time so I'll be tuning in live.

Biggest game of the season by leaps and bounds. Pleased you'll be able to watch live.

Rangers were completely dominating yesterday for much of the game. Really hoping it carries over.

SPECTACULAR win.

What a game! That's about as good as this sport gets. Don't get me wrong, I love a good old fashioned 1-0 defensive struggle with elite goaltending like what we got against the Penguins a few days back, but this was just electric today. And what a huge, pivotal win for the team.

We now lead the NHL in wins. Plus we have a game in hand on the Bruins. Just remarkable.

Obviously there is a long way to go, but man has this been a great ride so far.

Bring on the Sabres on Monday night!

Can you say wow-wee, holy-shamoly?

What a crazy game and a result I can't believe even after watching the game in full. Wasn't this the kind of result we go to bed at night and dream of playing out? Well, dreams came true in this barn-burning edition of Original Six rivals renewing their classic rivalry.

What do you want to talk about? Kreider's goals? His missed breakaways? Bonino's goal to open the scoring on the day? The Breadman finding the net again? Quickie holding nets down with a solid, if not unspectacular, effort in goal? Jimmy Vesey becoming a scoring threat? Rangers' defense containing Boston's electric offense, and Pastrňák, from allowing the game to get out of hand? Seeing Ullmark beside himself for letting seven goals (NOTE: the most ever in his career) in today? Peter Laviolette calling timeout and the Rangers responding with a short handed goal to end the first period? The two goals to end the second?

After the Rangers responded to make the game 6-4, the momentum switched to the Rangers and they rode it to the 7-4 victory.

I was most impressed with the Rangers' defense, their patience and opportunistic attitude. I can't recall so many breakaway attempts the Rangers had today. Granted, Boston was pushing up to generate offense. Still, for letting seven in, Ullmark kept the scoreboard from reaching double digits and, possibly, 15 or more.

For now, the beast of the East plays in the Garden, Madison Square, that is. Still early in the season and a long way to go. Buffalo visiting MSG on Monday and Detroit visiting Wednesday. Neither are easy games so enjoy the big win tonight and get ready for three more big games next week which the Rangers will return to Nashville next Saturday to put right what they got wrong at the start of the season against the Predators.

Cheers on a great victory today!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on November 25, 2023, 04:47:27 PMCan you say wow-wee, holy-shamoly?

What a crazy game and a result I can't believe even after watching the game in full. Wasn't this the kind of result we go to bed at night and dream of playing out? Well, dreams came true in this barn-burning edition of Original Six rivals renewing their classic rivalry.

What do you want to talk about? Kreider's goals? His missed breakaways? Bonino's goal to open the scoring on the day? The Breadman finding the net again? Quickie holding nets down with a solid, if not unspectacular, effort in goal? Jimmy Vesey becoming a scoring threat? Rangers' defense containing Boston's electric offense, and Pastrňák, from allowing the game to get out of hand? Seeing Ullmark beside himself for letting seven goals (NOTE: the most ever in his career) in today? Peter Laviolette calling timeout and the Rangers responding with a short handed goal to end the first period? The two goals to end the second?

After the Rangers responded to make the game 6-4, the momentum switched to the Rangers and they rode it to the 7-4 victory.

I was most impressed with the Rangers' defense, their patience and opportunistic attitude. I can't recall so many breakaway attempts the Rangers had today. Granted, Boston was pushing up to generate offense. Still, for letting seven in, Ullmark kept the scoreboard from reaching double digits and, possibly, 15 or more.

For now, the beast of the East plays in the Garden, Madison Square, that is. Still early in the season and a long way to go. Buffalo visiting MSG on Monday and Detroit visiting Wednesday. Neither are easy games so enjoy the big win tonight and get ready for three more big games next week which the Rangers will return to Nashville next Saturday to put right what they got wrong at the start of the season against the Predators.

Cheers on a great victory today!

Peace!

Let's also give the new coaching staff their due for the following:

The new effective system for offense, defense, and special teams.

Overall team improvement in face-offs, and movement of the puck.

Continuing aggressive play no matter what the score.

Tough, physical play at all points of the ice, which includes player selection and ice time allocation.

This last time I felt this good about our coaching staff was when Keenan was here.

Quote from: Bigmoose on November 25, 2023, 05:58:52 PMLet's also give the new coaching staff their due for the following:

The new effective system for offense, defense, and special teams.

Overall team improvement in face-offs, and movement of the puck.

Continuing aggressive play no matter what the score.

Tough, physical play at all points of the ice, which includes player selection and ice time allocation.

This last time I felt this good about our coaching staff was when Keenan was here.

Very well said. This game, and the season to date, underscore many of your points. For the fan, they're very much exciting to watch. That's the ticket!

That and the "backup goalie" remains undefeated after facing the Bruins. Suffice to say, the Rangers don't have a backup goalie; they are blessed to have two starters and are the best tandem in the game today and, ironically, the best Ranger tandem since Keenan's goalies, Richter and Healy.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on November 25, 2023, 07:20:25 PMVery well said. This game, and the season to date, underscore many of your points. For the fan, they're very much exciting to watch. That's the ticket!

That and the "backup goalie" remains undefeated after facing the Bruins. Suffice to say, the Rangers don't have a backup goalie; they are blessed to have two starters and are the best tandem in the game today and, ironically, the best Ranger tandem since Keenan's goalies, Richter and Healy.

Peace!

Funny, I was thinking Richter and Vanbiesbrouck today, but to your point that's going back a bit further.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 25, 2023, 07:23:47 PMFunny, I was thinking Richter and Vanbiesbrouck today, but to your point that's going back a bit further.

I loved the "Beezer" and can remember the 1985-86 season where he nearly took the team to the finals but ran into that other goaltender great, Patrick Roy, who outduelled him and the Rangers to lead the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup championship that year.

Beezer and Richter were competing for starting goalie which may have taken something away from the tandem. But when Beezer was dealt to Florida, and the Rangers picked up Healy, who was content being Richter's backup, that tandem responded and contributed to the President's Trophy leading up to the Stanley Cup championship.

Beezer was the man back in the '80s. He had a nice run with Florida as well.

Peace!

Shocked at how we made the best in the east look so beatable.  :o
And without our best Player, who has been skating for nearly a week now.
They call a TO and respond. We call a TO and we respond.  We score a couple, they score a couple, we score, they score then we score three.
With the Game we are putting on the Ice, is there anything we can't do?
Laviolette has showed he knows what to do, and when to do it.

Our 4th Line has become a real weapon as of late. Our PP & PK are clicking. And our Goaltending is the best tandem in the NHL.
Our Captain leads the NHL in Blocked Shots.  Krides is tied for most PP Goals. I think we give up the least amount of Goals and have the most Wins.
Yeah, as mentioned, it's early, but this sure feels GREAT!!!

One final footnote from this weekend's action. My local team, the Coyotes, marched into Vegas and blanked the Golden Knights, 2-0, to lock the Rangers in as the best record in the NHL, for now.

Peace!

It would be nice if we could take a snapshot of this first six weeks or whatever it has been and just give out the cup based on these first 20 games. Unfortunately, we are not even a quarter of the way done with the regular season yet, which is a huge slog in its own right, and then as we all know playoff hockey might as well be a different sport altogether.

I'm as delighted as anyone here with the start and I'm full of hope and fantasies like every other Rangers fan, but after the last couple of playoffs (yes the last two, because we weren't getting out of the first round two years ago either if Jarry had played), I am biding my time and not getting too over my skis with the hope.

One game at a time.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 26, 2023, 12:40:53 PMIt would be nice if we could take a snapshot of this first six weeks or whatever it has been and just give out the cup based on these first 20 games. Unfortunately, we are not even a quarter of the way done with the regular season yet, which is a huge slog in its own right, and then as we all know playoff hockey might as well be a different sport altogether.

I'm as delighted as anyone here with the start and I'm full of hope and fantasies like every other Rangers fan, but after the last couple of playoffs (yes the last two, because we weren't getting out of the first round two years ago either if Jarry had played), I am biding my time and not getting too over my skis with the hope.

One game at a time.

It's the right approach. Historically the rangers have loved nothing more than breaking our collective hearts.

This team does seem a little different though. The 4th line is actually useable. That's a new development.

Laffy to this point has made a leap. His all around game is better and he's scoring at a high rate. Not sure if it's laviolette or just enough NHL seasoning but whatever it is thank Hod for it!

The 3rd pairing on defense, thanks to Gustafsson, is statistically one of the best pairs in the entire league. Fox goes down, this dude steps in on the PP, and nothing changes.  Still the best PP around.

And as mentioned if Shesty is in a funk or gets injured as he is want to do they finally have a backup that fan step in and be just as good and to this point even better.

Obviously things can change quickly (no pun intended) and I do find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop sometimes but this is as complete of a team as they've had in recent memory. Top to bottom deep and talented. Can't wait to see how the rest of it plays out.

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 27, 2023, 06:51:13 AMIt's the right approach. Historically the rangers have loved nothing more than breaking our collective hearts.

This team does seem a little different though. The 4th line is actually useable. That's a new development.

Laffy to this point has made a leap. His all around game is better and he's scoring at a high rate. Not sure if it's laviolette or just enough NHL seasoning but whatever it is thank Hod for it!

The 3rd pairing on defense, thanks to Gustafsson, is statistically one of the best pairs in the entire league. Fox goes down, this dude steps in on the PP, and nothing changes.  Still the best PP around.

And as mentioned if Shesty is in a funk or gets injured as he is want to do they finally have a backup that fan step in and be just as good and to this point even better.

Obviously things can change quickly (no pun intended) and I do find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop sometimes but this is as complete of a team as they've had in recent memory. Top to bottom deep and talented. Can't wait to see how the rest of it plays out.

This is what's making it a fun and exciting first quarter of the season. But, that's all that this is right now.

Last year, I still vividly remember the Rangers taking it to the-then Stanley Cup Champions, the Colorado Avs, and took three of four points in their two games to include beating them on their own ice. I also remember a March game in Florida where they came back and won a hard fought victory over the Panthers. Further, they turned last season's Champs, the Golden Knights, into minced meat. It all meant nothing when they got bounced out of round one. That sting still remains and there's still a sense of "prove it to me" that they can take it all the way.

Bit, for now, how much more can you ask from them? Their hockey brand, right now, is actually better than it was last season and the hope is that they can stay both healthy and consistent.

Peace!

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 27, 2023, 06:51:13 AMIt's the right approach. Historically the rangers have loved nothing more than breaking our collective hearts.

This team does seem a little different though. The 4th line is actually useable. That's a new development.

Laffy to this point has made a leap. His all around game is better and he's scoring at a high rate. Not sure if it's laviolette or just enough NHL seasoning but whatever it is thank Hod for it!

The 3rd pairing on defense, thanks to Gustafsson, is statistically one of the best pairs in the entire league. Fox goes down, this dude steps in on the PP, and nothing changes.  Still the best PP around.

And as mentioned if Shesty is in a funk or gets injured as he is want to do they finally have a backup that fan step in and be just as good and to this point even better.

Obviously things can change quickly (no pun intended) and I do find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop sometimes but this is as complete of a team as they've had in recent memory. Top to bottom deep and talented. Can't wait to see how the rest of it plays out.

All excellent points. To be clear, in no way was I trying to be Debbie Downer (I don't think you think I was, but just to clarify out loud anyway). More that I am just deliberately avoiding building my postseason expectations way up, the way I have done in the past sometimes. The playoffs are just different. Case in point imagine being a Bruins fan last year. Their regular season was absolutely insane. Historic regular season. Anything less than a Cup win was going to be catastrophically disappointing for Bruins fans. And look what happened. They were out in the second round or something right?

I like the way our team is constructed, and your above points are all very strong ones. Despite the fact that Quick has been a really nice surprise, I want to see Shesty get back to something resembling 2021/22 levels by the end of the season to really feel good about our chances. Don't get me wrong - it's very nice to have two highly competent goalies, but to really go the distance in the postseason I'd much rather have one goalie who is playing at a truly elite level and one average one than two "very good" ones.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 27, 2023, 08:39:28 AMAll excellent points. To be clear, in no way was I trying to be Debbie Downer (I don't think you think I was, but just to clarify out loud anyway). More that I am just deliberately avoiding building my postseason expectations way up, the way I have done in the past sometimes. The playoffs are just different. Case in point imagine being a Bruins fan last year. Their regular season was absolutely insane. Historic regular season. Anything less than a Cup win was going to be catastrophically disappointing for Bruins fans. And look what happened. They were out in the second round or something right?

I like the way our team is constructed, and your above points are all very strong ones. Despite the fact that Quick has been a really nice surprise, I want to see Shesty get back to something resembling 2021/22 levels by the end of the season to really feel good about our chances. Don't get me wrong - it's very nice to have two highly competent goalies, but to really go the distance in the postseason I'd much rather have one goalie who is playing at a truly elite level and one average one than two "very good" ones.

I'm in line with you tempering expectations given I've only seen the Blueshirts lift the Cup only once in my lifetime as I'm sure that's the case for the majority of us who contribute to or read this thread. At this stage, the last thing I'm thinking about is the President's Trophy or playoffs. But it is nice to enjoy the moment without feeling guilt that it will come at a cost down the road. I'm sure some teams will figure the Rangers out and injuries will play a factor. But this team has shown characteristics of playing out a game the full 60 minutes. They may not win every game but they've bounced back from every loss impressively thus far.

I focus a bit on the goalies as that's been my predominant position on both the soccer field (competitively) and on the ice (pick up / neighborhood games only). Make no mistake that this Ranger team belongs to Igor and that's not going to change. But to have a three-time Stanley Cup, two-time Vezina Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, William M. Jennings Trophy and USA National Team Silver medalist winner backing him up, and starting the season undefeated and one win shy of breaking Halak's consecutive point record last year for 37+ year old goaltender, the Rangers struck pure gold (yes, pun intended as in Knight), in acquiring his services. Further, Quickie realizing a childhood dream of playing for his favorite team, he is currently living the dream right now. We don't know how much longer his streak will last, but it is amazing as it is impressive to watch not only his play but the way the team plays around him. Saturday's game was, in part, testament to that.

All the off-season moves, and coaching changes and on-ice adaptations are working well right now. Tonight's game against Buffalo is a good sanity check to see if the Boston game didn't go to their head. Buffalo is playing inconsistent hockey but is capable of knocking the Rangers off on their day. Their goalie, Devon Levi, has proven to be invincible at times. Fortunately, the Rangers appeared to have cracked the code on him early this season but still can't take this team for granted. Hopefully, it will be a game they can keep under their control and then get ready for what could be another high scoring duel with another Original Six club on Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings. The Rangers took them down three weeks ago at MSG 5-3 (after being up 5-0 and calling off the dogs) and would like nothing more than a similar result. Then, some travel in the schedule sees them travel to Nashville on Saturday, where they'd like to make amends for their early season humiliation. They come home the next day to play the lowly San Jose Sharks who always seem to give them trouble. Then, back on the road to the Canadian National Capital in Ottawa to face the Senators for the first time this season. Then, a chance to catch their breath before traveling to our Nation's Capital to face the Washington Capitals who were sitting as high as second place in the division before yesterday's action (NOTE: they currently sit fourth with Carolina and Philly passing them).

The Rangers currently sit seven (7) points ahead in first place with a game in hand in the division. They remain tied with Boston at 31 points for best in the Eastern Conference with the Rangers having a game in hand plus the face-to-face win advantage which puts them in pole position. Right now, the hottest teams in the league are the Rangers (8-1-1 over last 10 games), Washington (7-2-1 over last 10 games), Florida (7-3-0 over last 10 games), Colorado (7-3-0 over last 10 games), Winnipeg (8-2-0 over last 10 games) and LA Kings (8-1-1 over last 10 games). Guess who they play after the Caps? Yup, another battle of hot teams: LA vs. NYR on Sunday 12/10. The first of a hot homestand where they'll play Toronto who are always a tough battle, the Quackers of Anaheim whom the Rangers always struggle against, and a Saturday (12/16) rematch at Boston Garden where the Bruins will be ready this time. A very tough stretch of games coming up in December which will give the Rangers the chance to test themselves against some of the best in the league as well as conquer a few jinx teams who seem to own them. So far, this season, they've taken care of Calgary and Winnipeg on the road which were always penciled in as losses. Make short work of Anaheim and San Jose as well so they can focus on the big boys in LA, Boston and Toronto.

With all that coming up, who has time to think about playoffs? You focus on these bursts of games with the exciting match-ups to get you pumped and hope they win more than they lose. So far, we've been spoiled and it's been a fun ride. Now it's up to the Rangers to take care of Buffalo and keep the ride going.

Peace!

Ugly night at MSG, no two ways about it. Really poor effort. I suspect a lot of these guys were out hard on Saturday night celebrating their big win, and the hangovers carried into today. I'm sure continuing to do shots at 4:30am seemed like a good idea at the time.

Miller in particular looked really bad tonight. Shesty continues to not come up with the big saves. There really weren't many positives.

They've obviously been torrid of late, and these guys are human beings. It was a classic let-down spot. Not the end of the world from my perspective, but they better bounce back and deliver a better effort than this against the Wings on Wednesday. I'm sure they will. They're going to hear about this one from Lavvy.

Couldn't bury a few early.  Oh well, start another winning streak on Wednesday.  Hey, at least they dominated in the face-off circle.  That has to count for something, no?

Yeah, you can dominate on the Dot and still get blown out...
With 12 mins. left in the Game, we score seven seconds into a PP and cut the score to 1-2.  Perfect spot to take over the Game.
So what do we do?
We let them score three unanswered Goals...

My big speech and the Rangers get outplayed by Buffalo. Their other goalie decides to do a Patrick Roy in MSG as the Rangers were clearly off their intensity and accuracy.

Either Buffalo's shots were magnificent or Igor is off. I'm giving Buffalo the credit as they were faster, more accurate and were getting good shots on goal while creating screens in front of Igor.

The 5-1 defeat was disappointing to say the very least. But, to put it in perspective, the Saturday game must have drained both teams since Boston also lost today, to Columbus, which was their third consecutive loss. So, in the grand scheme, today was a wash in the overall standings. Get ready for the Red Wings and bounce back.

Peace!

P.S. hoping Kakko wasn't hurt too bad tonight.

The Kakko injury looked brutal. Not going to pretend to do a video layperson diagnosis, but if it's an ACL I'm not going to be shocked.

I wonder if they'll call up Othmann.

The Kakko injury looked bad.  Would rather call up Othmann than sign Kane.

If they really try it again with Kane I'll be surprised (not in a good way).

If they still feel Othmann isn't ready they can always bide their time with Johnny Brod. He's not great, but neither is Kakko. I'm sorry for Kakko and I hate seeing injuries, but I'm relieved it wasn't someone like Bread, Laffy, Kreids, or Zibs.

On a positive note, it looks like Fox is likely to be back in the lineup on Wed...

Kane was deadwood last season. Highly doubt Drury will re-visit that move :badidea:

Quote from: Jaime on November 28, 2023, 02:00:07 AMKane was deadwood last season. Highly doubt Drury will re-visit that move :badidea:

Fool me once....

Yeah, just brutal.

Not gonna win them all and time to re-set the ship on Weds. I'd much rather we dropped that game than the one against the Bruins.

Ironic that Sam and Joe did a quick player focus on Othmann last night so that tells me he's at least in the back of their minds as an option in getting called up.

One final observation on last night's game was that the puck was bouncing all over the place for the Rangers while Buffalo were relatively smooth in their passing. Just another omen signaling it wasn't going to be their night. Yet, to Jaime's point, they still got it to 1-2 on the Z-man's goal and might have made a run to tie. But Buffalo wasn't having any of it.

In the end, the Sabres frustrate the Rangers again. Not really a surprise as this New York rivalry, of sorts, has been known for these type of games.

Original Six match-up at the Garden next! Rangers-Red Wings should be a blast!

Peace!

That Buffalo goalie made one of the better saves you'll see on poor Vesey when the game was tight. Which is was for most of the night.  Definitely a let down from the Bruins game, but that was almost to be expected.  Annoying that they couldn't steal a point once they pulled within 1, and everything unraveled from there, but they can't win em all! 

We saw vs the Bruins what they are capable of when they are firing on all cylinders and yesterday we saw what they can put out there when they're not.  And even still, a couple bounces here or there and they may well have stolen that game too.

No worries on Kane returning. He's signed with the Redwings.

Jesus, that was ugly last night.  My wife and I are flying up from FLA for Christmas week and along with our daughter, going to our first Ranger game in 10 years!  Dec 23, against those same Buffalo Sabres.  Paid a stupid amount of $$ for three halfway decent seats but who knows when we'll get to do it again?

But as I watched last night, I couldn't help but think, if they lay a turd like this on 12/23, against same opponent, I'm gonna be sick! 

Quote from: Gman329 on November 28, 2023, 02:55:44 PMJesus, that was ugly last night.  My wife and I are flying up from FLA for Christmas week and along with our daughter, going to our first Ranger game in 10 years!  Dec 23, against those same Buffalo Sabres.  Paid a stupid amount of $$ for three halfway decent seats but who knows when we'll get to do it again?

But as I watched last night, I couldn't help but think, if they lay a turd like this on 12/23, against same opponent, I'm gonna be sick! 

I hear you, Gman.

You just never know. I've certainly been to my share of stinkers at MSG. It's still always at least somewhat fun to attend a Rangers game though. Just seeing these guys skating around at full speed in person is always pretty incredible.

Anyone following this Connor Bedard/Corey Perry story on the Blackhawks?

If the rumors around this are true, Yikes. That's seriously messed up!

https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/crazy-rumor-involving-corey-perry-and-connor-bedard-may-explain-perry-s-absence-from-blackhawks

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 28, 2023, 03:10:29 PMI hear you, Gman.

You just never know. I've certainly been to my share of stinkers at MSG. It's still always at least somewhat fun to attend a Rangers game though. Just seeing these guys skating around at full speed in person is always pretty incredible.

We have our tix (center ice seven rows back behind the penalty boxes) so I can take my wife (who grew up outside of Buffalo) and youngest daughter to see the boys when they visit us here in PHX to play the Coyotes the day after my birthday in late March. They actually play on Arizona State's campus and the rink only seats about 5,000+ people. Fortunately, the Rangers have played well against them and I'm hoping for a big late season win.

My very first Ranger game was a Saturday matinee at the Garden against Buffalo during the 1978-79 season; a 2-2 tie which my childhood idol, Anders Hedberg scored a goal and #1 Wayne Thomas made several spectacular saves to preserve the one point earned that day. I was hooked for life!

But, back to Vesey getting robbed by arguably the stick save of the year from Luukonen was the wow moment and, regrettably, a sign that it wasn't going to happen for the Rangers last night. Sure enough, it wasn't.

Another day, another game.

Peace!

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 28, 2023, 03:12:14 PMAnyone following this Connor Bedard/Corey Perry story on the Blackhawks?

If the rumors around this are true, Yikes. That's seriously messed up!

https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/crazy-rumor-involving-corey-perry-and-connor-bedard-may-explain-perry-s-absence-from-blackhawks

Outright denial from the Hawks here: "In a news conference later Tuesday, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson was asked if there was any criminal aspect involved in Perry's dismissal. "This was a workplace matter," Davidson said.

Davidson continued, saying that while he can not disclose the details of the team's investigation, the matter "does not involve any players or their families, and anything that suggests otherwise or anyone who suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate and, frankly, it's disgusting. This has been a tough situation. I understand you want answers. It was important that we took all the necessary steps before sharing more."

Per https://theathletic.com/5096835/2023/11/28/corey-perry-blackhawks-release-unacceptable-conduct/?source=user_shared_article

Who dah heck knows what happened? But Melanie is smoking hot :o

Gman, a stupid amount is what it takes these days. Hopefully the Rangers will reward your loyalty. My Dad had season tix from mid 60's -mid 70's, I Attended many a Game at MSG watching those Blueshirts fly around that Ice. Worst memory, was watching the Bruins take turns hoisting the Cup on MSG Ice. That, Along with Goalie Gerry Gheevers giving the Rangers faithful the finger...

Quote from: Jaime on November 28, 2023, 07:28:04 PMWho dah heck knows what happened? But Melanie is smoking hot :o

Agreed. She has kind of a Farah Fawcett thing going on.

I took another glance at Melanie. Yeah DB, she does have a bit of the FF goin' on...

Anybody know what channel tonight's game vs. Detroit is on?

got it - TNT
Fox is back
Johnny Bodzinkski replaces Kakko

Nice win. Jimmy "The Closer" Vesey gets another game winning goal, Igor bounces back and gets the win and the team overcame another hot goalie to find a way to a hard-earned win.

Detroit's head coach should have been given a game misconduct for whining after his player grabbed Cuylle's stick and whacked himself to initially drawing a double minor which was overturned after review. What a clown!

Nashville up next!

Peace!

Anyone that has lost confidence in Shesty, fear not! The jaw-dropping saves he made in the 3rd say it all for those who were concerned (including me) bout Shesty's game #:-S
Bread his 12th, Miller's sweet 1 timer, and Vesey got a favorable ruling on a high stick challenge re; the Game Winning Goal. Vesey was a high scoring F at Harvard that struggled scoring when he came into the NHL.
He just notched his 5th tally of the season at the 1/4 mark.

Our "C" Jacob Trouba threw several huge body-checks. He also blocked another five shots tonite, including a key block with five ticks remaining during
six on four Hockey. Laffy faked a shot and made a tremendous cross ice pass into Bread's wheel-house for his tally.
The Motor City's Goalie matched Shesty's play tween dah pipes.  Fox played 21 mins. in his return from a strained MCL knee ligament.
He said he felt good after a few shifts. Detroit scored their two Goals in a span of 31 seconds. In a previously never before seen by the color commentator who was a former Player, a Detroit Player pulled our Player's stick upward to strike him in his mouth. He even cut himself to draw a four min. Penalty.
He got exposed as a fraud during a video review by the Officials. Detroit's HC kept waving his hand with five fingers extended, urging the Officials to call a five minute Penalty. Thinkin' either Detroit's player or HC should've received an Unsportsman Conduct for the stick in the mouth ploy.

One point. I don't believe anyone here has lost faith in Igor. You play him and he works himself out of any rut he might be in. Last night was a good example. His teammates came through for him where as, against Buffalo, you give the opposing team and their goalie their due and move on.

They're now tops in the league at 33 points.

Peace!

Last night was a bigger win than a typical game in November.  Fell behind against an improved and confident team.  Out chancing them, but the goalie was playing well.  Unlike Monday, they were able to break through for the equalizer and lead.  Avoided their first losing streak.

Last night reminded me of early last season games where they score first, immediately give one back up and then because when one thing goes wrong they have to follow it up right away with another thing going wrong now they're down 2-1 and that's that.  But this year's team managed to stop the bleeding right there, Shesty came through in that 3rd period with some MONSTER saves, and they were able to pull ahead in regulation.  This team feels much more complete than last year and with them I don't really feel like they're completely out of any game even if they do fall behind anymore.  They are finding ways to win, rather than finding ways to lose like they did early last season. And every win only makes them more confident.

Quote from: Gmo11 on November 30, 2023, 11:48:20 AMLast night reminded me of early last season games where they score first, immediately give one back up and then because when one thing goes wrong they have to follow it up right away with another thing going wrong now they're down 2-1 and that's that.  But this year's team managed to stop the bleeding right there, Shesty came through in that 3rd period with some MONSTER saves, and they were able to pull ahead in regulation.  This team feels much more complete than last year and with them I don't really feel like they're completely out of any game even if they do fall behind anymore.  They are finding ways to win, rather than finding ways to lose like they did early last season. And every win only makes them more confident.

Agree, and I feel our new coach and coaching staff deserve much of the credit for this difference between offensive/defensive scheme, aggressiveness/toughness of play, player development (especially on faceoffs) and line combinations / roster changes.

I wasn't able to watch the majority of the game last night as I had some plans, but I did manage to get home for most of the third period so I saw both goals. Was thrilling to watch. Fully agreed with the poster who commented that this was a bigger than normal win for November. I agree with that. This team is exhibiting not just talent but also grit/heart. I wouldn't say they were "entitled" to one stinker, but the Buffalo loss didn't bother me that much as these guys are human and that stuff happens. But after a game like that you want to see a bounce-back effort, and that's what we saw in a big way. 

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on November 30, 2023, 02:07:47 PMI wasn't able to watch the majority of the game last night as I had some plans, but I did manage to get home for most of the third period so I saw both goals. Was thrilling to watch. Fully agreed with the poster who commented that this was a bigger than normal win for November. I agree with that. This team is exhibiting not just talent but also grit/heart. I wouldn't say they were "entitled" to one stinker, but the Buffalo loss didn't bother me that much as these guys are human and that stuff happens. <B>But after a game like that you want to see a bounce-back effort, and that's what we saw in a big way.</B> 

Reference your quote in boldface above, that's what makes them endearing and enjoyable to watch this season; and more-so than last year even when they were going hot.

The Rangers' next game will be very interesting from the standpoint that they still have the best record over the last 10 games (8-2-0) in the league, and will go against a Nashville Predators team in Nashville who have won six (6) in a row which is the hottest streak in the league right now. This Predators' team dropped the Rangers like a bad habit 4-1 at the Garden in the fourth game of the season so it will be interesting to see how the Rangers respond. I remember last year the Rangers had that crazy 7-0 win at the Garden but the Blueshirts have lost three of the last four matchups dating to 2021. So, this will be a good test for the Rangers to overcome a team that seems to have their number and who is riding a six-game winning streak on Nashville's home ice where they haven't won a game in a few years now.

It's a great challenge along the lines of last weekend's Boston matinee except this matinee will be in the south. It should be a great one and then a return home the next evening to host the San Jose Sharks who always give the Rangers fits so yet another challenge.

Peace!

Thus far, the difference I observe between last season's Team and this season's Team can be summed up in one word
'INTESITY'. Credit Laviolette with instilling this attitude right from the get-go with having much more competitive practices. Vesey explained in his Presser, that results of Practice are posted after each Practice.
This is a major upgrade over the soft Practice tempo that took place last season.

Front to back. side to side, we are hard on the opponent's stick. We finish our checks. We have a 4th Line that is reecking havoc in numerous

The Rangers came to Nashvile shouting "Look out Music City cause here we come!"

Well, they arrived to a Preditors' team who played a fast-paced, grind it out game and a 0-2 deficit and 1-3 in the 2nd. Then, the back to back power plays which changed the game. Trocheck led the team on his back with a three point game and had a hand indirectly in the game winner.

Give the head coach the #1 star of the game for having the cojones to radically change his lines which immediately paid dividends. Give Igor star #2. Yeah, he gave up at least one head scratcher; however, he was masterful in keeping the Predators at 3 for the rest of the game. He was amazing in the final five minutes. Finally, Trocheck gets star #3 for being the spitfire that put life into the Rangers and got them going in the second and third periods.

This type of game is a sign. I will leave it at that.

Best in the NHL again. Vegas, your move.

Peace!

"This type of game is a sign. I will leave it at that."

I thought the same thing when they were bumping helmets.

This Team does not panic. They stick to their game plan even when they are down a couple, and playing poorly.
We again, dominate on the Dot. Largely thanks to Shesty, we get out of the 1st only down a couple.
Laviolette's deaft shuffling of the Lines in the 2nd jump started our Game. That's what experienced winning NHL HC's can do.
We give up a Short Handed Goal on a PP. Then come right back to score on the same PP. We rarely lose our focus.
Our Leadership (Staff and Players) are getting the job done.

Great come from behind road win against a team that has given us problems.

I know he let in three goals, but Shesty came up big for us in the third period in this one. Our guys really wanted this win. Great to see.

They keep finding ways to win. And because of that you never really feel like they're out of a game until the clock reads zeros.

Down 2-0 after the first. Just keep chipping away. It's fun to watch.

As good as this was, the real test comes tomorrow with that San Jose team whom the Blueshirts seem to struggle against. But a win would be a nice lead-in to the Ottawa road trip for Tuesday and then the quick breather before a "murderer's row" schedule of Washington (away), LA Kings (home), Toronto (home), Anaheim (home), Boston (away), Toronto (away), Edmonton and Buffalo home before Christmas. The Rangers have proven they can play with the best in the league as well as overcome teams which have had their number in the past. They won't win every game but they remain 8-2-0 in their last 10 which is very impressive given whom they've played in those 10 games. Their next big test is to compete against the other contenders whom they haven't played yet. In the Metro, that would obviously be Washington. Over in the Atlantic, in addition to the rematch in Boston Garden, they have to play Florida, Tampa and Toronto. In the Western - Central, they will get another crack at Dallas at home, but will have to play St. Louis and, of course, Colorado. Finally, in the Western - Pacific, the Kings are just around the corner and, on January 26, a hot ticket at the Garden when the Stanley Cup Champion Golden Knights come to town for what could be a battle of the best in each conference and, dare we suggest, a Stanley Cup final fantasy preview? Personally, I'd hold out for a NYR-Colorado series myself, but beggars cannot be choosers. The way this season is playing out so far, there's no reason to think beyond tomorrow night, and remember today's big comeback win.

One final observation. I guess it's good for Igor to get a series of games under his belt to get back in rhythm after recovering from his injury. As good as Quickie has been, the Rangers will go the distance on Igor's back. Seeing him in the third period today reminded me of his outstanding 2021-22 campaign.

Back to the Garden to take the teeth out of the Sharks tomorrow night!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 02, 2023, 09:08:24 PMAs good as this was, the real test comes tomorrow with that San Jose team whom the Blueshirts seem to struggle against. But a win would be a nice lead-in to the Ottawa road trip for Tuesday and then the quick breather before a "murderer's row" schedule of Washington (away), LA Kings (home), Toronto (home), Anaheim (home), Boston (away), Toronto (away), Edmonton and Buffalo home before Christmas. The Rangers have proven they can play with the best in the league as well as overcome teams which have had their number in the past. They won't win every game but they remain 8-2-0 in their last 10 which is very impressive given whom they've played in those 10 games. Their next big test is to compete against the other contenders whom they haven't played yet. In the Metro, that would obviously be Washington. Over in the Atlantic, in addition to the rematch in Boston Garden, they have to play Florida, Tampa and Toronto. In the Western - Central, they will get another crack at Dallas at home, but will have to play St. Louis and, of course, Colorado. Finally, in the Western - Pacific, the Kings are just around the corner and, on January 26, a hot ticket at the Garden when the Stanley Cup Champion Golden Knights come to town for what could be a battle of the best in each conference and, dare we suggest, a Stanley Cup final fantasy preview? Personally, I'd hold out for a NYR-Colorado series myself, but beggars cannot be choosers. The way this season is playing out so far, there's no reason to think beyond tomorrow night, and remember today's big comeback win.

One final observation. I guess it's good for Igor to get a series of games under his belt to get back in rhythm after recovering from his injury. As good as Quickie has been, the Rangers will go the distance on Igor's back. Seeing him in the third period today reminded me of his outstanding 2021-22 campaign.

Back to the Garden to take the teeth out of the Sharks tomorrow night!

Peace!

There is no such thing as a "murderers row" when you are the best team in the league.  Rangers are now 9-0-1 in their last 10 against SJ.

Quote from: coggs on December 03, 2023, 10:48:38 AMThere is no such thing as a "murderers row" when you are the best team in the league.  Rangers are now 9-0-1 in their last 10 against SJ.

The hatless fans holding onto their hearts as the Sharks took the final shot, and missed, as the exhale was heard all the way out here in Phoenix, as the 6-5 barnburning win goes into the record and the Rangers keep living on the edge.

It's never easy with San Jose, as illustrated by tonight's game.

Tune-up match in Canada's capital on Tuesday.

Rangers back at the top of the NHL. Las Vegas, it's your move.

Peace!

BREAD, BREAD, and more BREAD :boldblue:

A little closer than I would have liked at the end there, but whatever - 2 points is 2 points, and it was two nights in a row. Great stuff.

A Rangers player being interviewed in the Locker Room after the game, said "These back-to-backs are tough".
Thinkin' that one of the two games is away, raises the bar a bit.
Also, in the 2nd game we have a Team that typically plays us tough and is low in the rankings, stets up a strong Trap game scenario.

Quote from: Jaime on December 04, 2023, 07:21:54 PMA Rangers player being interviewed in the Locker Room after the game, said "These back-to-backs are tough".
Thinkin' that one of the two games is away, raises the bar a bit.
Also, in the 2nd game we have a Team that typically plays us tough and is low in the rankings, stets up a strong Trap game scenario.

Well, "trap game" played out tonight. They couldn't keep pace with the Senators, the defense was bad today and Igor was hung out to dry in some cases, while playing a very ordinary game today. Maybe he and Quickie need to go back to alternating games for a while.

Washington waiting in the wings.

Peace!

Our get up and go, must have got up and went...

Hard to be critical of this team right now on any level. They have obviously been nothing short of superb.

I would only point out that we had a game like last night just last week against the Sabres where we didn't remotely show up and got trounced. And then we nearly blew it the other night against the Sharks. Plus we have had deficits in games recently including 2-0 to the Preds. It has been nice to come back from those, but if you run into a hot goalie that's not always doable even if you start playing well after the initial tough start.

This has been the best start in a long time for the Rangers though, so I'm not being remnotely critical overall, but I think the team needs to be mindful of some of the above and try to tighten things up a bit in some of these games. Last night was pretty bad. The best team in the league shouldn't look like that, especially if they just did a week ago against the Sabres and then gave up 5 goals at home to the Sharks.

If they continue to win at the rate that they're winning, then obviously it's fine if their occasional losses are ugly, but it's not ideal to have multiple games like last night in the course of a single week (or 8 days in this case).

The incredible start to the season allows them to have a stinker or two here and there and maintain their status in the division.  Let's not string together too many of those in a row though.  Also, no Kakko, no Chytil and for a large portion of that game no Goodrow.  Doesn't excuse some of the sheer stupidity around their own net last night but perhaps getting those guys back will provide a boost back to the level of play they were showing earlier in the season.

Quote from: Gmo11 on December 06, 2023, 10:29:41 AMThe incredible start to the season allows them to have a stinker or two here and there and maintain their status in the division.  Let's not string together too many of those in a row though.  Also, no Kakko, no Chytil and for a large portion of that game no Goodrow.  Doesn't excuse some of the sheer stupidity around their own net last night but perhaps getting those guys back will provide a boost back to the level of play they were showing earlier in the season.

Fair points.

Any idea on the projected return dates of those guys?

Good discussion on reflecting over the last couple of weeks of play.

I think the break from post-game Tuesday to Saturday's game at Washington, and Sunday's at home against a Kings team, will allow them to regroup, refocus and hopefully clean their game up against two better teams who are trying to keep pace for a playoff spot down the road. The rest is critical because the rest of the calendar year is truly a gauntlet of some of the very best teams in the NHL they'll have to contend with and they have to hold their own.

The most important thing to keep in mind, and most of you already have this mentality in place, is that it's OK for the Rangers to drop a game, here and there, even if it is against a struggling team. As of today, they remain on top of their division a full eight (8) points, and a game in-hand ahead of Carolina, nine (9) points and a game in-hand of Philly and 10 points clear of the Isles. They remain tied with Boston at 37 points and 24 games played for best in the Eastern Conference and, finally, are only two (2) points behind Vegas, with three (3) games in hand, for pole position in the league. They have set themselves up nicely to turn the new year by working down these non-division, non-conference games and build some confidence should they make it to rounds three and four in the playoffs. But the other thing is that I believe the Rangers have performed well in the non-division, intra & inter-conference games where as their division rivals have not.

Kings, Leafs, Ducks all at home then Bruins at Boston for a busy next week is a gauntlet. But it starts with a Saturday date in the Nation's Capital to kick off the gauntlet against the Caps.

The next three (3) weeks will be an up-tick in pressure hockey. Let's see how the new coach handles it.

Peace!

Yikes.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on December 09, 2023, 09:59:52 PMYikes.

I second that

Has the gauntlet already gobbled them up?

I hope they start Quickie tomorrow because they need to snap out of the funk they're in. Plus, it would be his first time facing his old club.

But getting goose egged by a division rival hurts. Let's see if they can bounce back.

Peace!

Back to back horrific games. Let's see how they do tonight, but this is definitely the first time I have been mildly concerned. It's hard to believe that last night was how they responded to the Ottawa game with that amount of rest. Keep in mind the game before that they nearly blew a home game to the Sharks.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 10, 2023, 05:15:29 AMBack to back horrific games. Let's see how they do tonight, but this is definitely the first time I have been mildly concerned. It's hard to believe that last night was how they responded to the Ottawa game with that amount of rest. Keep in mind the game before that they nearly blew a home game to the Sharks.

Yes, agreed. The Senators play a hard nosed game and the Rangers weren't up for the battle. The Sharks, for whatever reason, always play the Rangers close and never give up. So I expected those to be aggravating games for them. But Washington has improved since last year and would be a good Divisional test which they flunked completely. Seeing them supplant Jersey in the top four in the division is no longer a surprise.

Four tough games this week starting tonight with LA at home and ending at Boston on Saturday. If they keep playing the way they are, that lead in the division will evaporate quickly.

Not sure if they've hit a wall but they definitely look slower than in previous games. Also, I'm not satisfied with Igor's play despite his defense is letting jom down at times. Earlier in the season, both he and Quick alternated at much higher rate and that's when the Rangers were winning big. This was Igor's fourth consecutive game, I think, and it's not good when he's giving up goals in the first minutes of games. I'll be keeping an eye on how the team bounces back with Quickie in goal tonight.

I'm not so much worried as I am curious to see how the head coach addresses this slump. A very good team is coming in tonight and a win would shake off the effects of these two losses quickly (pun intended).

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 10, 2023, 11:48:32 AMYes, agreed. The Senators play a hard nosed game and the Rangers weren't up for the battle. The Sharks, for whatever reason, always play the Rangers close and never give up. So I expected those to be aggravating games for them. But Washington has improved since last year and would be a good Divisional test which they flunked completely. Seeing them supplant Jersey in the top four in the division is no longer a surprise.

Four tough games this week starting tonight with LA at home and ending at Boston on Saturday. If they keep playing the way they are, that lead in the division will evaporate quickly.

Not sure if they've hit a wall but they definitely look slower than in previous games. Also, I'm not satisfied with Igor's play despite his defense is letting jom down at times. Earlier in the season, both he and Quick alternated at much higher rate and that's when the Rangers were winning big. This was Igor's fourth consecutive game, I think, and it's not good when he's giving up goals in the first minutes of games. I'll be keeping an eye on how the team bounces back with Quickie in goal tonight.

I'm not so much worried as I am curious to see how the head coach addresses this slump. A very good team is coming in tonight and a win would shake off the effects of these two losses quickly (pun intended).

Peace!

Igor has looked bad to mediocre all year. I have not been happy with him at all. Let's face facts too, he wasn't nearly as good last year as the year before. It's not the best trend with him. Has he gotten complacent and happy with these bigger paychecks?

As for the rest of the team I don't get how they could have looked so bad yesterday after all this rest time. It's as if they all had the flu. They had better look like a different team tonight. No excuses whatsoever.

Big win. Nice contributions by fourth line players. Quick was tremendous. A friend of mine texted me with "we may have a goaltending controversy on our hands." My response was that I don't see it as controversial at all right now. Quick is the much better goalie this season. Maybe that changes at some point, but right now, he's clearly the number one goaltender. It's not even close.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 10, 2023, 10:12:49 PMBig win. Nice contributions by fourth line players. Quick was tremendous. A friend of mine texted me with "we may have a goaltending controversy on our hands." My response was that I don't see it as controversial at all right now. Quick is the much better goalie this season. Maybe that changes at some point, but right now, he's clearly the number one goaltender. It's not even close.

The team plays harder for Quickie. The sample size is large enough now to where you are right to call it out. I haven't had the nerve to do so since this is Igor's team. But Igor hasn't been playing as well. But Quickie had something to play for tonight and he got the win over his old team which was wonderful to see.

The team bounced back and played with hustle, purpose and physicality. What a difference 24 hours makes!

Toronto coming up and another tough game.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 10, 2023, 10:59:38 PMThe team plays harder for Quickie. The sample size is large enough now to where you are right to call it out. I haven't had the nerve to do so since this is Igor's team. But Igor hasn't been playing as well. But Quickie had something to play for tonight and he got the win over his old team which was wonderful to see.

The team bounced back and played with hustle, purpose and physicality. What a difference 24 hours makes!

Toronto coming up and another tough game.

Peace!

The way I look at it is it's a fluid thing. To say Quick is the better goalie right now is not the same as saying he's the better goalie period. We have seen Shesty play at an elite level for an entire season and in a number of postseason games, so we know it's in him. But the bottom line is it hasn't been there this year... not by a long shot. And last season wasn't nearly as good as 21/22.

Do I think he'll get through it and find his way again? Yes I do. But if you're asking me right now who I'd put in in a must-win situation, my answer would be Quick, and I wouldn't hesitate at all on it. I mean it seems pretty obvious at this point.

My hope is this will motivate Shesty and he'll be in top form by spring. I'm not sure what the issue is with him exactly, but something isn't right. He's letting in goals he should be stopping 999 out of 1000 times.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 11, 2023, 07:31:18 AMThe way I look at it is it's a fluid thing. To say Quick is the better goalie right now is not the same as saying he's the better goalie period. We have seen Shesty play at an elite level for an entire season and in a number of postseason games, so we know it's in him. But the bottom line is it hasn't been there this year... not by a long shot. And last season wasn't nearly as good as 21/22.

Do I think he'll get through it and find his way again? Yes I do. But if you're asking me right now who I'd put in in a must-win situation, my answer would be Quick, and I wouldn't hesitate at all on it. I mean it seems pretty obvious at this point.

My hope is this will motivate Shesty and he'll be in top form by spring. I'm not sure what the issue is with him exactly, but something isn't right. He's letting in goals he should be stopping 999 out of 1000 times.

Those opening goals against were killers and you don't give teams you should beat a leg up to start the game. Igor did not once but twice last week.

But, to your point, Quick has been more effective and, at a minimum, I would go back to the way the head coach platooned the goalies earlier in the season. I think you need to get Igor some time out there. But I don't know if putting him as #2 is the right answer even now. I don't have that feeling it's the right thing. Quickie is 37 and we don't want to wear him out before March. But if springtime rolls around, and he's still getting it done, but Igor isn't, then maybe it's time to make a decision.

I have a feeling Igor will be back between the pipes for Toronto which will be another good matchup of playoff bound teams. We'll see who the coach picks for Tuesday.

Peace!

Shesty has not been on his game much this year.  Flashes but certainly not consistent.  Quick has been on top of his game basically the entire season.  No doubt that if the playoffs started today they'd have a serious decision to make and if they went with Shesty he'd be on a seriously short leash. 

Having said that, Quick is 37 as mentioned.  It's reasonable to worry about him starting to break down a bit as the season goes along if they over work him.  The Bruins are a fairly decent team and their goalies operate at almost a 50/50 split.  Something like that might be in order until Shesty returns to form. I'm sure he'll get there but he's not there yet.

Quote from: Gmo11 on December 11, 2023, 10:30:01 AMShesty has not been on his game much this year.  Flashes but certainly not consistent.  Quick has been on top of his game basically the entire season.  No doubt that if the playoffs started today they'd have a serious decision to make and if they went with Shesty he'd be on a seriously short leash. 

Having said that, Quick is 37 as mentioned.  It's reasonable to worry about him starting to break down a bit as the season goes along if they over work him.  The Bruins are a fairly decent team and their goalies operate at almost a 50/50 split.  Something like that might be in order until Shesty returns to form. I'm sure he'll get there but he's not there yet.

I hope Shesty plays tomorrow night against the Leafs. I want to see how he responds to Quick's performance and the ongoing love-fest. If he has fire in his belly he'll come out and put up a strong performance. If not, then I'm not sure what to think.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 11, 2023, 12:12:03 PMI hope Shesty plays tomorrow night against the Leafs. I want to see how he responds to Quick's performance and the ongoing love-fest. If he has fire in his belly he'll come out and put up a strong performance. If not, then I'm not sure what to think.

I think he needs to play tomorrow. He has to work himself out of whatever funk is going on right now that's keeping him from being his absolute best.

I was reading someone's take online this morning that we may be hard on Igor because we're expecting him to play to his 2021-22 level and he hasn't been able to achieve that on a consistent basis. But the fact remains the Rangers still have the best goalie tandem in the league right now and it's up to the team to rally around Igor to help him build back his confidence which is clearly been ripped down a notch or two. Also, getting the crowd into the game chanting "I-gor! I-gor!" certainly wouldn't hurt either!

This is a tough couple of weeks with some of the best teams in the league, as well as teams that get under the Rangers' skin (i.e. Ducks), so they need both goalies performing to give the team the best chance to stay at/near the top of the league.

NOTE: would love nothing more than to see the Rangers do to Boston at Boston Garden what they did to them at MSG. Unlikely, as those guys have that game circled, no doubt. But first things first. Toronto is going to be a tough game for them and the Leafs beat them pretty effectively last season.

I still have faith in Igor!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 11, 2023, 01:10:22 PMI think he needs to play tomorrow. He has to work himself out of whatever funk is going on right now that's keeping him from being his absolute best.

I was reading someone's take online this morning that we may be hard on Igor because we're expecting him to play to his 2021-22 level and he hasn't been able to achieve that on a consistent basis. But the fact remains the Rangers still have the best goalie tandem in the league right now and it's up to the team to rally around Igor to help him build back his confidence which is clearly been ripped down a notch or two. Also, getting the crowd into the game chanting "I-gor! I-gor!" certainly wouldn't hurt either!

This is a tough couple of weeks with some of the best teams in the league, as well as teams that get under the Rangers' skin (i.e. Ducks), so they need both goalies performing to give the team the best chance to stay at/near the top of the league.

NOTE: would love nothing more than to see the Rangers do to Boston at Boston Garden what they did to them at MSG. Unlikely, as those guys have that game circled, no doubt. But first things first. Toronto is going to be a tough game for them and the Leafs beat them pretty effectively last season.

I still have faith in Igor!

Peace!

I think the point about it not being fair to hold Igor to the 2021/22 season might have been reasonable to make last season, when he was serviceable/respectable but not elite, but not this season. This season he has not even been serviceable. He has been mediocre at best. Especially lately. There is nothing unfair about the criticism IMO. He has not done well at all. My expectations are way higher than what he has done on the ice this year. I hope he figures it out. I think he will at some point, but I don't know when, and overall I'd like to see him be more consistent than this. He may be a bit of a head case.

With high school and youth hockey season in full tilt here is Wisconsin, Iam driving to or at a Hockey rink most nights and almost all weekend.

It is nice to read your posts on the games I have missed.

I did catch the 1st 1/2 of the Capitals game...it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Missed the Kings but glad to see them rebound.

RE:Igor
He certainly is off, no doubt. Tracking the puck with a clear site line and missing glove side is all on him.  However, there has been some tremendously poor puck luck for him as well.

Furthermore, when a goalie makes the 1st and 2nd save, the 3rd and up shots lead to a goal in that is on the defense.

The team is winning and their top player is struggling, patience can be applied.  His motions look real good though and sooner or later the puck will start to grow and his tracking will look like it has in the past and Igor will be standing on his head again on most nights, IMO.


 

Perhaps some goals he shouldn't have allowed but the Rangers defense hasn't been good.  You can let skilled players skate around without anyone going near them.

Shesty's play has been completely unacceptable all year. It is really getting out of hand now. You simply can't win NHL games with this caliber of goaltending.

I'd consider an extended benching of him of 3-4 weeks. They need to send a message. Call up the best farm goalie we have an give him an opportunity for a handful of starts, with Quick starting 2/3 of the games. They can't just keep continuing to put up with this.

A 7-3 loss on home ice is never a good look.  They have now dropped three of the last four in pretty ugly fashion. I expected some regression so don't want to panic.  That said we're seeing some bad habits forming.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 12, 2023, 09:43:12 PMShesty's play has been completely unacceptable all year. It is really getting out of hand now. You simply can't win NHL games with this caliber of goaltending.

I'd consider an extended benching of him of 3-4 weeks. They need to send a message. Call up the best farm goalie we have an give him an opportunity for a handful of starts, with Quick starting 2/3 of the games. They can't just keep continuing to put up with this.

The defense hasn't done him any favors but too many bad goals are being allowed.

Quote from: babywhales on December 12, 2023, 08:35:32 AMWith high school and youth hockey season in full tilt here is Wisconsin, Iam driving to or at a Hockey rink most nights and almost all weekend.

It is nice to read your posts on the games I have missed.

I did catch the 1st 1/2 of the Capitals game...it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Missed the Kings but glad to see them rebound.

RE:Igor
He certainly is off, no doubt. Tracking the puck with a clear site line and missing glove side is all on him.  However, there has been some tremendously poor puck luck for him as well.

Furthermore, when a goalie makes the 1st and 2nd save, the 3rd and up shots lead to a goal in that is on the defense.

The team is winning and their top player is struggling, patience can be applied.  His motions look real good though and sooner or later the puck will start to grow and his tracking will look like it has in the past and Igor will be standing on his head again on most nights, IMO.

I appreciate where you're coming from as I, too, am a coach (soccer, a little different species but in the same genus of sport).

Last night's loss is starting to solidify a trend that is a bit concerning. You've hit some good points but here's others that are harder to get our arms around.

1. Early goals given up. Last night was the third or fourth time Igor has given up a goal early in the game. You just can't do that and start handicapped. Against a contender like Toronto, who will bury you, as they did so well last night, you have to stay focused.

2. Rangers puck handling. For the second time in three games, the team's general inaccuracy in passing the puck killed some nice looks at goal. Very similar to the Washington game, they looked like they were outskated by their opponent.

3. Toronto's big play makers were just better last night. Matthews and Marner ate them up last night after Nylander and Jarnkrok carved them up. They put on a clinic in passing to leave Igor out hanging to dry on multiple occasions. Completely outclassed the Rangers' defense last night.

4. Does Lavoilette acknowledge Igor's slump? It's clear that Igor is off his best right now and Quickie is having this insane run of not having lost a game yet. The Quackers (formerly) from Disneyland come in Thursday which is always a loss for the Rangers (look it up, the most bizarre jinx I've ever seen). You have to put Quickie in goal to end this jinx, once and for all, but to get the rotten taste of the Toronto game out of their mouths, and then ask the question, who do you put in goal Saturday against Boston?

Now I hope folks will understand what I mean when I've said all along this is a gauntlet and it doesn't get easier next week as they go on the road. Can they bounce back this week before hitting the road for the holidays?

Long way to go and their first self-examination begins now.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 13, 2023, 07:57:01 AM1. Early goals given up. Last night was the third or fourth time Igor has given up a goal early in the game. You just can't do that and start handicapped. Against a contender like Toronto, who will bury you, as they did so well last night, you have to stay focused.



Peace!

Mentally not there.

Needing time to warm up, early goals, soft goals, glove side misses with clear site lines are all signs of mentally not being in the moment. 

Unfortunately, the fix is to grind through it.  Could we see Igor get the lighter match ups to get in a rhythm?

Quote from: babywhales on December 13, 2023, 08:44:41 AMMentally not there.

Needing time to warm up, early goals, soft goals, glove side misses with clear site lines are all signs of mentally not being in the moment.

Unfortunately, the fix is to grind through it.  Could we see Igor get the lighter match ups to get in a rhythm?

Quickie knows Anaheim better than the rest of the Rangers. Play him and you at least have a chance to break that ridiculous losing streak against them. Who was in goal in the win against Boston last time? So, are we saying it's time to pull Igor back and, to your point, give him the "more favorable" match-ups? The Rangers are playing a lot of games in a short period after having early season stretches where they've had several days off. Do you "blood" Igor until he works through his funk? It is important to keep pace in the division, less so in the conference and NHL, but this is a marathon and you want to be playing your best hockey in March and April. Averaging 8-2 over 10 games the first quarter of the season is unsustainable and we're seeing that play out now with the Rangers, Bruins, Stars and earlier the Knights who have rebounded. Whether Laviolette decides to platoon the goalies, as he did earlier in the season, or give Igor the chance to break through, at the risk of losing a few games, is something to keep an eye and an ear out for. But we absolutely must see Quickie on Thursday since he knows the Western Conference teams like the back of his hand.

Lot of Rangers fans commenting in the online New York Post that they're showing their true colors - a bunch of softies replaying season 2022-23. I sure hope that's not the case!

Peace!

I think some regression was to be expected.  They had an amazing start but there's still a long way to go. 

Maybe I'm making this up in my head but does it seem to anybody else that disproportionately with this team or rather with Igor in particular that once a puck gets by him more often than not another one is coming within the next 3 mins?  Even if the first one wasn't his fault.  I just get this pit in my stomach after a shot goes in where I'm like crap here comes another.  And I could be totally wrong but so often I see a team score, I see Igor sad, and can't help but brace on the next shot until I see him actually make the save.

Quote from: Gmo11 on December 13, 2023, 11:10:55 AMMaybe I'm making this up in my head but does it seem to anybody else that disproportionately with this team or rather with Igor in particular that once a puck gets by him more often than not another one is coming within the next 3 mins?  Even if the first one wasn't his fault.  I just get this pit in my stomach after a shot goes in where I'm like crap here comes another.  And I could be totally wrong but so often I see a team score, I see Igor sad, and can't help but brace on the next shot until I see him actually make the save.

I get that feeling too - I just don't have confidence in him right now.

With that said, we have all seen him play at a very high level before. For an entire season in fact, and for periods of time before that too. In my personal opinion he is very talented but a bit of a head case who is prone to ruts and other issues. I guess he is in a bad one now and needs to somehow get through it.

I did say a few weeks ago (multiple times I think) that I didn't want to get too out over my skis with their great start, and number one in the power rankings, and all that stuff. We were like 20-25% through the regular season at that point, and then the postseason is basically an entirely different sport. So the same way I didn't want to get overly euphoric about our start, I also don't want to get too negative about our current play. When you watch games like last night's, it's hard not to be very negative, but it's still the same group of players and coach who were dominating people earlier just a couple weeks before, including teams like the Bruins.

So I'm just going to try to remain circumspect overall. Really, all that matters is that we play well enough to make the playoffs and then also that we're healthy and playing well going into the playoffs. We all love hockey and love watching the games, but the regular season just isn't that important at the end of the day. We already know this group is good enough to be good to very good in the regular season and make the playoffs. The question will be whether guys like Panarin and others (although he is the biggest question mark) can actually step up and justify their huge contracts by producing in postseason play.

Winning the President's Trophy would be awesome, don't get me wrong. But if the last game we play in the postseason is a loss, we're going to go into summer disappointed no matter what our regular season record was.

Igor hasn't found his game since coming back from the injury.  We would all agree that he needs to because Quick isn't going undefeated this season.  He has been solid so far but regression hits everyone.  That said if a 50/50 split is best for the team than go for it.

My other concern is the defense is painfully inconsistent.  Against the Kings they were great and hitting people.  Last night they were standing around letting Matthews and Marner do anything they wanted. 

If anyone here is concerned about Igor, neither Laviolette nor Jonathan Quick are, according to this article:

Rangers aren't panicking over Igor Shesterkin's alarming play (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/rangers-aren-t-panicking-over-igor-shesterkin-s-alarming-play/ar-AA1ltyNN?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=0919e20f6b2c4b65b5e375cd93ab9573&ei=11)

As for more time for Quickie, the point was made that there are a couple of back-to-backs coming up where the two will likely alternate. The rest, I guess we'll wait and see but the coach did call out the defense to play better and not put themselves in the position they have for 15 goals against with Igor in goal.

The Ducks beat them at the Garden last year in inexcusable fashion; will they do it again? If Quickie starts, I think the Rangers take care of business. We can discuss who starts in goal at Boston after tonight.

Peace!

You put Quickie in goal and the Rangers turned into Jeckle. The power play comes alive with two scores, Kreider scoring two goals, Z-man extends his point streak to 11 of 12 games, and the 6 foot 8 inch rookie goals with three seconds left in the game.

5-1 win over the Ducks was much needed. Now let's see Igor bounce back tomorrow night in Boston!

Peace!

Oh baby!!! Rangers topple Bruins in OT 2-1!!!

What a great defensive battle between the two top teams in the east! Boston scoring first and then a stalemate for most of the game.

The game got scrappy midway with Trouba dropping the gloves, Boston's Pastrňák blindsiding Lindgren into the boards, drawing blood. A five minute major, and a game misconduct later, you were kind of hoping it would give the Rangers an edge, but it took a while before it eventually did because both teams played excellent on defense and both goalies were outstanding.

Yes, Igor picked the perfect game to bounce back and have what was easily the best game of this early season. His defense was really magnificent tonight, though, in keeping the lanes clear in front of him as well as cover Boston's forwards.

Trocheck shows up as the hero with the game tying goal on the power play about 2/3 of the way into the 3rd period. But give the Z-man props for setting him up with the beautiful give and go which was an amazing play.

The OT period was interesting in that the Rangers had wore down the Bruins in the third period and played keep-away in the OT to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Then, in the blink of an eye, bam, bam, pass to Trocheck, shoot, score, game over!

This is a game they don't win last year, plain and simple. Boston had a lot of penalties in this game and the one that resulted in the Trocheck goal was a little bit questionable. Biston's head coach was not a happy camper on the sideline tonight but his team had several undisciplined plays which put their team in short-handed situations often.

Just a great quality win on the road to end what has been a tough week for them. Now they need to get ready to go north and make amends to put Toronto in their place.

Peace!

P.S. Welcome back, Igor!

For those of you who didn't watch the game, I'll just say this much about their game tonight at Toronto. After getting hammered by this team at the Garden a short time ago, the Rangers learned their lesson and corrected all their mistakes.

A 5-2 triumph was set up by the two elements we have called into question: 1. Rangers' defense and 2. Igor in goal. Tonight, both set the tone for a huge win.

Two power play goals were Maple Leaf killers and an empty netter goal was icing on the cake.

Back to back quality wins in the Eastern Conference will go a long way to rebuilding Igor's confidence as the Rangers get ready for the meat and potatoes of their schedule.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 19, 2023, 11:24:29 PMFor those of you who didn't watch the game, I'll just say this much about their game tonight at Toronto. After getting hammered by this team at the Garden a short time ago, the Rangers learned their lesson and corrected all their mistakes.

A 5-2 triumph was set up by the two elements we have called into question: 1. Rangers' defense and 2. Igor in goal. Tonight, both set the tone for a huge win.

Two power play goals were Maple Leaf killers and an empty netter goal was icing on the cake.

Back to back quality wins in the Eastern Conference will go a long way to rebuilding Igor's confidence as the Rangers get ready for the meat and potatoes of their schedule.

Peace!

Great wrap-up Kart. Very helpful as I wasn't able to watch last night. I caught the last 5 minutes and saw the empty netter, but that was it.

This was a great win for a few reasons:

(1) Back to back road wins and now three straight wins and four of the last five. I think it's reasonable to say that after a short term period of looking a bit shaky, this team has its mojo back.

(2) This was a big revenge spot. The Leafs had their way with us in MSG last week, so it was important to send a message back to them that we're not their btch that they can just push around anytime they want.

(3) This is probably the most important for me. Two very strong games back to back for Shesty, both on the road, and both against potent teams. I personally think this is a big deal because I feel like it hadn't happened yet this year prior to last night. Quickie has obviously been great for us overall, and having him is huge if Shesty gets hurt or goes back into a period where he's struggling, but if we're going to contend for a Cup this year, I feel like we need Shesty to be at the top of his game. The playoffs are still a very long way away, but it's good to see him exhibiting some signs of maybe coming out of his funk. Let's see if that continues.


Looks like the power play continues to be potent, and I also see that we're continuing to win face-offs. I know we have debated the importance of face-offs in this thread before, and I get the argument that they're overrated, but if nothing else I think they make a major difference if you're winning them in special teams situations. If you're about to start a PP and you have a face-off deep in the offensive zone, a face-off win versus a face-off loss is like a 20 second swing of that valuable time. That definitely matters. And in plenty of power plays you can have more than one face-off.

I think it's also reasonable to say Vinny Tro is having a career year, which is great to see. Considering that he was effectively a replacement (and intended upgrade) for Stromer, I'd say after being kind of middle of the road last year he has more than delivered this year.

 I was curious to see how this team under a new coach would respond to a slight downward spiral,  Igor as well.

I have been fortunate enough to finally see some games again, Boston and the Leafs and what a solid two games they were. The boys in blue have bounced back and doing it on Shesty's back makes it even nicer.

Last night the Rangers really set the tone in the first, outhitting 13 or so to 5ish and outshooting the Leafs 11-5.  Schenieder really delivered some nice shots int he first.  The energy and the play on every inch of the ice was everything you could ask for.  Just such an enjoyable brand of hockey to watch IMO.  Faceoffs, ill look up stats sooner or later but the Rangers win so many faceoffs this year and last night is no different. Love he fact the Rangers are an offensive threat at even strength, as well as, the power play.  BTW no penalty's on the Rangers last night, impressive.

Mathews two goals were nothing short of beautiful, the flow, set up and shots were top notch.  Shesty can only tip his hat on those, its unfortunate but nothing to be ashamed of by Shesty. BTW - Jones looked awesome in the pipes for the Leafs and those first 3 goals were some of the crappiest luck a guy could have. The Rangers got three deflections of off the leaf players and the puck luck was the Ranger's last night. 

Igor saving 31 of 33 against the offensive power of Toronto was excellent.  How many big time shots did he save through some tuff, tuff screens?  Too many to count.  The movement in the crease was quick and flawless, pipe to pipe to the top of the crease getting big, the guy was dialed in. 

Knoblauch and the Oilers are next

Got the boys new Rangers Jerseys for Christmas and headed to the Blackhawks game in Feb to see the Blue shirts and Bedard.

BTW- Proud dad moment, my boy was promoted to 2nd line for the upcoming game vs their biggest rival and team he school choiced away from, not bad for a 122# 14 year old freshman.  Big game Thursday night in our neck of the woods.

Lose 3 out of 4, with all 3 losses by 4 goals.  Bounce back with 3 wins in a row. Now,I am going to the next 3 games. Usually keep friday nights to go with my brother, saturday nights with the wife.  Then, the Caps game bringing my daughter.  Just the way the schedule worked out this year. 

As for last night, Igor played better.  Even the 2 goals he surrendered are correctable.  On both, he is on his knees before the shot is released.  Needs to be a teeny tiny bit more patient on that.  Best part of last night?  NO PENALTIES!

FYI
Promoted to 2nd line, my boy rose to the challenge and played great !

Played physical and aggressive all night, some real smart plays.

The highlight of the night was scoring the game winner to get his first high school Varsity goal vs their biggest rival .

Stepped up in a packed house vs their biggest rival

It was awesome

Quote from: babywhales on December 22, 2023, 07:08:49 AMFYI
Promoted to 2nd line, my boy rose to the challenge and played great !

Played physical and aggressive all night, some real smart plays.

The highlight of the night was scoring the game winner to get his first high school Varsity goal vs their biggest rival .

Stepped up in a packed house vs their biggest rival

It was awesome

This is great stuff!!! Congratulations and you have every right to be a proud dad!

Please gave your son spread some of that magic on the Rangers tonight!

Peace!

Quote from: babywhales on December 22, 2023, 07:08:49 AMFYI
Promoted to 2nd line, my boy rose to the challenge and played great !

Played physical and aggressive all night, some real smart plays.

The highlight of the night was scoring the game winner to get his first high school Varsity goal vs their biggest rival .

Stepped up in a packed house vs their biggest rival

It was awesome

Congratulations man, that's awesome. Must be thrilling for you. Hope he and his team continue to thrive.

Well, for at least two periods, anyway, it looked like Jonathan Quick was going to rob Connor McDavid and the Oilers blind tonight. But once the first goal went in, the avalanche followed. That Oiler team completely ran roughshod over the Rangers in the 3rd and that was that.

Gotta shake it off and move on for Buffalo tomorrow.

Peace!

What a rotten third period.

Okay boys and girls. The unofficial beginning of the second half of the regular season begins tonight. We are about to be treated to some really really good hockey league wide from here on out. Our Rangers are a very very good team. This is no mirage. The last week or so before the break has seen a raising of the game to near playoff like level. Forget about the fumble in the 3rd against Edmonton, what was most important was the subsequent win against Buffalo. The Sabres are a fast, young, talented team that is better than their record. The Rangers are showing resilience, they don't let losses fester. In the third and OT Igor simply said NO. That bodes well. I've had the thought during the 1st half that the Rangers are not a fast enough skating team, and made up for a lack of speed with superb passing. I think I'm wrong, they are fast enough. Couple of things. I wish we could infuse a Nick Fotiu New York attitude into all these Rangers. Meaning combined with their talent is a mean, belligerent, nasty playing personna. Although I REALLY like Will Cuylle's game, I think we need one more piece like that with 15-20 goals ability. Play fu hockey. Cups are won with talent(I think they have enough), and equally important WILL. Treat the opposition as if they are just in the way, and you will do almost anything to get by. Take liberties with Lindgren(happens all the time) then be prepared for a xcheck to the mouth by one of his teammates. Shoulder checks instead of stick checks, particularly in Center Ice. Want to block a shot, well here it comes mother effer. Pray for no major injuries. I really like their third jersey. Evokes memories of the Giants' 86' home blue uniform. LGR.   

First half couldn't have gone much better.

I'm hoping for a good start to the second half tonight, although our track record of performing very well after a long break is not the greatest, so if we're not lights out tonight I won't be shocked or excessively worried.

After losing 2 of the first 4 games the blueshirts have gone 21-6-1,  pulling it together to date. Within that time the Rangers have risen to almost all of the challenges as they presented: long North west road trip, Avenged loses to the Leafs and wild within the week of their lose, beat Bruins after a game the night before, rallied around Quick when Igor was struggling, won with a minor league call up between the pipes, overcome injuries......

All that being said the style of play is the most exciting part of this team.  The team looks hungry, they are relentless, they win face offs, control the puck, crisp tic tac toe passing, they never look complacent, never satisfied, and up until 3 weeks ago they attack everywhere including a very impressive defense.

the team was simply shutting teams down with their 1-3-1 forecheck, forcing turnovers and blocking shots.  Sloppy defense has been an issue in December.  Neutral zone turnovers and worse turnovers in our own zone  have been an issue.

That in itself is my biggest question mark I have? The Rangers have responded to almost ever challenge before them, but will they respond and start playing the same stifling defense they did in October and November?

 If they do look out cause they can be ridiculously good.

I also wonder if Drury will add a Defensemen or a wing or let Wheeler continue to evolve his game?

I have to open rink tonight for open skate so I look forward to hearing your comment's on tonight's game.

Go Rangers!!


 

Actually, wait a second. Why is this the halfway point of the season? They've played 32 games. Season is 82 games, no?

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 27, 2023, 03:11:30 PMActually, wait a second. Why is this the halfway point of the season? They've played 32 games. Season is 82 games, no?

The beginning of my post says "unofficial beginning of the second half". I've heard the turn of the year being considered as the start of the second half.

Quote from: files58 on December 27, 2023, 03:47:09 PMThe beginning of my post says "unofficial beginning of the second half". I've heard the turn of the year being considered as the start of the second half.

Fair enough.

Well, retribution for 0-4 achieved. Rangers taking it to the Caps 5-1 with five minutes to go.

A scoreless first period, bookend goals by Miller and an outstanding performance by Igor. Just a great team effort with a superb defensive performance.

The Bread man, Schneider and Lafreniere all scored with the Z-man assisting on two. Of concern was Trouba leaving the game early with an upper body injury.

The Rangers continue to lead the NHL in wins and are tied for best in points pending Vancouver's game.

Florida and Tampa back to back Friday and Saturday. Great tests for the Rangers coming up!

Peace!

Excellent performance after a blah first period. Very well done. The first Miller goal was amazing. Loved the way Schneider played tonight too and the way he stepped up after the Trouba injury. Mika and Bread were great as usual.

Quote from: kartanoman on December 02, 2023, 09:08:24 PMAs good as this was, the real test comes tomorrow with that San Jose team whom the Blueshirts seem to struggle against. But a win would be a nice lead-in to the Ottawa road trip for Tuesday and then the quick breather before a "murderer's row" schedule of Washington (away), LA Kings (home), Toronto (home), Anaheim (home), Boston (away), Toronto (away), Edmonton and Buffalo home before Christmas. The Rangers have proven they can play with the best in the league as well as overcome teams which have had their number in the past. They won't win every game but they remain 8-2-0 in their last 10 which is very impressive given whom they've played in those 10 games. Their next big test is to compete against the other contenders whom they haven't played yet. In the Metro, that would obviously be Washington. Over in the Atlantic, in addition to the rematch in Boston Garden, they have to play Florida, Tampa and Toronto. In the Western - Central, they will get another crack at Dallas at home, but will have to play St. Louis and, of course, Colorado. Finally, in the Western - Pacific, the Kings are just around the corner and, on January 26, a hot ticket at the Garden when the Stanley Cup Champion Golden Knights come to town for what could be a battle of the best in each conference and, dare we suggest, a Stanley Cup final fantasy preview? Personally, I'd hold out for a NYR-Colorado series myself, but beggars cannot be choosers. The way this season is playing out so far, there's no reason to think beyond tomorrow night, and remember today's big comeback win.

One final observation. I guess it's good for Igor to get a series of games under his belt to get back in rhythm after recovering from his injury. As good as Quickie has been, the Rangers will go the distance on Igor's back. Seeing him in the third period today reminded me of his outstanding 2021-22 campaign.

Back to the Garden to take the teeth out of the Sharks tomorrow night!

Peace!

They went 5-3 in your murderer's row. 6-3 if you count tonight.

Quote from: coggs on December 27, 2023, 11:09:28 PMThey went 5-3 in your murderer's row. 6-3 if you count tonight.

The two Florida teams, in their respective rinks, are part of that row. It continues through their west coast road trip and culminates with the reigning Champs in Sin City. Let's chat about it more then. For now, so far, so good.

Peace!

Miller is a player who when he is on impresses the hell out of me. The downside is that he is not infrequently guilty of defensive lapses. I feel like he's improved a bit on that front this year (although no doubt he has definitely had his share of bad moments or even entire games). His talent is undeniable though, and he's still just 23.

Laffy needs to get to 25 goals this year for me to feel better about his development and outlook than I did a year ago. He has definitely improved this year but has not been that consistent. He is getting plenty of ice time and is playing with better players and is also on the PP2 unit, so he really has no excuses at this point.

Any update on the significance of the Trouba injury? Schneider definitely stepped up after he went out, but I hope he's not out for a while. He's a big part of our defensive corps and we need him for his toughness and mean streak.

Wilson is an easy player for Rangers fans to hate, and we should, but he is pretty darn good.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 28, 2023, 07:41:57 AMMiller is a player who when he is on impresses the hell out of me. The downside is that he is not infrequently guilty of defensive lapses. I feel like he's improved a bit on that front this year (although no doubt he has definitely had his share of bad moments or even entire games). His talent is undeniable though, and he's still just 23.

Laffy needs to get to 25 goals this year for me to feel better about his development and outlook than I did a year ago. He has definitely improved this year but has not been that consistent. He is getting plenty of ice time and is playing with better players and is also on the PP2 unit, so he really has no excuses at this point.

Any update on the significance of the Trouba injury? Schneider definitely stepped up after he went out, but I hope he's not out for a while. He's a big part of our defensive corps and we need him for his toughness and mean streak.

Wilson is an easy player for Rangers fans to hate, and we should, but he is pretty darn good.

The PP2 unit generally only gets about :40 per every 2 mins and that is if they actually get on before the PP1 scores.

Quote from: coggs on December 28, 2023, 01:32:47 PMThe PP2 unit generally only gets about :40 per every 2 mins and that is if they actually get on before the PP1 scores.

I get it, but he was getting basically zero last year. And he was also paired with significantly inferior linemates last year versus this year, now that he is on the top line with Bread and Vinny Tro, who is having a big year. Laf's situation is dramatically better this year than last year.

Not too shabby:

https://twitter.com/StevenPappasTV/status/1740214497829425378

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 28, 2023, 06:07:44 PMNot too shabby:

https://twitter.com/StevenPappasTV/status/1740214497829425378

He's been a difference maker on the ice for the Rangers. Whatever was bothering him before, the soreness issue, appears he's past it now and settling into a groove. Given some of the opponents he'll be facing over the next few weeks, it's good timing for him to start showing his good form.

Which goalie gets Florida tomorrow?

Peace!

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 28, 2023, 03:27:59 PMI get it, but he was getting basically zero last year. And he was also paired with significantly inferior linemates last year versus this year, now that he is on the top line with Bread and Vinny Tro, who is having a big year. Laf's situation is dramatically better this year than last year.

I am aware, but he is still not getting significant PP time. 

Quote from: kartanoman on December 28, 2023, 07:32:04 AMThe two Florida teams, in their respective rinks, are part of that row. It continues through their west coast road trip and culminates with the reigning Champs in Sin City. Let's chat about it more then. For now, so far, so good.

Peace!

West Coast trip? What schedule are you using?  That is not for 3 weeks and it starts in Vegas.

Didn't there used to be an Icelander or Devil thread on our board ??

Did it die of loneliness ??

Quote from: coggs on December 28, 2023, 08:01:19 PMWest Coast trip? What schedule are you using?  That is not for 3 weeks and it starts in Vegas.

Thank you for correcting my mistake. The West Coast road trip begins in Vegas on 01/18, LA Kings on the 20th, Mighty Quackers on the 21st and the Sharks on the 23rd. Then they come home to host Vegas on the 26th. That officially ends the gauntlet I was speaking of; however, I'm keeping my eye on the Colorado Avs game at the Garden on 02/25 as another huge game.

But tonight's and tomorrow's games are gauntlet material with the Canes coming to the Garden next Tuesday.

Trouba is out for a while with the big guy, Edstrom, called up and may play tonight.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 29, 2023, 10:05:14 AMTrouba is out for a while with the big guy, Edstrom, called up and may play tonight.

Peace!

Where did you see that Truba is out tonight? NY Post says he's OK and practiced fully. Edstrom is a wing. Jones is the 7th defenseman, I don't think they have an extra forward.

Quote from: Giant Jim on December 29, 2023, 10:48:07 AMWhere did you see that Truba is out tonight? NY Post says he's OK and practiced fully. Edstrom is a wing. Jones is the 7th defenseman, I don't think they have an extra forward.

See below:

Rangers Recall Edstroem (https://www.hartfordwolfpack.com/news/detail/rangers-recall-adam-edstroem-from-wolf-pack-1)

Edit to add:

Trouba traveled with the team to Florida. It appeared he was tested for concussion but was cleared so there's a good chance he'll play. Edstrom is with the team as well but he's a healthy scratch for tonight.

Quote from: kartanoman on December 29, 2023, 10:05:14 AMTrouba is out for a while with the big guy, Edstrom, called up and may play tonight.

Peace!

Quote from: Giant Jim on December 29, 2023, 10:48:07 AMWhere did you see that Truba is out tonight? NY Post says he's OK and practiced fully. Edstrom is a wing. Jones is the 7th defenseman, I don't think they have an extra forward.

Quote from: kartanoman on December 29, 2023, 11:06:29 AMSee below:

Rangers Recall Edstroem (https://www.hartfordwolfpack.com/news/detail/rangers-recall-adam-edstroem-from-wolf-pack-1)

Yes, I knew Edstroem was called up, but as a back-up forward, not defense. They need an extra forward on the trip to FL in case one goes down. They already have an extra defenseman with Jones, but I thought Truba is going to play, so Jones sits out again.

Quote from: Giant Jim on December 29, 2023, 11:17:00 AMYes, I knew Edstroem was called up, but as a back-up forward, not defense. They need an extra forward on the trip to FL in case one goes down. They already have an extra defenseman with Jones, but I thought Truba is going to play, so Jones sits out again.

Rangers Jacob Trouba Feeling Good (https://www.nypost.com/2023/12/28/sports/rangers-jacob-trouba-feeling-good-after-big-collision/amp/)

Looks like he passed concussion protocol and is a good chance to play tonight so I retract my previous statement. I was reading some news blips from yesterday before getting word this morning.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 29, 2023, 10:05:14 AMThank you for correcting my mistake. The West Coast road trip begins in Vegas on 01/18, LA Kings on the 20th, Mighty Quackers on the 21st and the Sharks on the 23rd. Then they come home to host Vegas on the 26th. That officially ends the gauntlet I was speaking of; however, I'm keeping my eye on the Colorado Avs game at the Garden on 02/25 as another huge game.

But tonight's and tomorrow's games are gauntlet material with the Canes coming to the Garden next Tuesday.

Trouba is out for a while with the big guy, Edstrom, called up and may play tonight.

Peace!

So, you are worried about games 3 weeks and 2 months away, got it.

Tough loss, 4-3, but one hell of a Hockey game where both teams played hard and both goalies (NOTE: Quickie played tonight) had outstanding performances.

Foe every answer the Rangers had for Florida's goals, the Panthers had a response to keep the visitors at arm's length.

Quickie did his very best to keep the Rangers in the game. His reverse scorpion save stood out as save of the game, and will undoubtedly be under consideration for save of the year with its magic awe inspiring.

If you watched the game, you saw the Rangers miss several breakaway opportunities. But Panarin and the Z-man scored beauties to pump life into the team. But after the Z-man tied the game at three each, the Panthers scored the winner almost immediately and then held on for dear life to the end.

Very much a gauntlet-like game for the Rangers who held their own but came up short.

Igor starts in goal tomorrow against Tampa. Hopefully they'll bounce back as they have all season.

Peace!

Quote from: Giant Obsession on December 29, 2023, 09:55:13 AMDidn't there used to be an Icelander or Devil thread on our board ??

Did it die of loneliness ??

There is no team called the Icelanders.

There are plenty of Islanders/Giants fans. Just not on this forum. I have plenty of other places to discuss my team so no need to create a thread here.

Rangers suck.

The Rangers have an outstanding bounce back performance after losing the first game of a back to back schedule. Tonight's game was no different as they came out attacking and put two goals on Tampa's Andrei Vasilevskiy right away. Even after Tampa tried to play their aggressive forechecking game, the Rangers were up to the task and shut down many attacks and kept Stemko and company in check.

Meanwhile, Panarin stole the show by delivering a hat trick while Trocheck delivered four points. Igor was a wall in goal tonight and he has completely shaken off his funk to behin looking like the Igor we are used to seeing.

The Canes visit the Garden on January 3rd.

Peace!

Huge win last night. Bread and Shesty had huge nights. Trocheck also played great and is really having a big year for us. I wasn't as crazy about him last year (though I recognized he was an upgrade to Strome) but he's really getting it done this year.

We need to just keep the heat on. Carolina is always tricky, but at least that's at home. The next two games after that (Chicago and Montreal) are manageable. We need to keep our guard up for opponents like these.

We have won three of our last four and six of our last eight. We're in a very solid place right now. Shesty has found his game again, and our top star forwards have been great. Just need to keep it going. Trade deadline is still two and a half months away, so we are very much in the slog phase of the regular season still. The key is to try to maintain momentum, avoid very long bad spells, and above all remain healthy, especially as we start to get closer to spring.

In the near term I really don't care about things like where we are in the power rankings or what the exact seed is. Yes, I'd like for the Rangers to be able to have home ice in every series they play, but I care a lot more about how healthy and how hot we are going into the playoffs than I do about the exact seed.

I also think Laviolette (who has clearly done a fabulous job to this point) needs to really look at what has plagued this team in playoff hockey in the past and start thinking about his plan for that if he hasn't already. Bread has to be better. And he's not the only one. This team got bounced in the first round last year and was frankly extremely lucky the same didn't happen the year before, as we needed OT in game seven to get past the Pens in the first round, and they were playing with backup and third string goaltenders in that series. Had they had a healthy Jarry the whole way, we were getting ousted in the first round that year two. I think Laviolette and Drury need to own that fact and have a real strategic vision around the playoffs this year as they get closer. This team now has sufficient playoff experience to where that's no longer an excuse, and there is enough tape out there showing why they struggle with playoff hockey. This should be on their minds as we approach the trade deadline too and they think about adding role players.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on December 31, 2023, 08:51:26 AMHuge win last night. Bread and Shesty had huge nights. Trocheck also played great and is really having a big year for us. I wasn't as crazy about him last year (though I recognized he was an upgrade to Strome) but he's really getting it done this year.

We need to just keep the heat on. Carolina is always tricky, but at least that's at home. The next two games after that (Chicago and Montreal) are manageable. We need to keep our guard up for opponents like these.

We have won three of our last four and six of our last eight. We're in a very solid place right now. Shesty has found his game again, and our top star forwards have been great. Just need to keep it going. Trade deadline is still two and a half months away, so we are very much in the slog phase of the regular season still. The key is to try to maintain momentum, avoid very long bad spells, and above all remain healthy, especially as we start to get closer to spring.

In the near term I really don't care about things like where we are in the power rankings or what the exact seed is. Yes, I'd like for the Rangers to be able to have home ice in every series they play, but I care a lot more about how healthy and how hot we are going into the playoffs than I do about the exact seed.

I also think Laviolette (who has clearly done a fabulous job to this point) needs to really look at what has plagued this team in playoff hockey in the past and start thinking about his plan for that if he hasn't already. Bread has to be better. And he's not the only one. This team got bounced in the first round last year and was frankly extremely lucky the same didn't happen the year before, as we needed OT in game seven to get past the Pens in the first round, and they were playing with backup and third string goaltenders in that series. Had they had a healthy Jarry the whole way, we were getting ousted in the first round that year two. I think Laviolette and Drury need to own that fact and have a real strategic vision around the playoffs this year as they get closer. This team now has sufficient playoff experience to where that's no longer an excuse, and there is enough tape out there showing why they struggle with playoff hockey. This should be on their minds as we approach the trade deadline too and they think about adding role players.

I really like your write-up and especially as it pertains to staying healthy and seeing Trouba out there, last night, and the hope of adding Kappo in the future. Chytil, however, is becoming a growing concern and his individual case is one the Rangers have to do the right thing on and br prepared to shut him down for good, this season at a minimum.

You mention the trade deadline in a couple of months. I read someone's blog who suggested they go after Tampa's Stemko to add fire power to the second line (NOTE: this had to have been about six weeks ago, I'd guess). There's no doubt he still has game in him; however, I'd have to wait and see. Even though the Rangers kept him in check yesterday, Tampa have been slow off the starting line this year, their goalie is only returning from back surgery and they didn't look close to the form which put the 2021-22 Rangers out of the playoffs down 0-2 inches semis. But, to your point, a Stemko might be exactly what they need if Panarin, Kreider or Z-man drop off as we head to the playoffs.

Trocheck has been a favorite of mine since they picked him up. A spitfire player, always causing havoc around the goal and is determined when taking faceoffs. He's really an unsung hero of last night's game. But he also has no fear when getting bounced around the boards when fighting for the puck. Best of all, he does take anything from anyone and I love that spirit in him. The Rangers need players like him, but bigger, in the playoffs. That would be my suggestion to the decision makers upstairs.

The Rangers have played some very tough teams, as well as teams who usually give them fits, and have been impressive to date. They'll lock horns out this way soon with the Champs, the California teams, host the Rocky Mountain Boys which are all great tests for them. But then come all the Divisional matchups where they'll make hay. Islanders and Flyers in the top four??? What's going on in the metro? The Devils are slowly starting to wake up. Carolina is always dangerous. Pittsburgh can win any game on any day. 2023 has been fun. Happy New Year and bestow wishes for some hardware returning to the Garden in 2024!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on December 31, 2023, 09:29:43 AMI really like your write-up and especially as it pertains to staying healthy and seeing Trouba out there, last night, and the hope of adding Kappo in the future. Chytil, however, is becoming a growing concern and his individual case is one the Rangers have to do the right thing on and br prepared to shut him down for good, this season at a minimum.

You mention the trade deadline in a couple of months. I read someone's blog who suggested they go after Tampa's Stemko to add fire power to the second line (NOTE: this had to have been about six weeks ago, I'd guess). There's no doubt he still has game in him; however, I'd have to wait and see. Even though the Rangers kept him in check yesterday, Tampa have been slow off the starting line this year, their goalie is only returning from back surgery and they didn't look close to the form which put the 2021-22 Rangers out of the playoffs down 0-2 inches semis. But, to your point, a Stemko might be exactly what they need if Panarin, Kreider or Z-man drop off as we head to the playoffs.

Trocheck has been a favorite of mine since they picked him up. A spitfire player, always causing havoc around the goal and is determined when taking faceoffs. He's really an unsung hero of last night's game. But he also has no fear when getting bounced around the boards when fighting for the puck. Best of all, he does take anything from anyone and I love that spirit in him. The Rangers need players like him, but bigger, in the playoffs. That would be my suggestion to the decision makers upstairs.

The Rangers have played some very tough teams, as well as teams who usually give them fits, and have been impressive to date. They'll lock horns out this way soon with the Champs, the California teams, host the Rocky Mountain Boys which are all great tests for them. But then come all the Divisional matchups where they'll make hay. Islanders and Flyers in the top four??? What's going on in the metro? The Devils are slowly starting to wake up. Carolina is always dangerous. Pittsburgh can win any game on any day. 2023 has been fun. Happy New Year and bestow wishes for some hardware returning to the Garden in 2024!

Peace!

Excellent write-up as usual Kart, and HNY to you and yours as well.

Good points and description on Vinny Tro. I will admit to being a little underwhelmed by him last year relative to my expectations, although the simple eye test showed he was a better player than Strome ever was (and more durable). I felt like he didn't quite put it all together last year, but man, he really has this year. I've been very happy with him.

I agree on Chytil. I have to think this season at minimum is a wash for him, and I worry about his career. We'll just have to wait and see. I've mentally come to just accept what seems like a high likelihood that he won't be back this year, and at this point I'm not even really thinking about the situation from the perspective of the team and more just wish him well.

The thing I'm happiest about these days as a Ranger fan is the way Shesty has played for the last five or six starts. He looks like the Shesty of two years ago again. Let's hope that continues. I don't want to see him get in another rut again. A bad start here and there is fine, but I'll be worried if we see say three bad starts in a row from him again like we were seeing in October and November.

Athletic on the Rangers:


The Rangers have a chance to make 2024 special

By Arthur Staple
5h ago

Artemi Panarin was saying last week that going through adversity can be a good thing. "If you have a tough time," he said, "it's so easy to control yourself, to have discipline. Eat well. Sleep well. I look at the problems, maybe enjoy the good days too — but not too much."

Panarin hasn't had many bad days yet this season. Neither have the Rangers, who enter 2024 having played the best 35-game stretch to open a season in team history, winning 25 of their first 35 games for the first time and tying the 1993-94 Rangers with 51 points through 35 games.

Panarin capped his calendar year with a second hat trick in December. He shrugged off questions about reaching 50 goals or 100 points for the first time in his career the other day, but he's on pace for the type of season we haven't seen around here since Jaromir Jagr put the Rangers on his back from 2005-2008.

Mika Zibanejad broke through after a slow start and he's back up to a point per game. Chris Kreider, with more than a few grays in his goatee, is on pace for 41 goals. Vincent Trocheck's seven-year deal looked about five years too long last season; now, meshing with Panarin in a way he just didn't a season ago, Trocheck is a huge contributor. Alexis Lafrenière isn't just rounding that line with Panarin and Trocheck — he's mixing it up and rewarding the faith Peter Laviolette has shown in him since training camp.

Should we go on? Sure, why not? Jonathan Quick has cooled off in net but starting his Rangers career with nine wins in 10 starts allowed Igor Shesterkin to find his level, which he certainly has — the team's .910 save percentage has covered up for some holes in the five-on-five defense and it hasn't been all Shesterkin doing so, which should keep him fresh for the back half of the schedule.

Jacob Trouba has looked like a top-four defenseman all season after a frustrating first half of the 2022-23 season and though his pair with K'Andre Miller has been a bit underwater on the metrics, they have shouldered the load of minutes with Adam Fox missing 10 of the first 35 games. And Fox is still finding his way back, not as productive at five-on-five but still controlling play well enough to be the team's leader in on-ice expected goals.

More? More! Jimmy Vesey and Will Cuylle, with seven goals apiece, have provided needed scoring from the bottom six. Erik Gustafsson has tailed off but he was a beast during Fox's absence. Ryan Lindgren has taken a major licking, as usual, and keeps on ticking.

The Rangers' power play is lethal, a league-best 30.9 percent. Their penalty kill is exceptional at 84.9 percent, fifth heading into Sunday night's games. Their faceoff percentage, in a decade-long funk, is third-best in the league at 54.1 percent.

Laviolette seemed like the slam-dunk hire when Chris Drury began his coaching search last May. After talking to a handful of candidates, Drury ended up where he began his search and that's paid huge dividends so far — from the depth guys to the stars, the Rangers certainly play as if they like this style.

Let's take a breath here to note that, in the words of many Rangers when asked about accomplishments so far this season, have pretty much uniformly said the same thing: We've done nothing yet because nothing's done until the spring, when things matter most.

And there are some issues, as with any team. For right now they're centered around the forwards. Filip Chytil, out for eight weeks now with a concussion, is back home in Czechia, trying to rediscover some joy in his long recovery. There is still hope that he can come back this season but this has been a difficult stretch for the cheerful young center and his trip home, expected to last for a couple of weeks, is a hoped-for start to getting Chytil back in the right mindset.

Kaapo Kakko's leg injury is progressing and there's less uncertainty around his return, though his impact may need to be greater than 2-1-3 from his first 20 games. That the Rangers have risen to the top of the league with Blake Wheeler — far better than he was the first month of the season but still not an ideal top-sixer — playing alongside Kreider and Zibanejad and with single goals from four of their bottom-six regulars (Barclay Goodrow, Nick Bonino, Tyler Pitlick, Jonny Brodzinski) is pretty remarkable.

It's also something that may need fixing. Drury did an admirable job assembling a group of veteran free agents on the cheap last July and all of them are contributing in their own ways, but the crunch time comes when trade season begins in a few weeks. If the Rangers can get Kakko and Chytil back, the need isn't as great; if Chytil doesn't return it's time to search for a center who can anchor a third line and make it more than just a 30-seconds-and-off group.

And there's the small matter of being the best regular-season team, which hasn't meant a whole lot in the playoffs the last 15 years or so. The last Presidents' Trophy winner to get past the second round was the 2014-15 Rangers; the last 82-game Presidents' Trophy winner to hoist the Stanley Cup was the 2008 Red Wings.

There's still room to appreciate what the Rangers have done this season. There's a lot to like. And it's easy to see, with Shesterkin rounding into top form, with Panarin attacking and producing, with Lafrenière on the upswing, with Zibanejad and Kreider and Trocheck and Miller and Fox playing at high levels, that this can continue for the Rangers.

They've made 2023 special. There's room for more in 2024.

I got to see the Lightening game on Saturday.

Aside from all that has been said I would add the motions and movements from Igor now, as compared to the early season are much, much more aggressive. The reaction time is lightning fast but it is the movements toward the shooter that is most impressive. Without hesitation Igor gets big and goes at the shooter; this was not the case earlier in the season.

He was deeper in the crease with his base and even when in an aggressive stance he was deeper than he is playing now. The real difference is when he decides the shoot is coming at him, they way he springs toward the shooter and gets big.

He had crap puck luck and some poor reads with clear sight lines during his funk.  But in no way was he moving and attacking as aggressive as he is now.

Since the loss to the Caps in the beginning of December Igor really started to catch on. This man is playing with a confidence and presence that is simply awesome to see:  a 2-1 win over the Bruins, 5-2 win over leafs, 4-3 Sabres, ??-? over the Caps, and 5-1 Lightening.   I assume he will be in net tonight

 
Hurricane are giving up 3.11 goals against, let's see what the Blue shirts can do.  Special teams could be a huge factor, with the Rangers top PP vs the 10th ranked kil and the Hurricanes 5th ranked PP vs the Rangers 5th Ranked PK.

I have practice at 8:30 and I am hoping to see the majority of the game.

I'm looking forward to tonight. Canes are never an easy out. I feel like Gallant had a hard time figuring them out the way they clog up the neutral zone. Will be interesting to see if the Rangers are better prepped under Lavvy.

Just got a mid-afternoon invite to the game tonight. I'm pumped! Usually go to 3-4 games a season at minimum, but tonight is my first this year. Luckily enough the seats are good too. Can't wait to get live eyes on this year's group.

Down 5-1 in what has been a very poor effort.

Carolina has played very well and are hot on special teams the last month. It clearly shows in tonight's game but a lot of bad puck distribution by Igor tonight took the bloom off his rose of outstanding play lately.

Again, you can't give the opponent a goal in the opening minute. It's been a recipe for disaster for the Rangers and now they're going to start hearing footsteps in the Metro division with the Canes the hottest team now in the division.

Peace!

Ugh.

I can't help but feel partially responsible! First game I go to this year and that's the result?

I'm going to choose to assume these guys had a wild new years eve and were still feeling the effects. For the first half of the game or so I didn't think they were awful but they definitely looked bad on specials. Then they just imploded. Awful night. Really inept, and I hated the way they basically quit in the third period. At least skate it out and try.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 02, 2024, 10:31:20 PMUgh.

I can't help but feel partially responsible! First game I go to this year and that's the result?

I'm going to choose to assume these guys had a wild new years eve and were still feeling the effects. For the first half of the game or so I didn't think they were awful but they definitely looked bad on specials. Then they just imploded. Awful night. Really inept, and I hated the way they basically quit in the third period. At least skate it out and try.

We could joke around and suggest it was you; however, Carolina cold-cocked them early and they couldn't get in any rhythm after that. That's what that team does and all the Rangers can do is flush that one and try to pick up wins in the next two Original Six games, starting with Chicago on Thursday.

I'm so sorry they didn't play well for you last night. I'll try to make it up for you when they head out this way for the Coyotes March 30th.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on January 03, 2024, 08:48:48 AMWe could joke around and suggest it was you; however, Carolina cold-cocked them early and they couldn't get in any rhythm after that. That's what that team does and all the Rangers can do is flush that one and try to pick up wins in the next two Original Six games, starting with Chicago on Thursday.

I'm so sorry they didn't play well for you last night. I'll try to make it up for you when they head out this way for the Coyotes March 30th.

Peace!

Haha. I appreciate that Kart. I've been going to games since the mid 80s. I've seen more than my fair share of clunkers.

I'll give the crowd credit though. Place remained pretty packed right up to the end, even though it was clearly over well before the end. And the booing wasn't too bad. Kind of hard to boo the team with the best record in hockey because of one bad night I guess.

Classy.

https://twitter.com/92In82/status/1742555232381333854

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 03, 2024, 12:59:29 PMClassy.

https://twitter.com/92In82/status/1742555232381333854

Having spent my mid-20s, and nearly my entire 30s in the deep south, dating back to the "My Cousin Vinny" era, you learn to appreciate the differences in your upbringing and look for the best in everyone. Sometimes, you run across a few happy-slappy folks whose elevator doesn't quite go all the way to the top floor. I will give this one-eyed fan the benefit of the doubt despite the very bad optics.

Pass the grits and live to play another day.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on January 03, 2024, 01:36:53 PMHaving spent my mid-20s, and nearly my entire 30s in the deep south, dating back to the "My Cousin Vinny" era, you learn to appreciate the differences in your upbringing and look for the best in everyone. Sometimes, you run across a few happy-slappy folks whose elevator doesn't quite go all the way to the top floor. I will give this one-eyed fan the benefit of the doubt despite the very bad optics.

Pass the grits and live to play another day.

Peace!

I don't know Kart. Making fun of 9/11 is about as low as it gets. Hard to give anyone a pass or any benefit of any doubt for that.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 03, 2024, 01:49:05 PMI don't know Kart. Making fun of 9/11 is about as low as it gets. Hard to give anyone a pass or any benefit of any doubt for that.

I understand where you are coming from, and the image, as well as the events surrounding that day of infamy, rock me to my core as it does you and everyone else here. For us having grown up in proximity to the now-hallowed Ground Zero, we are forever changed by the terrorist acts of the day. How we identify pure ignorance, and understand intent, and how we go about setting straight the creator of this offensive graphic, can be accomplished one of two ways: one, with a response as mature as the individual who created and posted it or, two, educate, then acknowledge their team's win and that they can be assured the Rangers will have their response ready to deliver first class the next time the two teams play.

It was in poor taste, to say the least, and down-right sickening in its misapplication to New York as it was an attack on the United States of America; meaning, it was also an attack on Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding country bumpkin' communities and towns across that fine state.

But some still think the Civil War hasn't ended yet, if you catch my drift.

Peace!

Three of four points over the last two games, Othmann's debut, Trocheck and Panarin continue their magic, and a nice comeback from 0-3 last night to salvage a point in Montreal and their parochial home crowd made for a good end to the week.

Next up the visiting Canucks on Monday who lead the Pacific with 53 points. The Rangers, meanwhile share the NHL lead at 54 with Boston and the surprising Winnipeg Jets, who are on fire at the moment, with the Avs on their heels at 53, who were beaten down by Florida last night in a bit of a surprise. Vegas beat the Islanders last night but remain two points behind the Canucks at 51.

The Rangers still lead the league with 26 wins. The Canucks and a home and away back to back series with Washington are a good lead into the final phase of the gauntlet which is their Pacific Division road trip. It would be great to hit the road with a winning streak, but first thing's first with Vancouver.

Peace!

Last night was just a great hockey game. Montreal played tremendously well. We gave up too many quality chances (they hit a handful of clean posts), but we played with energy and had a lot of chances of our own. The crowd was intense. I didn't think it was a bad effort on our part at all. Just came up a little short in the end. It was not looking good initially when we were down 3-0, so we should some teeth to get back into it and force an OT.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 07, 2024, 08:10:53 AMLast night was just a great hockey game. Montreal played tremendously well. We gave up too many quality chances (they hit a handful of clean posts), but we played with energy and had a lot of chances of our own. The crowd was intense. I didn't think it was a bad effort on our part at all. Just came up a little short in the end. It was not looking good initially when we were down 3-0, so we should some teeth to get back into it and force an OT.

I completely agree. I actually watched it on the Hockey Night in Canada feed on the NHL Network and they echoed your sentiments precisely. In many ways, it took me back to the early to mid 80s when I'd watch Hockey Night in Canada off an Ontario channel that came with our cable TV in upstate NY and the parochial crowds were just electric. So glad to know nothing has changed because it makes the game so much better in terms of atmosphere and excitement.

Montreal has played pretty well lately and they definitely came to play. But it really became electric after the Rangers tied the score and both teams were skating coast to coast in setting up chances for the winner which never came in regulation or the five-minute overtime. Both goalies completely shutting down the other team in the end was a clinic; however, the Rangers' luck was in play with their sloppy clearances which almost cost them several times.

I mentioned that I loved the Trocheck acquisition and watching he and the Breadman work their magic is becoming a league-wide attention-getter. Those two have been on a tear and other teams haven't figured them out just yet. You can bang Trocheck around, knock him down or push and shove him after a stoppage; however, he just keeps coming at them and his crafty face-off pass to Panarin who scored was as great a play as there's been in the league thus far in the season.

It's always good to measure your game against another division leader. Vancouver coming to the Garden should be a great test on Monday and the first of a number of huge spotlight games ahead.

They're not playing at their absolute best but they're still on top. But the gauntlet gets hard over the next 30 days, or so, and how they come out of it, and into the heart of their schedule of divisional rivals will tell a story of their toughness and resiliency. I also expect Drury to make an addition or two for the final run. It's anyone's guess as to whom he might pursue; however, I'm glad we're seeing some of the kids, like Brendan Othmann, getting their chance to earn a longer stay in the big leagues.

Peace!

Wow, Demco had an all-world game against the Rangers and the defense couldn't hang with Vancouver's big boys on offense. An outstanding effort by Trocheck (two goals) was wasted.

In reality, the Canucks were opportunistic and their goal scoring prowess was on full display for all to see. Seeing Igor literally turned into a pretzel on one of the goals left me a believer that their +/- goal differential is no fluke.

Not sure how to assess the Rangers' performance tonight. They were getting the puck on goal with some excellent chances. Demco played out of his mind tonight. In contrast, Igor lost his confidence early and was hung out to dry as his defense looked lost at times. But the truth is that Vancouver's offensive stars put on a clinic tonight and the Rangers tried hard to respond but couldn't.

Off to Saint Louis and another gauntlet challenge.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on January 08, 2024, 11:15:38 PMWow, Demco had an all-world game against the Rangers and the defense couldn't hang with Vancouver's big boys on offense. An outstanding effort by Trocheck (two goals) was wasted.

In reality, the Canucks were opportunistic and their goal scoring prowess was on full display for all to see. Seeing Igor literally turned into a pretzel on one of the goals left me a believer that their +/- goal differential is no fluke.

Not sure how to assess the Rangers' performance tonight. They were getting the puck on goal with some excellent chances. Demco played out of his mind tonight. In contrast, Igor lost his confidence early and was hung out to dry as his defense looked lost at times. But the truth is that Vancouver's offensive stars put on a clinic tonight and the Rangers tried hard to respond but couldn't.

Off to Saint Louis and another gauntlet challenge.

Peace!

Demco was outrageously good.  That could have easily been a 5 or 6 goal game for the Rangers too.  Sometimes things just don't go your way.  I didn't think the Rangers played poorly but could not hang with Demco on that night. 

The goals the Rangers have been giving up are concerning.  Just getting skated around with guys allowed in uncontested.  Skilled teams like Vancouver expose the Rangers weaknesses very badly.  Drury needs to make some moves which definitely include a center to replace Chytil who's likely not coming back this season. 

I didn't watch the game because I was thoroughly engrossed in the NCAA title game. I'm going to just look past this Rangers' game. Sounds like Vancouver played lights out.

I will say this though: I can handle losing, but lopsided losses at home should be infrequent, and between Toronto, Carolina, and now this, we have now had three of them in a pretty short span. I hope this doesn't become more of a thing.

Quote from: Messiah717 on January 09, 2024, 02:11:41 PMThe goals the Rangers have been giving up are concerning.  Just getting skated around with guys allowed in uncontested.  Skilled teams like Vancouver expose the Rangers weaknesses very badly.  Drury needs to make some moves which definitely include a center to replace Chytil who's likely not coming back this season. 

I've belabored this point a number of times. Too much stick checking, and not enough body checking. If in close proximity put your shoulder into chest/shoulders of the puck carrier. If along the boards try to put them through it without any head shots. Knock them off balance, mess up timing, make them keep their heads up. PLAY MEAN HOCKEY, damnit. You can't give up your Blue Line without creating some sort of gauntlet.

Another rough performance against St. Louis.  You hate to overreact but things are unraveling here. 

Quote from: Messiah717 on January 11, 2024, 10:29:36 PMAnother rough performance against St. Louis.  You hate to overreact but things are unraveling here. 

They've lost too many players to injury. Last night even Mika didn't play though at least he just had the flu. Chytil may be out for the season I don't know what Kakko's timetable is but they need him back. When Vesey is skating with the top 6 you've got issues. They'll probably have to make a trade at the deadline.

Quote from: Gmo11 on January 12, 2024, 03:33:01 AMThey've lost too many players to injury. Last night even Mika didn't play though at least he just had the flu. Chytil may be out for the season I don't know what Kakko's timetable is but they need him back. When Vesey is skating with the top 6 you've got issues. They'll probably have to make a trade at the deadline.

Yup, they don't have their full lineup which is definitely taxing them.  That being said Igor hasn't been the goalie of the last two years and their defense has been atrocious.  Again guys just allowed to float around which nothing but weak stick checks. 

Agree with all of the comments. Injuries/unavailability are definitely a factor, but it's not the only factor. We have seen them play like crap with more guys healthy, and Chytil has been out forever including during a prolonged streak where they looked great.

Igor just isn't the player he was in 2021-22. It felt like he had turned a corner in December, but now he's back to being pedestrian (at best) again. Guy is a bit of a head case I think. Just not consistent.

Trying not to get overly alarmed but generally under this coach when they have one terrible game they bounce back with a better effort in the next one. I hate that that didn't happen last night.

Sometimes I feel like this team gets into a phase where they're kind of robotic and lack intensity. We saw that a lot under the previous two coaches. They're talented enough to be a top 3 seed in the East (this assumes Igor can still be what he was in 2021-22, which is starting to really look uncertain). But sometimes they just look like they're not fully into it.

I think Lavvy is an intense coach and should be able to whip them back into shape, but man, it's not pretty right now.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 12, 2024, 06:52:56 AMAgree with all of the comments. Injuries/unavailability are definitely a factor, but it's not the only factor. We have seen them play like crap with more guys healthy, and Chytil has been out forever including during a prolonged streak where they looked great.

Igor just isn't the player he was in 2021-22. It felt like he had turned a corner in December, but now he's back to being pedestrian (at best) again. Guy is a bit of a head case I think. Just not consistent.

Trying not to get overly alarmed but generally under this coach when they have one terrible game they bounce back with a better effort in the next one. I hate that that didn't happen last night.

Sometimes I feel like this team gets into a phase where they're kind of robotic and lack intensity. We saw that a lot under the previous two coaches. They're talented enough to be a top 3 seed in the East (this assumes Igor can still be what he was in 2021-22, which is starting to really look uncertain). But sometimes they just look like they're not fully into it.

I think Lavvy is an intense coach and should be able to whip them back into shape, but man, it's not pretty right now.

My previous post "I've belabored this point a number of times. Too much stick checking, and not enough body checking. If in close proximity put your shoulder into chest/shoulders of the puck carrier. If along the boards try to put them through it without any head shots. Knock them off balance, mess up timing, make them keep their heads up. PLAY MEAN HOCKEY, damnit. You can't give up your Blue Line without creating some sort of gauntlet."  I wish there was a way to instill in each Ranger a New Yorker Ranger fan attitude. Meaning f u. All over the ice. I want a team no one wants to play against. Zib(his line) needs to have a Right Wing that can score and create. It's been lacking for way too long.

Quote from: files58 on January 12, 2024, 09:38:16 AMMy previous post "I've belabored this point a number of times. Too much stick checking, and not enough body checking. If in close proximity put your shoulder into chest/shoulders of the puck carrier. If along the boards try to put them through it without any head shots. Knock them off balance, mess up timing, make them keep their heads up. PLAY MEAN HOCKEY, damnit. You can't give up your Blue Line without creating some sort of gauntlet."  I wish there was a way to instill in each Ranger a New Yorker Ranger fan attitude. Meaning f u. All over the ice. I want a team no one wants to play against. Zib(his line) needs to have a Right Wing that can score and create. It's been lacking for way too long.

I hear you but, apart from a handful of players, these guys aren't built that way. What they were doing well, early on, isn't working and that happens when you are 1. playing short, 2. have an inconsistent starting goalie and 3. are at the tail end of the gauntlet of your schedule and you're a little beat up and worn down right now.

This, then, lies ahead for the new head coach to do something different than his predecessors in order to take the next step. Nearly every other team has gone through their slump; now, the Rangers are going through theirs after holding on for a long time. It's part of a season and they have to manage and work through it without going into the ditch.

They have a home and away back-to-back with Washington matinee to shake off the funk before the final leg of their gauntlet schedule where the reigning champs and the California teams would love nothing more than to get even with the Rangers from their MSG debacles.

Call it their first gut-check of the season. Hopefully it won't require too many Quickie reverse-scorpion saves to get back in the win column.

Peace!

Quote from: Gmo11 on January 12, 2024, 03:33:01 AMThey've lost too many players to injury. Last night even Mika didn't play though at least he just had the flu. Chytil may be out for the season I don't know what Kakko's timetable is but they need him back. When Vesey is skating with the top 6 you've got issues. They'll probably have to make a trade at the deadline.

The Athletic report that Kakko might be back for Saturday.

They're reverting back to the team of last season.  Losers of six of their last eight games.  Carolina will jump over them soon. 

Extremely disappointing.

It's starting to become legitimately concerning now.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 13, 2024, 04:03:38 PMExtremely disappointing.

It's starting to become legitimately concerning now.

Frankly, they're a soft team that road a scorching Panarin and Trocheck.  Throw in hot and cold Shesterkin and fans should be alarmed.

Bumping this back up since the gloom and doom has temporarily been replaced by the two consecutive wins over Washington and Seattle.

The Pacific Division Road trip starts tonight in Vegas as they take on the champs who have cooled off a bit, similar to themselves, and should make for a great opportunity to get their mojo back if they can get a win. I believe I read that Igor will start in goal tonight so that Quickie will take on his old team Saturday night. The Kings game is the first of a back-to-back schedule where the Quackers of Anaheim await them on the back-end Sunday night. A travel day up to Silicon Valley and a Tuesday match against the Sharks ends the road trip; however, the Rangers return home for a few days' rest and complete their Pacific Division schedule block with the champs visiting the Garden next Friday.

The Rangers kicked their season into high gear when they completed their Western Canadien road-trip early in the season with a perfect 5-0 record and blazed ahead in the Metro Division. This would be the perfect opportunity to run the table out west once again with another 5-0 run and get back on track heading into February where huge matchups (i.e. Colorado, Dallas) await them while the Metro Division games start picking up towards the back end of the month.

Now that Kakko is back, and the team is playing a little better, let's see if they can start building some momentum with the marquee matchups ahead of them the next few days.

Peace!

Getting Kakko back was big because it gives that first line a true puck possession guy and you can see how much better they are with him in there. Game tonight will be interesting. Obviously Vegas is very good but they're down a handful of players so should be a winnable game.

Dominated the bulk of the first and somehow still have a tuff, tuff start.

Down 0-4 with real crappy puck luck on 2 of the first 4

Let's what the 3rd brings 

Just another disappointing outing with another zoned out point of giving up temporary goals in 30 seconds. It's becoming a hallmark for this group and a weakness teams are all too happy to exploit.

Also, they started strong buy couldn't put one in the net. I sensed they were getting frustrated over that.

Regroup and hope Quickie pulls off another insane performance against his former team on Saturday.

The Rangers are showing that they're not able to compete with the best in the league. They've beaten Boston and Winnpeg when they were struggling. All others have been losses and the results haven't been close. Vegas is in second in the Pacific while LA is in third. If the Rangers can't figure it out, they'll find themselves out of first place soon enough.

The road record is becoming a concern.

Peace.

Didn't stay up for this one but I'm glad I didn't.

I'm starting to wonder if the first two or so months were a mirage.

Kind of crazy that they couldn't get at least one in the net during that first 10 mins of the 1st period.  They spent basically the entire first half of that period in the offensive zone but nothing got through.  Then of course they give up 2 before the period is over and the entire team is deflated.  Followed by your typical 2 goals in 30 seconds that happens more often with the Rangers than any other team in the league and that was that.  They have hit a bit of a rut here and do need to make some adjustments.  I don't know about a mirage but they are not getting the breaks they got early in the season that's for sure.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 19, 2024, 07:48:23 AMDidn't stay up for this one but I'm glad I didn't.

I'm starting to wonder if the first two or so months were a mirage.

There may be some truth to that; however, I think a lot of other good teams may have started slow (e.g. Edmonton, Winnipeg, Colorado, Carolina) and are now running as hot as the Rangers were early on after the Western Canadien road trip.

Last season, and earlier this season, the Rangers played well on other teams' ice and were a tough out. Now, they've lost that edge. There are some things going on where team harmony is a little bit off. I read the other day that D'Andre Miller is thinking about taking some time off for mental health/wellness reasons. So, that tells me there's a lot of pressure on the defense to pick up their game because the offense isn't scoring against the good teams as much and the goalies cannot produce lights-out performances every game.

So, maybe Drury needs to go out and shore up the defense before the end of the trading deadline to get the team stabilized until the offense can get back on track. In the meantime, the LA game becomes a critical matchup they'll want to win and then keep the pedal to the metal on Anaheim and San Jose who are both pesky teams who can give the Rangers fits when they're not at their best, as they currently are playing. If they can take the next three, then come home and get even with the Vegas boys, this part of the schedule can still be claimed as a success.

But they have to break this road loss slump, first.

Peace.

I found the link to D'Andre Miller talking about taking time off for his mental health:

Rangers' K'Andre Miller talks openly about stepping away to focus on mental health (https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/nhl/rangers/2024/01/18/rangers-kandre-miller-talks-openly-about-importance-of-mental-health/72269959007/)

It's a subject that some brush off and suggest one "man up" or "tough it out." The truth is that when you feel like you're losing control, hope and the basic things in life become overwhelming, it doesn't make you less of a person to ask for or seek help.

Again, I reference the Australian Football League where many players have stepped forward to talk about their own experiences of needing time to work with counselors to help them deal with the issues which are affecting them. They report that it has made all the difference in the world to them and they've not only had the support of their teammates and coaches, they've come back better focused and playing their best football.

I'm glad Miller had the courage to share his experience and hope that his teammates and coach fully supported his decision and welcomed him back. I appreciate that he is hard on himself, in trying to do too much at times, but when he's involved with the north-south fast-paced hockey the Rangers are capable of playing, he has shown he can be dangerous from the point.

Peace.

A problem with this team is they're awful in close.  Nobody can finish around the net. They rely on one timers and deflections for a lot of their goals.  If you can't score the dirty goals down low you will see more results like last night against Vegas. 

Quote from: Messiah717 on January 19, 2024, 06:24:12 PMA problem with this team is they're awful in close.  Nobody can finish around the net. They rely on one timers and deflections for a lot of their goals.  If you can't score the dirty goals down low you will see more results like last night against Vegas. 

Krieder is the exception to that rule. Best redirect guy in the league and good at put-backs and just muscling defenders in front of the net.

Otherwise I agree.

Down the toilet this season keeps going.

I didn't stay up for this one, and I'm glad.

The losses just keep piling up. We're now only two points up in the division.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 21, 2024, 05:47:08 AMI didn't stay up for this one, and I'm glad.

The losses just keep piling up. We're now only two points up in the division.

They're not as good as their start but should be better than how they're playing now.  Teams are now looking to lock down Panarin and Trocheck and with a lacking bottom six they're not generating offense.  Drury needs to do something that shakes things up. 

Quickie's return home game, and his outstanding performance, was completely wasted, in a heartless effort by his teammates.

Their heads aren't right and it appears they are indeed circling the drain.

If they lose to the Quackers tonight ... my optimism will follow them down the proverbial drain with them.

Peace.

Quote from: kartanoman on January 21, 2024, 10:57:55 AMQuickie's return home game, and his outstanding performance, was completely wasted, in a heartless effort by his teammates.

Their heads aren't right and it appears they are indeed circling the drain.

If they lose to the Quackers tonight ... my optimism will follow them down the proverbial drain with them.

Peace.

When you're looking for Quick to start over Shesterkin you know there's a problem with this team.  The bottom six stink and their five on five offense is dreadful.

We have lost eight of the last twelve and six of the last eight. Brutal stretch. Shesty simply isn't a good goalie anymore (think he's a headcase), and as others have noted we get nothing from the bottom six. We also have defensemen who routinely make major defensive gaffes that we just can't afford. We also know this core group of vets gets shut down in the playoffs. Young guys like Laffy and Kakko just never measured up, and who knows what Chytil's deal is at this point.

The reality is that none of these problems are really new with this team. It's the same old stuff. What's new is that we used to get bailed out of bad performances by our goalie a lot more often. Now that doesn't happen anymore. Not with Shesty it doesn't. I guess you could argue it did a little bit against the Krakken, but games like that are a rarity now. Also we scored four goals in that game so it didn't matter. When was the last time we won a 2-1 or 1-0 game with Shesty in net where the team looked brutal but it was just a Shesty show? You never see that anymore. You did in 2021/22, but not really since. He has become an utterly mediocre goaltender now. So when we play badly now, we lose 5-2 instead of winning 2-1 or getting a point out of it at least. And I'm afraid that it has gone on long enough that it's kind of what he is now, unless he proves differently, which feels more like a hope than an eventuality.

Shesterkin isn't Lundqvist that's for sure. 

They don't finish at the net. Laffy had the tying goal on his stick(save and all), there were others. In Vegas they could have had a goal or two in the first 10-15 minutes. Game's complexion would have been different.

Quote from: Messiah717 on January 21, 2024, 01:36:39 PMShesterkin isn't Lundqvist that's for sure. 

Or Richter or Vanbiesbrouck.

Quote from: files58 on January 21, 2024, 03:19:17 PMThey don't finish at the net. Laffy had the tying goal on his stick(save and all), there were others. In Vegas they could have had a goal or two in the first 10-15 minutes. Game's complexion would have been different.

They're also bad at generating offense five on five in general.  The kids who are supposed to help with that can't finish either.

Has a 1st place team ever fired their coach before? Down 2-0 to this crap Ducks team with two ridiculously stupid goals has me ready to blow the whole thing up. They need some sort of a shakeup to get them out of this funk. Right now there's not a team in the league I feel confident they can beat.

Quote from: Gmo11 on January 21, 2024, 09:12:51 PMHas a 1st place team ever fired their coach before? Down 2-0 to this crap Ducks team with two ridiculously stupid goals has me ready to blow the whole thing up. They need some sort of a shakeup to get them out of this funk. Right now there's not a team in the league I feel confident they can beat.

Ugh, losing to the Mighty Quackers again? Sickening! I'm not going to upset myself when there's a great football game on right now.

I'll check this thread after the game.

Thanks for the update.

Peace.

Went from dominant and the best record in the league to unwatchable.

I'm already aggravated about the Bills loss and really am not in the mood to turn this game on.

But of course I'm doing it anyway.

Rising out of the ashes for a 4-2 lead.

Nice comeback but I'm not going to throw bouquets at them for beating Anaheim. Should have been a lot easier than this. Let's see what they do in the coming games.

A challenge on an Anaheim goal, which would have given them a 3-1 lead, was successful and returned the score to 2-1 Quackers. That saved the Rangers which helped enable the four goal comeback in period three.

It's a win. They'll take it, for now. San Jose awaits them. We'll see what happens.

Peace.

They must have seen the post when it was 2-0 and decided to get their stuff together.

They needed this win to stop the bleeding and as was mentioned if that 3rd Anaheim goal stands they likely lose. I'm glad they got to feel good after a game for a change but this needs to be a pivot point rather than just a blip on the radar.

This team is ultimately going nowhere playing like this.  A terrible OT loss to San Jose.

The Sharks always seem to bite them, but they bit themselves in this ugly OT loss.

How bad will the Champs take it to them next is anyone's guess, but the consensus seems it's a foregone conclusion by now.

The break can't come soon enough for them.

Peace.

I'm really beginning to lose faith in this team. I considered last night an absolute must-win. The Sharks are the worst team in the league both record-wise and point differential wise. There is no excuse for not winning that game.

The only positive I can see is that despite being a miserable excuse for a team for about 2 months they still are in 1st place with a 5 point lead somehow.  They really need the mental break of the All Star game to try and remember how to play hockey.  Blowing a 2 goal lead to THAT team with yet again 2 goals given up inside of 2 mins of action requires some soul searching.

And that Chytil's season may not be over afterall: 

https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39364856/sources-rangers-filip-chytil-returns-training-czechia (https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39364856/sources-rangers-filip-chytil-returns-training-czechia)

Yeah I just can't rationalize it anymore. I was willing to do that for a while, but it has gone off the rails at this point and has gotten so bad that it's starting to feel unsalvageable.

Maybe they can somehow start to turn it around after the break, and I'd obviously welcome that. But right now my expectations for this season have been significantly modified from where they were 5-6 weeks ago.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 24, 2024, 09:43:13 AMYeah I just can't rationalize it anymore. I was willing to do that for a while, but it has gone off the rails at this point and has gotten so bad that it's starting to feel unsalvageable.

Maybe they can somehow start to turn it around after the break, and I'd obviously welcome that. But right now my expectations for this season have been significantly modified from where they were 5-6 weeks ago.

They were probably never as good as that torrid start of the season they had and probably not as bad as they look right now but as currently constructed it's tough to see a long playoff run coming without some sort of a move or two at the deadline.

If someone mentioned before the season that on 1/24/24 the Rangers would have a 5 point lead in the division we would all take it. They just don't bury their chances. Up 2-0 Brezinski had the third goal on his stick, and as the late, great Bill Chadwick would say "Jim, he shoots the puck like a cow picks up a gun". He scores there, game over. He's terrible by the way. Vesey missed an open net, and Laffy at least once a game misses what looks like a gimme. In addition there were two offensive pass interference non-calls just before the Sharks goal in OT. Will someone, anyone around the league please step into a puck carrier in Center Ice. Have they written a rule prohibiting that type of check? No one told me. All this stick checking makes it like a knock hockey game.

The offense right now is Panarin and Trocheck.  Mika and Lafreniere both have one goal in the month of January.  That's ridiculous. 

Quote from: files58 on January 24, 2024, 10:16:06 AMIf someone mentioned before the season that on 1/24/24 the Rangers would have a 5 point lead in the division we would all take it. They just don't bury their chances. Up 2-0 Brezinski had the third goal on his stick, and as the late, great Bill Chadwick would say "Jim, he shoots the puck like a cow picks up a gun". He scores there, game over. He's terrible by the way. Vesey missed an open net, and Laffy at least once a game misses what looks like a gimme. In addition there were two offensive pass interference non-calls just before the Sharks goal in OT. Will someone, anyone around the league please step into a puck carrier in Center Ice. Have they written a rule prohibiting that type of check? No one told me. All this stick checking makes it like a knock hockey game.

It's all in the perspective, right? Maybe resetting our expectations to DB74's point all along, that all this doesn't matter as long as they bring it for the playoffs. But they remain in first place, which is hard to believe during this slump.

Losing to the Sharks, and trailing the Quackers after two and a half periods really didn't surprise me as they, for some odd reason, struggle with these teams on their respective ices. I was hoping they would have represented themselves better against the Champs and the Kings, though.

Well, they can retrospectively look back at their slump and Laviolette can explore how to get them out of their slump, they'll get one more crack at the Champs, a couple of challenging matches with teams they've lost to, and then what was previously a marquee matchup with the Avs.

If I remember correctly,they were a bit inconsistent last season at this time. They seemed to pick it up a bit in March but ended the regular season with a few disappointing losses which cost them the #2 seed. But as the Devils series showed, they were unable to adapt once Jersey's defense locked them down at the blue line. The stick checking, brain farts resulting in giving up multiple goals in short spans.

When they winning like gangbusters, the fourth line was making significant contributions. Now, the puck isn't going in for them.

The Igor / Quickie debate continues and it's clear that Igor is off his Vezina Trophy season, and he's had some obvious lapses in concentration, or perhapstrying too hard, but how much of that is his defense hanging him and Quickie to dry?

They need to hit the reset button and the All Star break is coming at the opportune time to do just that. Let them make the most of the eight days and come back with clear heads and a new focus for the final two months to lock down the division or, worst case, second place.

Peace!

You can now scratch Philip Chytil from returning this season, if not longer.

This morning while on the ice with just two other players he fell and it reportedly took several minutes to remove him from the ice.

In my house we call that Buzzard luck, something the Rangers seem to possess in abundance.

I feel terribly for Chytil. The impact on the team is secondary for me. His career seems like it could really be over. He's only 24 years old. Really brutal.

https://nypost.com/2024/01/26/sports/filip-chytil-down-on-ice-for-minutes-at-rangers-practice/?utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=referral

They continue to collapse.  From the best record in the league to not being able to get out of their own way.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 26, 2024, 05:44:24 PMI feel terribly for Chytil. The impact on the team is secondary for me. His career seems like it could really be over. He's only 24 years old. Really brutal.

https://nypost.com/2024/01/26/sports/filip-chytil-down-on-ice-for-minutes-at-rangers-practice/?utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=referral

This is bordering on a tragedy and my heart goes out to the kid. As much as I don't want to see it happen, it really appears the best thing, for his safety, is to stand down playing hockey because it doesn't appear safe for him to move forward after this serious incident. It's no longer about hockey now. The young man's health and well being has to be the most important concern.

I applaud his effort to try and come back but this incident may have been the straw which broke the camel's back.

Such a talented young man who brought excitement to us all. I know I speak for all of us in that we only wish him the very best and no more trauma that could upset what is a wonderful life that has still yet to be written.

Peace.

And now Lindgren exits the game and won't return. 1-3 down, I'm hitting the hay.

The coach needs to send a message and start benching people.  There's no excuse for such pathetic efforts.

Team sucks. I'm losing interest by the day.

2-5 score and going 0-2, uncompetitive against the reigning Champs is not the stuff made of Lord Stanley's precious chalice.

The Senators always play well against them and an Avalanche is waiting to bury them completely. No answers from Laviolette. It may be time to acknowledge changes need to be made, take some steps back, and redevelop the team into a contender for the future. At best, another first round exit looms.

Peace.

It's a flawed team. Even when they were winning it was basically on the back of one line, an elite power play and good goaltending. Right now, two of those three things aren't up to par and it's costing them. You can only get away with three lines not providing much offense for so long. Quite frankly, I'm not sure there's much for the coach to do as the problem is mostly that they lack significant offensive depth.

Flaws yes but there's no reason for Mika and Kreider to be invisible most nights.  At this point it's obvious this core isn't going to win anything significant.  Changes are definitely needed.

Quote from: Messiah717 on January 27, 2024, 10:21:38 AMFlaws yes but there's no reason for Mika and Kreider to be invisible most nights.  At this point it's obvious this core isn't going to win anything significant.  Changes are definitely needed.

We've been running it back with this same veteran core for years now expecting different results and have been perpetually disappointed.

And now they're all in their 30s, they're all highly paid, many of them still have years left, and all of them have no-trade clauses, which we like to give out like candy.

The hope was that our promising young players (Kakko, LaFreniere, Chytil, Miller, etc) would become stars or at least that 1-2 of them would. There was also hope that the 2021/22 Shesty was more or less what he was going to be.

None of it panned out and now we're stuck with these veterans, none of whom will want to leave as all are very cozy and content with their big paychecks and their life routines.

The Rangers are not an intense, balls-out franchise anymore. The team is soft now and has been for years. The fan base is still robust, but when you go to Rangers games now it's not as intense and focused on the hockey as it was 25 years ago and before. Everyone is just content. It's a sad state of affairs.

The contributors to this thread sure aren't content; to that I trust we all agree!

Peace!

Quote from: Messiah717 on January 27, 2024, 10:21:38 AMFlaws yes but there's no reason for Mika and Kreider to be invisible most nights.  At this point it's obvious this core isn't going to win anything significant.  Changes are definitely needed.

They've essentially committed themselves to a relatively mediocre core. Been saying it for a while that Mika and Kreider are PP merchants best served as middle sixers at 5 on 5. Their cap hit is probably too high for what they provide. And then there's guys like Goodrow and Trouba who are way overpaid compared to what they provide.

The issue is that people keep talking about breaking up Mika and Kreider but to do what? This team significantly lacks true depth and if Shesty is going to look like an average goalie, they're in trouble.

Yup, they're very average if that five on five.  They were carried by one line and the PP during their torrid start.  Lafreniere and Kakko are not even remotely offering what this team needs them to.  Blame development or whatever you want but the #1 and #2 pick overall have offered little to nothing over several years now.

Quote from: jgrangers2 on January 27, 2024, 02:31:26 PMThe issue is that people keep talking about breaking up Mika and Kreider but to do what? This team significantly lacks true depth and if Shesty is going to look like an average goalie, they're in trouble.

"Average" is generous at this point if we're talking about Shesty.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 27, 2024, 05:07:20 PM"Average" is generous at this point if we're talking about Shesty.

At what point should Laviolette be taken to the woodshed for not playing Quickie more if he, at the very least, gives them a punchers' chance out there? Granted, the defense is hanging both goalies out to dry right now. But, at some point, you have to tell Igor that he's not getting it done and to take some time off to get his groove back.

With Quickie now 38 years old, and the clock is ticking on the amount of time he's got left before he hangs it up, you might as well go with the guy who gives you the best chance and that's him.

But does the coach have the cojones to make that call?

Hmmm.

 :hmm:

Peace.

Meanwhile, on Hockey Night in Canada, down 2-0 in Ottawa, the dam finally broke when Kreider scored and four more Rangers goals followed, but not before the Senators' starting goalie was pulled after goal #4.

5-2 Rangers after two periods. Quickie in goal tonight.

Quote from: kartanoman on January 27, 2024, 08:54:53 PMMeanwhile, on Hockey Night in Canada, down 2-0 in Ottawa, the dam finally broke when Kreider scored and four more Rangers goals followed, but not before the Senators' starting goalie was pulled after goal #4.

5-2 Rangers after two periods. Quickie in goal tonight.

The home team, tattered in ruins, lay waste as the Rangers dumped a puck for the empty net goal and, for the lucky seven, continued to harass the lifeless Senators until that elusive goal number seven went in.

It stops the bleeding, for now, and allows them to cling onto first place in the Metro; however, the game of the season I've been waiting for is finally next up (i.e. the Avs) and they had better find the A-game and bring it or it's going to be embarrassing as the Colorado Boys are melting the ice these days.

Holding my breath and I'll be wearing my new third jersey which arrived earlier this week ... easily the coolest design of a third jersey they've ever pulled off.

Peace!

I am a very long way from patting this team on the back in any way or from feeling any sense of confidence about them.

Sure, last night in isolation was a good comeback win, but I need to see a great deal more before my feelings go from very negative to even just neutral about this group. January has been a total disaster.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 28, 2024, 08:02:50 AMI am a very long way from patting this team on the back in any way or from feeling any sense of confidence about them.

Sure, last night in isolation was a good comeback win, but I need to see a great deal more before my feelings go from very negative to even just neutral about this group. January has been a total disaster.

I'm lockstep with you. Beat the Avs then let's have a conversation. But, unfortunately, Igor will be in goal for that one, the usual two goals given up in a two-minute span or less will show its ugly head, and another opportunity to flex their muscle against the NHL's best will fall by the wayside yet again.

Peace!

Unsurprisingly, Fil is out for the season.

https://x.com/nyrangers/status/1751708088636473682?s=46&t=AA9Ptl-VPYK0JnuHE-oAWA

With an "aim for a return for the 2024-25 season" sounds pretty uncertain.

Wishing him the best.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on January 28, 2024, 04:36:25 PMWith an "aim for a return for the 2024-25 season" sounds pretty uncertain.

Wishing him the best.

Same here. This goal of playing again is really premature for all the reasons I've mentioned in previous posts. His Neurology is seriously off and, when trauma has been a direct cause, the hope is that no permanent damage has been sustained.

I only hope he can recover to live a normal life with full functionality of his neurological system. If hockey is something he can continue, safely, then I wish him all the best with it. If not, I will still hope only the very best for him.

Peace!

Hockey's back and my favorite Rangers' matchup, the Avs, were in town tonight for a battle of first place teams in their respective divisions. This game was well worth the wait!

It played out the way the two games last season did and, as I hoped, Quickie got the nod and did not disappoint. His performance earned him the #1 star of the game.

Both teams played well but the Avs scored first. MacKinnon opened the scoring account in the second period and the one goal held until the final seven minutes of the game. Quickie kept them in it until, finally, the Breadman scored to tie it. The Rangers came to life and had multiple chances to win before regulation ended. In the overtime, Laffy finished the job with a beauty and a 2-1 victory. It was a huge win and a confidence builder going into the final stretch.

Peace!

Quickie to start this evening

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on February 07, 2024, 01:51:10 PMQuickie to start this evening

Saw that. Two thoughts:

(1) I like the move from a momentum standpoint. Prior to Monday night's win, the team had been in the doldrums for a while now, and a hot goalie is a way to build some team momentum. Quick has been the better goalie this year too. I get starting him two games in a row, and I have no issue with it. In fact I like it.

(2) However, I don't view it as an option for Quick to be the longer term starter for the rest of the season and in the playoffs. There is no way that at 38 years old he can play every two nights for many weeks in a row in the postseason. So, in the end, we will go as far as Shesty takes us. Because that is the case, I think it's critical that Shesty find his game and play at a strong level for several weeks leading into the playoffs. Short of that, it's going to be hard to feel meaningfully optimistic about the team's chances at a deep run.

Solid win over Tampa.  Two solid games after the break not giving up one goal in each game.  Quick can't carry the entire load but he has earned the right to get more of the starts right now.  Shesterkin frankly needs to get his head out of his ass.

Another big win against quality competition. Any win over Tampa is sweet and this one was a joy.

Quickie is a winner and his game right now is precisely what the Rangers need. With Igor working with Benoit, this gives the Rangers the best chance to win in the short term while attempting to remediate their #1 goalie for the long term.

On the road Friday in Chicago!

Peace!

3 wins in a row going back before the break and 3 starts from Quick.  Seems they are riding the hot hand at least for now.  Shesty does need to take a bit of a break to figure out what's going on but they will need him soon.  Last thing they need right now is to run Quick into the ground. 

Just don't $h!t the bed tonight.

Shesty back in tonight. Chicago is the lowest scoring team in the league, and they have lost five straight. They are terrible. Shesty has watched his 38 year old teammate Quick get back to back starts and win both games, playing at a high level against strong opponents. Now Shesty gets to face the worst scoring team in the league off plenty of rest.

If ever there was a get right game opportunity, this is it. If he comes in and s---s the bed tonight, I really don't know what to tell you.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on February 09, 2024, 06:16:21 PMShesty back in tonight. Chicago is the lowest scoring team in the league, and they have lost five straight. They are terrible. Shesty has watched his 38 year old teammate Quick get back to back starts and win both games, playing at a high level against strong opponents. Now Shesty gets to face the worst scoring team in the league off plenty of rest.

If ever there was a get right game opportunity, this is it. If he comes in and s---s the bed tonight, I really don't know what to tell you.

Agreed. This is a test to see if Igor passed the final exam on all of Benoit's training the last week and change. If the Rangers cannot beat this team without Connor Bedard in the lineup, after taking down the Avs and the Bolts, then don't bother showing up for the post-season if they continue with insanity and keep starting Igor.

In Quickie we trust!

Peace!

If there's a such a thing as an ugly win it was this one.  You shouldn't need overtime after leading the worst team in the league 3-1.  You shouldn't be outshot 12-4 in the third period.  What this team lacks is aggressiveness. 

Once upon a time in the NHL when you would have two teams on the opposite end of the standings the team on top early on would "run" a couple of the opposition, take the heart out, and pass the puck around for a 4-1 ho hum win. That's the missing piece, some may call it aggressiveness, I call it a mean streak.

Quote from: files58 on February 09, 2024, 11:45:14 PMOnce upon a time in the NHL when you would have two teams on the opposite end of the standings the team on top early on would "run" a couple of the opposition, take the heart out, and pass the puck around for a 4-1 ho hum win. That's the missing piece, some may call it aggressiveness, I call it a mean streak.

This team may have the "ho," but they sure aren't humming along with her, er, um, I mean, it.

They generally don't play well in Chicago. They lost the last time they visited so I'm grateful they walked away with two points.

So, did Laviolette monkey around with the third and fourth lines enough to make a difference for the long term? I love watching guys like Jonny Brodzinski and Jimmy Vesey hit the net. I've also been impressed with Laffy's game, as of late, and it would be something if he could be coming on for the final stretch. Nice goal by the Z-man to close out the game last night but Breadman looks like he's avoiding shooting on goal.

It's one game, and we'll know more after the Calgary game on Monday, but do the Rangers play differently for Igor than for Quickie? Yesterday's inauspicious start could have been another "here we go again" moment; however, the team bounced back in short order which was a good sign. Of course, it was Chicago. Had it been Colorado on the road, it may have turned out differently.

I guess you can't curse a four game winning streak, especially with two quality wins, and Calgary coming up will be no pushover as they are playing much better than when they faced them in the Saddledome early on. Speaking of that early road trip, what did you all think of that Edmonton Oiler 16-game winning streak that almost bested the Penguins' 17 in a row back in their heyday? I think that may have started with the Rangers game at the Garden, but I'm not sure from memory. Just an awesome run!

Tough game against the Flames at the G Monday night!

Enjoy your weekend and the Super Bowl in the meantime!

Peace!

Well, hardly a Mona Lisa but an Igor-led 2-0 shutout over a traditionally difficult Calgary Flames team, with the second goal an empty netter from Jimmy Vesey, you tip your hats to both goalies who ruled the roost last night. The spotlight went to Igor as the #1 star, and rightly so, for pitching the shutout, but Jacob Markstrom was no less spectacular for the Flames in denying one dangerous chance after another. It took a Will Cuylle rebound turned dirty goal for the Rangers to hit the scoreboard, and it stayed that way until the empty net goal at the end. Markstrom, deservedly, earned the #3 star of the game.

That makes five in a row. Not pretty but it does make for the current longest active winning streak in the league, at the moment. Six points ahead of Carolina with two more games played.

The pesky Canadiens visit the Garden Thursday before the battle of the Sardine Can with the Isles commences on Sunday. Two important conference games that should be scrappy, high energy affairs.

Peace!

Canadiens were scrappy as Kreider was rained with hats and Quickie kept 'em in the game early at 0-1 when it could have gotten ugly. Midway, second period, the Blueshirts turned the switch and put them on the heels of their blades with four unanswered Goals.

7-4 was entertaining but still the defense is getting outworked. Suzuki is a powder keg for Montreal and those kids have the potential to be a problem once they fill that team out.

For a while, the Rangers were about to yield first place to Carolina. Now, it's Carolina who has cooled off a bit while the Rangers hold the League's longest active winning streak at six (6).

Any of you going to that battle of the Sardine Can tomorrow?

Peace!

Blake Wheeler's injury looked bad.  Hopefully it's not as bad as it seemed but losing another top 6 forward isn't great. 

The game was fun though!  The last 2 periods anyway.  Looked like they were asleep for a period and a half and then exploded for 4 goals in 4 mins to completely swing the game.  Love Kreider getting a hatty.  Quick was excellent when they needed him to be.  Perhaps a bit of a let down after they scored so many times in front of him but overall solid win.  Team is still rolling.  Not much to complain about during a 6 game winning streak.

Wheeler is out for the rest of the season: https://nypost.com/2024/02/16/sports/blake-wheeler-out-for-season-with-leg-injury-in-major-rangers-blow/

He might be back for the playoffs.

Daaaaamn that sucks for Wheeler.  It looked nasty when it happened and turns out it's just as bad as it seems.  That's rough.

Quote from: Gmo11 on February 16, 2024, 04:33:46 PMDaaaaamn that sucks for Wheeler.  It looked nasty when it happened and turns out it's just as bad as it seems.  That's rough.

I agree. So does it mean a promotion for Will Cuylle who seems to be picking up his scoring prowess?

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on February 16, 2024, 04:48:51 PMI agree. So does it mean a promotion for Will Cuylle who seems to be picking up his scoring prowess?

Peace!

I'd put Vesey up there until we can make a move for a replacement. Really don't want to break up that 3rd line right now.

Quote from: jgrangers2 on February 16, 2024, 07:14:19 PMI'd put Vesey up there until we can make a move for a replacement. Really don't want to break up that 3rd line right now.

The other thing is that theory brought up the young and tall Edstrom and he should start seeing some playing time. He's definitely not ready for the big league yet, but he's coming along and it would be something else if he can make himself known as the Rangers get ready to go face to face with their division rivals in the coming weeks.

Peace!

Stadium Series underway!

Rangers scored first, then Isles tie, then Igor and the Rangers go to sleep and, you guessed it, give up two in 30 seconds!

Enough of this, already! If Benoit couldn't straighten him out, he needs to sit. Let Quickie play until further notice.

At least the Rangers have finally woken up.

More to come.

they said the rangers are 4-0 in outdoor games. is that counting the one in Mystery Alaska

At least they had a lead in Mystery. The first shot in this game doesn't count.

2-4 now in the 2nd.

Damn! I'm screaming "SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK" at these guys, they finally start shooting and Trocheck gets his second with under two left in the second.

3-4

Take THAT, Mystery, Alaska!

Mystery giveth and now Mystery taketh away.

3-5 and Lindgren with a gash to his face is out.

What a win by the Rangers.  3 goals in 4 minutes to tie and win the game in overtime

Mystery Alaska retribution complete! 6-5 in overtime and not even the Isles' defender kicking the goal off the magnets could stop the Breadman from firing the "game over" shot 10 seconds into the OT session!

What a barn-burner! What an amazing environment! Full props to the NHL and the NJSEA, with support from the Jets and Giants, to create the festive atmosphere that, with the game, created great memories for Rangers fans, and reflected great credit on the NHL. North Jersey knows how to host a party and it was all class. Kudos fellow Jerseyans, present and past!

Peace!

Win of the year for both the Rangers and the NHL.  A classic in front of 79,000.

Coming up next is a tiny revenge matchup against first place Dallas at the Garden tomorrow. Two first place teams doing battle to keep pace with Florida who is currently the #1 seed in the conference. It is also a game the Rangers need to keep pace with Carolina who have a winning streak going.

They don't get any easier with the majority of division games coming up. The injuries are starting to add up. Is this the time Drury will push the button and make an acquisition for the final run?

To be determined ...

Peace!

If you didn't watch tonight's game, you missed a masterpiece of first place teams who put out tonight and lived up to the billing of this big match.

First of all, this game underscores how important Kappo Kakko is for this team. He scored yet again and it makes five games in a row for him.

For all we have lambasted Igor this season, you would have bit your tongue tonight watching, without question, the best goaltending performance of the season. 41 saves tonight and holding the potent Dallas offense to one goal. Just magnificent!

Laviolette's game plan tonight was brilliant. Focus on the defense, capitalize on offense but don't take wild risks and get back to support the defense. For the first time, they played a brand of hockey that was somewhat conservative, yet they had many opportunities to score if Scott Wedgewood, Dallas' goalie, wasn't nearly as spectacular as Igor tonight.

The Rangers don't win this game without Igor's performance and I know he's had his rough times. Sunday he could be forgiven for giving up three early due to the sight lines being different and the glare on the ice impacting his vision of the action. Tonight, he played out of his mind and made Dallas' best scorers shake their head in disbelief.

Eight wins in succession. New Jersey on Thursday. The pressure to perform not going away any time soon. If this is how they plan to go about it, we could be in for something special in March.

Peace!

P.S. Seeing Lindgren on the ice tonight, big shiner, and staples under his eye, says it all. Toughness, grit, determination. I have all the respect in the world for that man. He led the defensive charge tonight.

Great game by Igor.  Give the Dallas net minder credit also.  The Rangers could've had two or three more. 

My boys were at our rink from 3-9 last night and I got to stay home and watch last nights game with the misses. So right out of the gate i was thrilled and the game didn't disappoint. 

Stars were coming off a back to back nights with the Bruins so I was hoping the rangers would jump out earlier and Fox took care of that. Kakko's game winner beating Wedgewood upper corner inside post was real nice.  

Igor was aggressive exploding at the puck on some of those big shots and the puck luck was with him at the right time as well.  Hearing those Igor chants multiple times through the game was awesome and boy oh boy did he earn it. Especially in the third period when he doubled down on his effort and put on a spectacle. Damn near 1/2 his saves had to of been in the 3rd.  

Igor simply stole the game from the Stars. That being said the Rangers could not receive a sauce pass on a multitude of 2:1 situations and while they didn't get many shots on Wedgewood, opportunities were missed. 

Side Note- Rangers offense has really started to turn in on over the past 8 games scoring 3 or more goals 6 of the last 8 games. 

Pulling the boys from school and headed to Chicago for some deep dish and the Blackhawks Flyers Game tonight 

Rangers Devils on Thursday !

Quote from: kartanoman on February 20, 2024, 10:29:35 PMIf you didn't watch tonight's game, you missed a masterpiece of first place teams who put out tonight and lived up to the billing of this big match.

First of all, this game underscores how important Kappo Kakko is for this team. He scored yet again and it makes five games in a row for him.

For all we have lambasted Igor this season, you would have bit your tongue tonight watching, without question, the best goaltending performance of the season. 41 saves tonight and holding the potent Dallas offense to one goal. Just magnificent!

Laviolette's game plan tonight was brilliant. Focus on the defense, capitalize on offense but don't take wild risks and get back to support the defense. For the first time, they played a brand of hockey that was somewhat conservative, yet they had many opportunities to score if Scott Wedgewood, Dallas' goalie, wasn't nearly as spectacular as Igor tonight.

The Rangers don't win this game without Igor's performance and I know he's had his rough times. Sunday he could be forgiven for giving up three early due to the sight lines being different and the glare on the ice impacting his vision of the action. Tonight, he played out of his mind and made Dallas' best scorers shake their head in disbelief.

Eight wins in succession. New Jersey on Thursday. The pressure to perform not going away any time soon. If this is how they plan to go about it, we could be in for something special in March.

Peace!

P.S. Seeing Lindgren on the ice tonight, big shiner, and staples under his eye, says it all. Toughness, grit, determination. I have all the respect in the world for that man. He led the defensive charge tonight.

Had my grandson to his second ever Ranger game and first win!  Thankfully school is on break because by time we got off train to Westchester it was 12:30 AM

Igor was magnificent.  He made one glove save in 2nd period that would have made Keith Hernandez proud.  Spot on about Kakko. He may never live up to expectations attached to a #2 overall pick but he could be settling in to a big bodied, physical forward who's not afraid to get his nose bloodied and has skill.  The two "power forwards" Edstrom and Rempe were throwing their weight around and forcing the Stars to keep their heads up.  Very early observation but I would say Edstrom is the better all around player.

All in all a great night

Quote from: Rosehill Jimmy on February 21, 2024, 09:57:01 AMHad my grandson to his second ever Ranger game and first win!  Thankfully school is on break because by time we got off train to Westchester it was 12:30 AM

Igor was magnificent.  He made one glove save in 2nd period that would have made Keith Hernandez proud.  Spot on about Kakko. He may never live up to expectations attached to a #2 overall pick but he could be settling in to a big bodied, physical forward who's not afraid to get his nose bloodied and has skill.  The two "power forwards" Edstrom and Rempe were throwing their weight around and forcing the Stars to keep their heads up.  Very early observation but I would say Edstrom is the better all around player.

All in all a great night

Taking the train out of Penn Station, after a win like this one, will make an impression on a kid for life. It did for me, back in the late 70s, when my man Anders Hedberg was flinging his wrist shots past the great goaltenders of the day, and even ancient but capable backups such as Wayne Thomas could keep you standing in amazement. That's why they used to call it the "Magic World" of Madison Square Garden. I haven't been in that building since March of 1979 but I remember it all just as your grandson does, fresh in his head right now. I plan to take my daughter, next month, to Mullet Arena when the boys visit us out here to play the Coyotes and I just know she'll feel the same way.

Thank you for bringing up the tall timber of Edstrom and Rempe. Personally, I think it's a super idea because, as Sam and Joe were remarking last night, you have Miller, who is a big guy, and now he's flanked by these six foot seven giants who make him look small by comparison. That collision Edstrom had with the Stars player was theater at its best. Crash! Both fly in opposite directions. Edstrom takes a knee and gets up while the other guy appeared to be thinking "did anyone get the license plate of that double decker?" Plus, Edstrom played far more aggressive last night than in his previous outings. Rempe is still getting his feet wet on the big stage but I'm glad he was in there to provide toughness along the boards; it served its purpose last night.

To earn a quality win such as the one last night was encouraging. But I agree with @babywhales in that Boston did a good job the night before to soften them up a little before facing the Rangers. In essence, they are fighting through their own gauntlet and struggling, just as Colorado struggled through theirs in their east coast trip. So, I'm more forgiving of the Rangers' poor performance with their disappointing west coast endeavor.

Still a month and a half to go, but Florida has really stepped up and made some noise with an impressive winning streak of their own. Hoping they and Boston knock each other's brains out while the Rangers contend with Carolina who, with the Rangers, have made it a two-horse race in the Metro. The President's Cup is still up for grabs now that Vancouver is starting to cool off.

So, the Rangers have the Devils, Flyers and Jackets on the road, come home to the Jackets. Let's see how they do with their divisional rivals before looking at those tough March matchups which will see them have to win on the road in buildings they've not performed well in lately.

For now, the Devils up next!

Peace!

That was a really good win against one of the top teams in the west. If Igor has truly turned the corner and we can find a 1RW to pair with Kreidbanejad, we might be the favorite in the east.

While the Sunday game at Met Life was an absolute thriller with an electrifying ending, I thought last night's game was more important as we finally saw Shesty deliver in a really spectacular way. For me, it was huge to see him playing at this level again. Obviously, he needs to play at a high level consistently for the Rangers to have any chance at a deep run, but just the fact that he showed he's still capable is huge in my eyes. I was getting worried that he might, for whatever reason, never play that way again.

By the way, the Rangers, who have won 8 in a row, have a franchise record of 10 wins in a row, set in ... wait for it .... 1940.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on February 21, 2024, 05:41:08 PMWhile the Sunday game at Met Life was an absolute thriller with an electrifying ending, I thought last night's game was more important as we finally saw Shesty deliver in a really spectacular way. For me, it was huge to see him playing at this level again. Obviously, he needs to play at a high level consistently for the Rangers to have any chance at a deep run, but just the fact that he showed he's still capable is huge in my eyes. I was getting worried that he might, for whatever reason, never play that way again.

By the way, the Rangers, who have won 8 in a row, have a franchise record of 10 wins in a row, set in ... wait for it .... 1940.

Great having you back posting on this thread again ... we missed you!

By the way, 1940 isn't a cursed number/year anymore!

Peace!

I don't want to jinx the game in progress, but the game is effectively over after two (2) periods with the Rangers completely owning the Devils 4-0.

Here's what I'm seeing. First, this isn't the same Devils' team that dropkicked the Rangers out of the playoffs last season; not by a longshot. The statistic which blew me away was the Devils' power play scoring only twice in their last 45 times (as of end of period two).

As for the Rangers, they picked up from the Dallas game but added a layer of physical intimidation with plenty of Devils' blood shed in this game.

Laffy with two (so far), Kreider and Z-man one each with all of them sweet shots.

Penalty killing has been a Devil killer tonight to include a major and double minor.

Igor has looked sharp all game and has made the big save when needed, but the Rangers' defense stood tall again tonight.

It's been odd watching them spank the Devils around, but quite satisfying if I must say so. Two more dates with this team at the Garden before seasons' end and I'd expect them to come to play for those.

I'll stop here as the Breadman serves Vinny Trocheck a silver platter pass for goal #5.

Nine in a row! Philly next up!

Peace!

5-1 ...

Blech!!!

Peter Laviolette comments on Rangers fans in New Jersey tonight (NOTE: he has no idea what's waiting for him here in Phoenix when we plan to take over Mullett Arena and make it MSG West!!!

Rangers fans (https://twitter.com/JLazzy23/status/1760866204829286808?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet)

Love that Lavvy acknowledged the fans. Of all the teams I support, the Rangers' fan base is by far the most loyal. They've had to wait very long time periods in between cups, and the intensity level never wanes.

As for the team, you just can't ask for any better than what we've been getting. Shesty turning the corner is the big story for me, although there are plenty of other great stories as well. I loved the nastiness and physicality last night. That game was a blood-fest! This Remke kid is an animal.

All eyes on the Flyers tomorrow as we go for the tie of the club win record. Let's keep the streak going!

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on February 23, 2024, 03:46:37 PMLove that Lavvy acknowledged the fans. Of all the teams I support, the Rangers' fan base is by far the most loyal. They've had to wait very long time periods in between cups, and the intensity level never wanes.

As for the team, you just can't ask for any better than what we've been getting. Shesty turning the corner is the big story for me, although there are plenty of other great stories as well. I loved the nastiness and physicality last night. That game was a blood-fest! This Remke kid is an animal.

All eyes on the Flyers tomorrow as we go for the tie of the club win record. Let's keep the streak going!

That kid is a goon and a half! You've got to love him! He might be the most exciting physical Ranger I've seen since Nick Fotiu in the 70s! Would love to see him knock some teeth out of the Broadway Bullies!

Peace!

I loved the hit on Bastien. I stood and applauded. Not because he was hurt, never want to see that. That hit, and similar hits has been the missing ingredient. Just saw an online blurb where at this time there is no further disciplinary hearing scheduled or called for. It really was a clean hit, arms were down, Bastien was bent over on impact. Rempe is 6'8" he's a very big man being propelled on a frictionless surface. F=MA, Boom! We have our Crash Line. Rempe-Goodrow-Edstrom(6'7"). In a limited amount of exposure I can see that both Rempe, and Edstrom have some hockey skills ability. This is not pure Hanson Bros. stuff. For too long we have needed a Right Wing for Mika and Kreids. Go get old friend DuClair. He proved himself playoff capable from his run with Florida. We need his speed. They need more speed for a very deep run. Carolina, Boston, Florida can all skate. The team coming out of the West will be a fast one. I'm trying to contain my excitement, and optimism(I am a lifelong Ranger fan after all). We've got something brewing here. It's not too early for the fans to start chanting We Want The Cup. LGR.

Quote from: files58 on February 24, 2024, 11:47:11 AMI loved the hit on Bastien. I stood and applauded. Not because he was hurt, never want to see that. That hit, and similar hits has been the missing ingredient. Just saw an online blurb where at this time there is no further disciplinary hearing scheduled or called for. It really was a clean hit, arms were down, Bastien was bent over on impact. Rempe is 6'8" he's a very big man being propelled on a frictionless surface. F=MA, Boom! We have our Crash Line. Rempe-Goodrow-Edstrom(6'7"). In a limited amount of exposure I can see that both Rempe, and Edstrom have some hockey skills ability. This is not pure Hanson Bros. stuff. For too long we have needed a Right Wing for Mika and Kreids. Go get old friend DuClair. He proved himself playoff capable from his run with Florida. We need his speed. They need more speed for a very deep run. Carolina, Boston, Florida can all skate. The team coming out of the West will be a fast one. I'm trying to contain my excitement, and optimism(I am a lifelong Ranger fan after all). We've got something brewing here. It's not too early for the fans to start chanting We Want The Cup. LGR.

Duclair is a possibility. So is bringing Vladdy back. Apparently his wife is still in NY. Frankie V has also been brought up.

Quote from: files58 on February 24, 2024, 11:47:11 AMI loved the hit on Bastien. I stood and applauded. Not because he was hurt, never want to see that. That hit, and similar hits has been the missing ingredient. Just saw an online blurb where at this time there is no further disciplinary hearing scheduled or called for. It really was a clean hit, arms were down, Bastien was bent over on impact. Rempe is 6'8" he's a very big man being propelled on a frictionless surface. F=MA, Boom! We have our Crash Line. Rempe-Goodrow-Edstrom(6'7"). In a limited amount of exposure I can see that both Rempe, and Edstrom have some hockey skills ability. This is not pure Hanson Bros. stuff. For too long we have needed a Right Wing for Mika and Kreids. Go get old friend DuClair. He proved himself playoff capable from his run with Florida. We need his speed. They need more speed for a very deep run. Carolina, Boston, Florida can all skate. The team coming out of the West will be a fast one. I'm trying to contain my excitement, and optimism(I am a lifelong Ranger fan after all). We've got something brewing here. It's not too early for the fans to start chanting We Want The Cup. LGR.

You always have been the barometer here and when Rempe took the Islanders, Stars and Devils by storm over this past week, I was wondering what your thoughts were going to be. That opponents are thinking twice before taking the big guy on sealed the deal with my vote and Edstrom's game complements Rempe's nicely. But Edstrom has even more to his game which we haven't seen yet and I think he's going to play a factor as the rest of the season plays out.

Add Toronto to your list above as they're on a six (6) game tear at the moment. Of interest, the Rangers will be playing three (3) of them (i.e. at Toronto next Saturday night 03/02, hosting Florida Monday 03/04 and at Carolina Tuesday 03/12). They also need to take care of St. Louis at home (Sat. 03/09) and another huge matchup at the Garden against the great Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets on 03/19. Then the Bruins on the road (03/21) before a short Mountain Time Zone visit to Colorado and then to my backyard. If they can continue playing the way they are right now, through this final stretch, the finish line looks good with division rivals and a couple of Atlantic division games.

Let's see how they go at their hated rivals this afternoon. Wouldn't mind Rempe rearranging a few Flyers' faces to look like their former goon of a captain, Bobby Clarke.

Peace!

Saw a somewhat disturbing stat this AM (On the Fly).  Had Blueshirts near the bottom of the league in 5v5 scoring attempts both for and against. Can't remember if it was for the month or YTD

Beware the Torts.

A desperate franchise made a very smart move in hiring him.

and he seems to have full reign in resurrecting them.

Let's hope karma stays away from our doorstep in this one.

I predict the streak will get to 13.

Quote from: Giant Obsession on February 24, 2024, 02:55:36 PMBeware the Torts.

A desperate franchise made a very smart move in hiring him.

and he seems to have full reign in resurrecting them.

Let's hope karma stays away from our doorstep in this one.

I predict the streak will get to 13.

Karma is playing to Igor's favor right now. That Philly scoring chance, at the very end, goes in earlier in the year. He has made peace with the hockey gods and they have been there for him the last four or five games. Philly should have scored four today by my count.

Matt Rempe now has a cult following after this game. That fight set the tone and sent a message this Ranger team wasn't going to get pushed around.

These two teams played playoff hockey today and both looked spent after this game. It was everything a hockey game should be and, most important, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences that a fiery pair of old rivals could provide.

Well, that makes 10 in 10. Now, it's time for the dreaded trap game in Columbus tomorrow where they always trip over the laces on their skates. Quickie most likely starts that game, but can they get it up after this tough matchup?

For now, they sit in pole position for the President's Trophy with the night games still to come.

Peace!

Philly grinded all game and outplayed the Rangerzz..but this squad has poise and powered through.

The opening faceoffs should now have a boxing bell with Rempe. :hurt:

Big road win against a quality opponent. I didn't think we played quite as well as what we have seen in some of the recent games, but it was obviously good enough. Rempe has taken this team by storm!

https://twitter.com/NYRangers/status/1761525246270562458

Hopefully they don't suffer a let down with the home and home against Columbus. 

For the first time in my 55+ years as a Ranger fan We. Can. Run. People. I'm looking down the road at the possibility of playing Tampa in Rd 1. We have two wingers that can match Hedman in size, and bang him. The Kempe novelty will soon wear off. Let's see if I'm right about both Kempe, and Edstrom having some hockey skill. Who's the Right Wing we will trade for? Eberle? Tarasenko? Vatrano? DuClair? Is there another?

Quote from: files58 on February 25, 2024, 12:51:59 AMFor the first time in my 55+ years as a Ranger fan We. Can. Run. People. I'm looking down the road at the possibility of playing Tampa in Rd 1. We have two wingers that can match Hedman in size, and bang him. The Kempe novelty will soon wear off. Let's see if I'm right about both Kempe, and Edstrom having some hockey skill. Who's the Right Wing we will trade for? Eberle? Tarasenko? Vatrano? DuClair? Is there another?

Words straight out of the scripture.

Not sure what the odds are for whom Drury is going to go after, but the deal won't include Othmann, that's for certain.

If you're a Hockey fan, in general, yesterday was about as good a lineup of games, quality of action, and results I've witnessed in a long time. Florida needed OT to beat the Caps. An epic battle between Boston and Vancouver went to OT before the latter won it. Toronto edging Colorado to officially make it known to the league they're back and playing tough.

But maybe the most important non-Ranger result was the Dallas Stars regrouping down in Charlotte and outduelling Carolina 2-1. The Canes still have a game in hand and are eight (8) points off the Rangers' 81, which is tied with Boston and a point behind Vancouver (82).

Get through this back to back weekend, where the Rangers have not yet lost the back end this season. Then take it to Columbus at the Garden on Wednesday, and exhale.

March is a tough slate but they'll play the rest of the best plus their division rivals to tune up for the playoffs. Laviolette has kept this season interesting with bringing the kids in now. Let's see if Othmann is in his plan over the next week or two. Also, as for a right winger, everyone is on the edge of their seat so stay tuned.

Time for Quickie in goal today?

Peace!

The winning streak is over. Columbus continues to be a challenging destination for the Rangers, but the Jackets more than outlasted, out-fought, out-played and deserved to win. The Rangers were on their heels all game and not even a solid performance from Quickie helped the cause.

They'll get another crack at Columbus on Wednesday at the Garden, and the damage was mitigated when Buffalo beat Carolina in a shootout.

The 10-win streak was a great run. Now, go start another run.

Peace!

Had to end sometime.  Curious that it was against that crappy Columbus team but hockey is funny like that sometimes.  Plus it feels like they just played 6 games in 8 days or something insane like that so a couple days off should do them well.  Start the next winning streak on Wednesday and get a bit of revenge. 

They looked tired because they played four very hard games last week and the Jackets didn't want to be the team the Rangers would have broken their all-time record against. But beyond all that, the Rangers struggle against Columbus because that team plays hard-nosed for 60 minutes. When you have an empty tank, and they have that Russian line doing ballet moves around Quickie to score, what can you say?

Edmonton put 16 on a line and that was just amazing. The Rangers put 10 and were no less impressive in their feat. Now it's the Maple Leafs' turn at seven (7) in succession and running. It's great stuff to follow as we get to crunch time.

After a couple of days off, the Rangers will right the ship against their Central Ohio nemesis.

Peace!

I fell asleep after the game (coached the kids at soccer practice last night) despite being in the Mountain Time Zone.

A well-rested Rangers' team neutralized Columbus and jumped them in the second period for two goals while Igor continued his magnificent play. Unlike Saturday's battle, the Rangers' kept the Jackets in their zone and pressured their goalie, Elvis Merzļikins, who matched Igor, save for save, in the first period and the first half of the second before the Breadman scored from a flick pass from Trocheck off the faceoff. Those two have got that one down to a science. Foxy added one as well to close the period 2-0.


But the Jackets refused to quit as Sillinger scored to open the third period and Marchenkov was constantly penetrating through the Rangers' defense and shooting away at Igor (NOTE: man, can he shoot a puck!). He and his Russian line buddies kept the puck in the Rangers' zone for the majority of the final period, clicked a few shots off the iron of the goal, but couldn't get the equalizer. In the closing moments, Kreider and the Breadman hit the open net for the final score and, thankfully, no more Columbus this season!

Matt Rempe, big shiner and all, received the majority of cheers during the night. That the Rangers have home-grown physical talent now issuing warning to would-be goons during the playoffs is pure genius on Lavoilette's part. Both he and Edstrom continue to gain experience and are playing good hockey right now. It is certainly making things interesting for Drury as March 8 approaches. Meanwhile, I've remarked that Rempe taking the Garden by storm reminded me of Nick Fotiu in my childhood. Sure enough, the NY Post couldn't resist and hunted down our old champ, Nick, for his thoughts on the kid:

Matt Rempe Rangers Arrival (https://nypost.com/2024/02/27/sports/matt-rempes-rangers-arrival-has-caught-nick-fotius-eye/?sp_amp_linker=1*nm85fd*amp_id*ZUhPaHFqS3Z0cjBOdV9aOE5icGx0LVdwNHhOeWE2SVJRNlZDckROSVRxNjlmU0oxbXVJTmxNdmJGWXlQQXlQLQ..)

Next up, La Soiree de Hockey au Canada, destination Toronto, where the Leafs' long winning streak was recently broken. As high a quality matchup this is, it will pale in comparison to next Monday night at the Garden when Florida comes to town. Preview of the semi-finals? Truth be told, the Atlantic may end up with the two Wild Card spots but, as we've seen since January 1st, several teams have made runs to get into contention. If the playoffs began today, the Rangers would host Tampa. But right now Florida, Toronto and Detroit are the hot teams in the Atlantic with New York and Carolina in the Metro. The fight for Metro #3 seed will be interesting. Can Ohilly hold on or will Washington or the Isles make a final push? The last 20+ games will make or break a lot of teams. The Rangers will have some very tough games to navigate in March (Winnipeg, Boston, Colorado, St. Louis, Florida, Carolina, trap game at Arizona?). If they are still in first place, when April rolls around, you can be sure they're battle hardened.

Rangers and Leafs have split their first two games, with both teams winning their respective games at home. Let's see if the Rangers can break that trend.

Peace!

Fought to get the point.  Tough loss in the shootout.  Trading deadline at the end of the week.  Need to do something to get guys like Mika and Kreider going at even strength. 

Tough loss. Thought they put in a big effort and played well. They had tons of chances. Fox had two huge chances that Samsanov denied. Bread also had chances. Shesty made some big saves despite allowing three goals. Just came up a notch short against a tough opponent tonight in a hostile environment. Nothing to hang their heads about.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 02, 2024, 10:36:04 PMTough loss. Thought they put in a big effort and played well. They had tons of chances. Fox had two huge chances that Samsanov denied. Bread also had chances. Shesty made some big saves despite allowing three goals. Just came up a notch short against a tough opponent tonight in a hostile environment. Nothing to hang their heads about.

Well stated. To escape that building with a point was an accomplishment that they might find useful when they tally up the points at season's end. Useful in that Winnipeg bounced back at Carolina, down 0-3 at the end of period two, and went on a tear to the tune of five (5) third period goals to dump the Canes 5-3 which increased the Rangers' lead over the Canes in the division.

But now comes the monster of the NHL to the Garden in what might very well be the game of the year, to date, when Florida plays the Rangers on Monday. The Panthers lay waste of the Red Wings 4-0 in Detroit yesterday and that's as sobering a wake-up call that there is.

#1 vs. #2 in the race for the President's Trophy. But I remember last season how the Rangers went into Florida in March, came out winners, and look what happened to both teams. Big game, but a lot of hockey to go.

It's all going to be hard from here-out so we'll know, soon enough, if they are battle hardened to make a run.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on March 03, 2024, 01:29:51 PMWell stated. To escape that building with a point was an accomplishment that they might find useful when they tally up the points at season's end. Useful in that Winnipeg bounced back at Carolina, down 0-3 at the end of period two, and went on a tear to the tune of five (5) third period goals to dump the Canes 5-3 which increased the Rangers' lead over the Canes in the division.

But now comes the monster of the NHL to the Garden in what might very well be the game of the year, to date, when Florida plays the Rangers on Monday. The Panthers lay waste of the Red Wings 4-0 in Detroit yesterday and that's as sobering a wake-up call that there is.

#1 vs. #2 in the race for the President's Trophy. But I remember last season how the Rangers went into Florida in March, came out winners, and look what happened to both teams. Big game, but a lot of hockey to go.

It's all going to be hard from here-out so we'll know, soon enough, if they are battle hardened to make a run.

Peace!

The March schedule in general is brutal. I'm ok with that though. It's an opportunity for this team to get a feel for what a playoff schedule is going to be like. Almost a dry run if you will (not that these games don't significantly matter). If nothing else, we're going to be "battle tested" heading into the postseason.

Happy to get the point, and have a six point lead over Carolina with even amount of games played. Why am I not happy? Is it because I'm a Ranger and Giant fan? There's a little something missing besides a Right Wing for Zib/Kreids. The meat grinder starts now. We are either going to play teams in playoff position, or teams fighting to get in. Shesty is in form, but there are a lot of good goaltenders(Bobrovsky). Speaking of Florida, tomorrow will be a nice measuring stick. They play a wonderful style of in your face hockey, and are well coached by Maurice. They have talent, toughness, and playoff experience. I've written this before the Rangers need to up the NASTY in their game. Not the fighting stuff by Rempe, but the check he laid on the Leaf dman. I just don't understand why puck carriers are allowed to skate through Center Ice with speed untouched, and only stick checked. This is league wide, not just the Rangers. I'm not talking about Park, Marotte, Stephens, Trouba type checks, just getting in the way, a jostle, make them keep their heads up. The stick checking along the boards makes me nuts. The boards are an anvil. These things are all inside of the rules. Did they rewrite the rule book, and I missed it. To win a Cup you MUST METE OUT PUNISHMENT, within the rules. Without the fighting which is limited in the playoffs anyway. Drury, go get a Right Wing, or is there a call up surprise? We need two scoring lines. Without Zib's line scoring it will be very difficult to get to the Conference Finals. If Kakko would be playing anywhere close to where Laffy is we would be very tough to beat. We're that close. Grrrrrrrrrr

Well, that was a heck of a game. Even though it took the Panthers an unbelievable magic trick to get the winner in the third, hats off to the Blueshirts for hanging in there the whole game.

What do you want yo talk about? The Panthers are the hardest team to score against and their aggressive forechecking, defensive fortress around Bobrovsky, not to mention the goalie's performance were all solid. But the Rangers had their chances. It's what Florida does on offense that leaves opposing defenses stymied. But I thought the Rangers played very well and Igor had another stellar performance. How do you stop that third goal? Answer: you don't.

If Florida continues to play at this level, nobody is going to lay a glove on them. But at some point you'd have to expect their bubble to burst. We'll just have to wait and see But that was one exciting game at the Garden last night with its fast paced action.

I also liked the fact that the Rangers aren't taking $hit from nobody these days and are prepared to drop the gloves anytime. The Rem-pe chant in the stands was a blast!

The Rangers ger one more crack at these Panthers down the road. But next up is St. Louis whom, for whatever reason, they seem to struggle with. A bad loss to them earlier this season will be fresh on their minds. They have 'til Saturday to strategize how they'll go about it.

Peace!

I don't know that 3rd goal game winner sure seemed stoppable to me. Granted it went through the legs of Trouba but from damn near the blue line and it wasn't moving particularly fast.  Shesty played fine outside of that but it looked like his brain was rebooting as the shot was coming towards him cause he just froze and watched it go right past him.

I agree, I thought Igor should have done better with the GWG.

The Panthers are the best team in the league for a reason and the rangers hung with them.

I like Rempe, it's nice to see some grit. I think Kakko needs the deadline so he at least knows where he's gonna be. I've seen a fair bit of twitter chatter that he's on the move, so let's see.

Quote from: Gmo11 on March 05, 2024, 06:59:45 AMI don't know that 3rd goal game winner sure seemed stoppable to me. Granted it went through the legs of Trouba but from damn near the blue line and it wasn't moving particularly fast.  Shesty played fine outside of that but it looked like his brain was rebooting as the shot was coming towards him cause he just froze and watched it go right past him.

It's unfortunate after the February he had that a poor played shot, one mistake by Igor was enough to turn the tide in the game.

Otherwise a very good game

We don't have enough. Historically that has been the case going back to the "Fat Cats" except for 94'. I mentioned in a previous post that there's something missing. That something is an emotional edge. That edge is a willingness to take the physicality of the game to the limits of the rules, and slightly beyond when the opportunity presents. "Sorry Matthew I was trying to clear the puck off the boards, what was that, 4 teeth, and a very swollen cheek, full shield face mask, gee sorry" Basically a f/u attitude all over the ice. Ok, now I've gotten my 1 Cup in 84 years Ranger fan frustration out. They played ok, not great, not bad. Even when they went up 1-0 I thought they were chasing the game. Against good teams they get hemmed in their zone too much. Makes me nuts, especially when they have a chance to clear, and make an errant pass. Just get the freakin puck out of the zone, and start all over. They need to be quicker, and sharper with their passes, and decisions. No more of this x-ice crap. It's dangerous, and doesn't work in today's NHL. Shoot the puck more from everywhere in the O zone. Off the goalie's head, back, a defensemen, cause chaos. Every once in awhile it's ok to take a boarding penalty, we have the PK. Make the opposition keep their heads' up while skating through Center Ice. That slight emotional, physical edge makes the difference. We need one more goal scorer(who doesn't). If Kakko is here after the trade deadline maybe he will come around some more. He's really strong on the puck, but he had the tying goal on his stick, and shot wide. They're very good, but might not be good enough. Unfortunately that's how Bettman wants it.   

Quote from: Gmo11 on March 05, 2024, 06:59:45 AMI don't know that 3rd goal game winner sure seemed stoppable to me. Granted it went through the legs of Trouba but from damn near the blue line and it wasn't moving particularly fast.  Shesty played fine outside of that but it looked like his brain was rebooting as the shot was coming towards him cause he just froze and watched it go right past him.

Lomberg's wrister which caught Igor off guard was more Igor than anthing, agreed, but an opportune goal that was a kick in the ribs to the Rangers. I was thinking about that insane first goal of theirs where Barkov scooped the puck with his stick, juggled it, flipped it over to Rinehart who scored ... just a crazy goal that leaves your jaw on the floor.

Other than Nashville, who have won eight on the trot, this one makes Florida's fifth in succession and nine of the last 10. As I penned earlier this morning, if they can keep that intensity up, then give them the cup because they will have more than deserved it. But Edmonton won 16 in a row, cooled off and sit second behind the Canucks who ran away with that division. A team that is getting hot at the right time is Winnipeg with their all-world goalie Hellebuyck who loves to play the Rangers. They come to town this month. My point is that the Rangers get another crack at Florida and the result might be different next time if the Rangers keep playing the way they are and the Panthers inevitably slow down as every hot team has at one point or another during the season.

Agreed, when Florida is on their game, the Rangers will have a difficult time trying to beat them. Same goes for Carolina, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, Detroit or even Tampa (i.e. the shell of the team who beat them two seasons ago in the semifinals). I agree with the toughness and am pleased they are finally showing signs of not backing down from other teams who have been feeling them out lately.

Now, it's just wait and see if Drury pulls the lever on any trades which might impact the rest of the season. TBD.

Peace!

Wasn't good enough last night. Not against that caliber of a team.

Will be interested to see what they do at the deadline. A friend of mine who is a diehard said he heard Drury inquired about Alex Tuch on Buffalo.

Alex Tuch would be my dream acquisition. I wanted him when he was with Vegas. I don't think Buffalo will trade him, believe he is a native Buffaloan. He would be perfect on Zibs right. Shot, physical, skate.

Panthers just got our old friend/mercenary Vlad Tarasenko. Don't see how the Rangers can hang with them without a big move of their own now.

That sucks. His family lives in Fla., so it makes sense.

Looks like we got Wennberg for a 2nd in 24, and a 4th in 25'.

Hopefully we're not done. I assume we're not. Wennberg might help at the margin in certain ways, but he isn't a difference maker.

The Penguins seem interested in moving Guntzel. They realize their window with Crosby and Malkin is pretty much closed, and they want to rebuild. Guntzel could be an option. He is outstanding. Obviously it would be costly, but that's the kind of guy that can make the difference between us beating a team like Florida in the postseason and losing to them, which it appears is what would probably happen with the current roster.

Here is Art Staple from The Athletic on Wennberg:


How Wennberg fits with Rangers

Wennberg joins the Rangers and slots in as their No. 3 center, a pretty seamless fit for a team that needed better depth down the middle, not necessarily high-end skill.

Wennberg did a lot of different things for the Kraken — he was one of their top penalty-killing forwards, played on the power play and took more faceoffs than any other Seattle center — but with the Rangers, he will be focused on centering a third line that can supplement the team's top six and be the sort of 200-foot center the Rangers could use.

With Seattle retaining half of Wennberg's $4.5-million cap hit, the Rangers currently have around $2.9-million in cap space. That number would go up if they were to add another forward, since they'd have to send down one of their waiver-exempt rookies currently on the roster, either Adam Edstrom or Matt Rempe.

It's believed the Rangers are still looking for a top-six wing to play on the right side. They still have their first-round picks this year and next year, so Anaheim forward Frank Vatrano could still be in play for them — as might Pittsburgh wing Jake Guentzel if the ask drops on the Penguins side.

The Rangers may also be in the market for a depth, left-shot defenseman, though adding another forward seems to be the priority now with Wennberg in the fold. — Arthur Staple, senior Rangers writer

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 06, 2024, 06:58:38 PMHere is Art Staple from The Athletic on Wennberg:


How Wennberg fits with Rangers

Wennberg joins the Rangers and slots in as their No. 3 center, a pretty seamless fit for a team that needed better depth down the middle, not necessarily high-end skill.

Wennberg did a lot of different things for the Kraken — he was one of their top penalty-killing forwards, played on the power play and took more faceoffs than any other Seattle center — but with the Rangers, he will be focused on centering a third line that can supplement the team's top six and be the sort of 200-foot center the Rangers could use.

With Seattle retaining half of Wennberg's $4.5-million cap hit, the Rangers currently have around $2.9-million in cap space. That number would go up if they were to add another forward, since they'd have to send down one of their waiver-exempt rookies currently on the roster, either Adam Edstrom or Matt Rempe.

It's believed the Rangers are still looking for a top-six wing to play on the right side. They still have their first-round picks this year and next year, so Anaheim forward Frank Vatrano could still be in play for them — as might Pittsburgh wing Jake Guentzel if the ask drops on the Penguins side.

The Rangers may also be in the market for a depth, left-shot defenseman, though adding another forward seems to be the priority now with Wennberg in the fold. — Arthur Staple, senior Rangers writer

Drury has been pursuing him for a while and the thought was that it would take a first-round pick and a prospect or two in order for the Octopi to make the trade. He's a versatile player who can, in addition to playing center, is a stallworth as a penalty killer and is one of the league's best passers of the puck. There was also talk that Drury was looking at Wennberg's teammate Jordan Eberle who could have been an answer to the right-wing gap.

This wasn't a surprise and a '24 second round pick and '25 conditional fourth round pick, plus picking up his salary, is reasonable for this acquisition.

Still time to find that wing, but time's a tickin'!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on March 06, 2024, 07:18:28 PMand is one of the league's best passers of the puck.

Is he really one of the league's best passers? He has 161 assists in 415 games. That doesn't seem like a lot.

He's light years better than Bredzinski. Did they send Rempe down to Hartford? Cuylie- Wennberg- Vesey can be an effective 3rd line. Edstrom- Goodrow- Bredzinski would be the 4th. It's good they made the trade now. He can get in a practice or two, and get acclimated before their next game on Saturday. 

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 06, 2024, 07:22:33 PMIs he really one of the league's best passers? He has 161 assists in 415 games. That doesn't seem like a lot.

With the Rangers, it will come in handy on killing opponents' power plays, if you can remember how many times our heroes fail to clear the puck out of their own zone. But as for assists, I'll admit I don't watch too many Seattle games but the inference was accuracy; assists is a good point, though. It will be interesting to see how he gels with the third line. Drury got him at the right moment because a few teams came a calling for him with interest.

Brace yourselves, some talking heads were actually recommending Drury work a deal with St. Louis, who comes to town for Saturday night's game, and bring back Pavel Buchnevich and reunite him with the Z-man and Kreider. Really now???

If Drury can find a complementary right-winger, then great. But maybe it be more prudent to try and find one more hard-nosed defenseman to round out the team's lineup.

36 hours left and counting!

Peace!

Carolina adding Guentzel puts the pressure on Drury to get something done.

That's horrible for the Rangers. We're going to haveto play my style of hockey(Atilla the Hun) to beat them. The only counter move I see is prying Adam Tuch away from Buffalo which would probably take more in assets than Carolina gave up.

We will see what happens but there might not really be a major move for the Rangers to make. 

Drury is straight up trash. 

Wow. Pretty uninspiring deadline.

Quote from: Messiah717 on March 08, 2024, 03:15:35 PMDrury is straight up trash. 

Why? You don't know what the asking prices were. Dolan doesn't want to trade this year's #1 because the draft is at one of his properties, and Drury doesn't want to trade Kakko. I agree. The league has a tendency to ask more from the Rangers in trades than other teams. Seattle re-signed Eberle, Anaheim wanted alot for Vatrano. Pittsburgh's rivalry with Carolina is mild compared with that of the Rangers. I could not see the Pens considering sending Guentzel here. Taffoli would have been nice, but the Devils would never do it. Tarasenko's family lives in Florida. So we go to war with what we have. Carolina also got Kuznetsov, but his head may not be straight. Adam Tuch was not going to get traded, and the price for doing so would have been exorbitant. Drury would not part with Othmann and Perrault. Again I agree. People in the know say that Perrault was the steal of the 2023 draft. Bettman must be drooling about Florida. Southwest winner last year, southeast looking really strong, Rangers very relevant, and making money for the league. That's how he wants it in his macro view competing with other sports. We have a micro view.

Quote from: files58 on March 08, 2024, 03:42:42 PMWhy? You don't know what the asking prices were. Dolan doesn't want to trade this year's #1 because the draft is at one of his properties, and Drury doesn't want to trade Kakko. I agree. The league has a tendency to ask more from the Rangers in trades than other teams. Seattle re-signed Eberle, Anaheim wanted alot for Vatrano. Pittsburgh's rivalry with Carolina is mild compared with that of the Rangers. I could not see the Pens considering sending Guentzel here. Taffoli would have been nice, but the Devils would never do it. Tarasenko's family lives in Florida. So we go to war with what we have. Carolina also got Kuznetsov, but his head may not be straight. Adam Tuch was not going to get traded, and the price for doing so would have been exorbitant. Drury would not part with Othmann and Perrault. Again I agree. People in the know say that Perrault was the steal of the 2023 draft. Bettman must be drooling about Florida. Southwest winner last year, southeast looking really strong, Rangers very relevant, and making money for the league. That's how he wants it in his macro view competing with other sports. We have a micro view.

I don't often agree with you but I do here.nobody knows what the asking price was for Guentzel. And he was only a rental having been public that he would not sign a contract until he became a free agent.  Taffoli was not moved at all, the Devils are on a winning streak.  The Rangers have a good combination of experience and youth and have some high level prospects.  If Shesty is back to playing what he's shown he's capable of, with the right amount of luck, they're in the running.  If they hadn't made the trade for Wennberg,  Drury would have deserved the criticism.  But getting him (for a good price) and some depth pieces, I'm ok with that.

Plenty of reasons.  Drury inherited this core and has done little more than piss away draft picks.  Let's also not forget Buchnevich or Blais or not figuring a way to keep Vatrano.  I'm not saying make moves for the sake of doing so or overpaying but you're either in it to win or you're out.  Have a plan here.  Their main contenders in the East got better.  The Rangers just shored up spots open due to injury.

Toffoli was traded to Winnepeg for picks.

Quote from: Messiah717 on March 08, 2024, 06:40:49 AMCarolina adding Guentzel puts the pressure on Drury to get something done.

Wow! Rempe vs. Guentzel in the Quarterfinals 15 Round heavyweight. I'm buying my front row seats for that one!

Lot of bickering here but files58 is all over this one. Besides, the pressure is more on Brind 'Amore and Carolina since they've won the Metro two years in a row and got dumped unceremoniously in the playoffs both times. This season he and his goons might not catch the Rangers and he'll be on the hot seat.

Methinks if those two team meet in the playoffs, and the Rangers beat them, his seat is on fire.

The final stretch just got more interesting. Can the Rangers just beat the damned Blues, once and for all, tonight?

Peace!

The final acquisitions are in.

Drury sent a conditional 2024 fourth to Columbus for forward Jack Roslovic, a 2027 fourth round pick for defenseman Chad Ruhwedel from Pittsburgh, and swapped career journeymen with Minnesota in getting forward Nic Petan from Minnesota for Turner Elson, both AHL players.

Holes technically filled, but will they be enough to match up against Carolina or Florida in post-season?

Welcome to the latest Rangers, now beat the Blues, will ya?

Peace!

Outstanding performance by the Rangers last night. Shesty with the shutout, Bread was all over the place making plays, Fox looked really good, Rempe was not just hitting but was a serious offensive presence (his goal looked good to me but whatever), and the new guys looked ok.

I like that they had a long rest and didn't come out rusty, as we have seen with them in the past. They looked incredibly sharp. 4-0 is a dominant score, but it easily could have been 6 or 7-0.

The schedule is ruthlessly tough this month. They're about to be seriously tested these next two to three weeks. Based on what I saw last night, they look ready for the challenge to me.

Well, they finally delivered, in convincing fashion, over the Blues with a 4-0 shutout which included the debut of two of their new acquisitions, Roslovic and Wennberg. Both played the full game and started to get in sync with their new teammates right away. Roslovic had more puck time and looked sharp with the Z-man and Kreider. Wennberg was doing his thing on the penalty kill team and getting to know the third line.

But it was Trocheck, in his 700th NHL game, who opened the scoring last night with a deflection that tipped both him and the Blues' defender before redirecting past the goalie Binnington. The Rangers' defense then set up Jimmy Vesey for a breakaway which his powerful wrist shot hit part of Binnington's stick before rolling past him and into the goal for the 2-0 to end the first period and deflate the Blues.

The Rangers almost went up 3-0 when Rempe blasted a shot which hit the crossbar, post and bounced halfway across, bit not completely over the goal line, so no goal was awarded.

The Rangers withstood the charge of the Blues in the final period with another outstanding performance from Igor who was able to preserve his second shutout for the season. 38 saves in all, his record is 8-1-1 in his last 10 with the only loss being the Florida game. Goals from Kreider and Kakko sealed this game of retribution and made it a perfect weekend with the Devils at the Garden coming up on Monday.

The days or rest are over. The final grind begins now. Six games in nine days with all tough teams. Carolina and Florida are flexing their muscles to solidify their standing, Tampa is trying to lock in their playoff spot, the big boys are now coming out to play and the little kids are going home to their mommies and being tucked in for the night. This is all the real deal from here on in and you can feel the tension begin to build. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you look at the March schedule, and if the Rangers are still in first place come April 1, they deserve to be called a contender in the post-season. They know what they have to deal with against Carolina, Florida and Boston, all of which they play this month, and possibly the post season.

For now, it's the Devils. Then, next day, the big one in Carolina. Two days later, a rejuvenated Tampa, then Saturday at Pittsburgh which is back to back with the Isles at the Garden Sunday. Then comes Hellebuyck and Winnipeg next Tuesday at the Garden in a huge matchup. Tough, tough grind, folks!!!

Peace!

Another strong performance by the Rangers. Like the previous game, they had a ton of quality chances in this game.

Rempe is doing a lot of great things out there, so overall my assessment of him is very positive, but he needs to be smarter than throwing that blatant elbow at someone's face like that. Thankfully his team bailed him out with a great penalty kill, but gift-wrapping a 5 minute major to your opponent like that in that spot was brutal. Again, it's way more good than bad with him, but he needs to learn from that. You just can't do that.

Our D-men played great. Lindgren and Gustaffson were among the three stars of the game.

Great to see Mika score in 5-on-5... need more of that.

Even though it was the Devils the Rangers could have been looking ahead to tomorrow, and the Canes. I am starting to like the lockdown look they are playing with. Roslovic, and Wennberg both bring speed, which I felt we needed. Roslovic may or may not fit with Zeb/Kreids, but Wennberg could provide a third line match up advantage. The Devils had a number of chances that a better/playoff team might have scored on. It's got to get a little tighter. Jones is playing OK in Trouba's absence.

How long do you think Rempe will be suspended for?

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on March 12, 2024, 05:50:43 AMHow long do you think Rempe will be suspended for?

Don't know, but they'll probably lock him down long enough so he learns elbows to thr face, no matter how tall you are, won't get you far in this league.

But he is definitely a cult hero for sure! So, hopefully not too long!

Peace!

Quote from: files58 on March 11, 2024, 11:21:14 PMEven though it was the Devils the Rangers could have been looking ahead to tomorrow, and the Canes. I am starting to like the lockdown look they are playing with. Roslovic, and Wennberg both bring speed, which I felt we needed. Roslovic may or may not fit with Zeb/Kreids, but Wennberg could provide a third line match up advantage. The Devils had a number of chances that a better/playoff team might have scored on. It's got to get a little tighter. Jones is playing OK in Trouba's absence.

Roslovic is still getting used to the speed on his line. The day they signed him, they brought him coast to coast, dressed him and played him. I think he'll eventually click with Kreider and the Z-Man. Both he and Wennberg's speed are a stark contrast to many Rangers out there. They're going to find their niche with this team but now they have to do it against the best in the league starting tonight.

Rangers at Canes. It doesn't get any better than that. It's time to make a statement and tonight's as good a night to do it.

Let's see how they go.

Peace!

Back-to-back games, back-to-back victories!

Igor: back-to-back shutouts in consecutive games!

What a pressure-packed performance tonight from both the Rangers and Canes!

The Rangers' goalie, who is now starting to turn his game up to that level we observed two seasons ago. But what is fascinating is that the defense is coming up big without Trouba in the lineup. Fox is rapidly becoming a cornerstone as an attacking defender. After Igor, give him the #2 star of the game not only for the lone goal of the game but for stopping so many dangerous Carolina attacks throughout the contest. But he was by no means the lone defensive star as his teammates Jones, Miller and Lindgren all held the fort down when Carolina attacked like gangbusters, but also stood tall in the third period after the Canes were spent and pushed away nearly every attack.

For the Rangers to contend for the Cup, they are going to have to win a series against this Carolina team in the second round. The survivor would have to take on Florida which would be a near insurmountable task; especially if the series goes the full seven games as it did two seasons ago.

But tonight was one game. It served its purpose of extending the Rangers' lead in the Metro. Now it's onto Tampa for an important match since the opponent could possibly be a first round playoff matchup.

Savor tonight's big win. It only gets tougher from here.

Peace!

Shesty certainly looks back! He's had a string of games now where he's looked like his old self again. If he's going to play like this from here on out the rangers are capable of beating anybody.

Canes goalie was also red hot yesterday including stopping a 2 v 0 breakaway. One fluky goal was all they could get past him but Shesty and the suddenly formidable defense made sure it held up.

That game kinda had a playoff feel to it given the importance to the standings and it was great to see the rangers come out on top with 2 clean points.

What I noticed from the beginning of the season is that this Ranger team effectively keeps the opposition to the outside in their own zone. Of course there are some breakdowns, but they have a very effective checking structure. One of the faults of the Lundquist Rangers was their heavy reliance on him. Looking back the Brodeur Cup Devils employed a blanket checking(trap, left wing lock) defense BACKSTOPPED by an All-World goalie. This Ranger team has a strong checking system backstopped by an All-NHL if not All-World goalie, and the #2 is a 3x Cup champ. The goalie can be your best player without having to be so heavily relied upon. This Ranger team is taking on that personality. Not too long ago I felt Carolina had a noticeable edge in team speed. Not anymore. The additions of Wennberg, and Roslovic have added that speed ingredient. 1-0 on the road, in a playoff type atmosphere, in a race for first. I mentioned in a post two days ago that I liked their lockdown look, and that I see room for it to get tighter. Even after last night it still can get tighter. That's what wins. LGR. 

Quote from: files58 on March 13, 2024, 12:48:17 PMWhat I noticed from the beginning of the season is that this Ranger team effectively keeps the opposition to the outside in their own zone. Of course there are some breakdowns, but they have a very effective checking structure. One of the faults of the Lundquist Rangers was their heavy reliance on him. Looking back the Brodeur Cup Devils employed a blanket checking(trap, left wing lock) defense BACKSTOPPED by an All-World goalie. This Ranger team has a strong checking system backstopped by an All-NHL if not All-World goalie, and the #2 is a 3x Cup champ. The goalie can be your best player without having to be so heavily relied upon. This Ranger team is taking on that personality. Not too long ago I felt Carolina had a noticeable edge in team speed. Not anymore. The additions of Wennberg, and Roslovic have added that speed ingredient. 1-0 on the road, in a playoff type atmosphere, in a race for first. I mentioned in a post two days ago that I liked their lockdown look, and that I see room for it to get tighter. Even after last night it still can get tighter. That's what wins. LGR. 

The irony of it all, as stated by Roslovic, is that he's still trying to adjust to the speed of the Rangers in order to help that lockdown effect, as well as create scoring chances. He still looked a half step off last night but Wennberg looked pretty good out there. Just smart, tactical acquisitions.

Good observation on what the defense is doing. They have been working on this for most of the season and had been getting burned inside when the good teams would sneak a player in front of Igor and Quickie for a fast one-touch pass, shoot, score; the Rangers have been much better with covering in front of the goalie, coupled with outstanding performances from both goalies, to truly lock down the fast teams. Even in the 4-2 loss to Florida, I thought they did a pretty good job locking them down until the Panthers went gangbusters and blew the game away in the third period. Look what Florida did last night in Dallas. They were down 3-1 in the third and then proceeded to blow the Stars out of their own building with three goals to run roughshod over the Central Division Leaders. They're not showing any signs of slowing down, either! So, if the Rangers have any chance of making it to the finals, they most certainly will have to get it much tighter than the impressive display last night.

Makes you froth at the mouth for the next time those two meet which will be next week.

Peace!

Where do Igor and Quickie rank among the all-time Ranger goalie tandems in team history? For those of you with a little more history under your belt than I do (NOTE: I started following the Rangers in 1978-79), the choice is obvious. But see who else made the top five in the following article:

New York Rangers Top Goalie Tandems Ranked (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/new-york-rangers-top-goalie-tandems-ranked-after-jonathan-quick-contract-extension/ar-BB1jQaDj?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=28dd0afcbc8647029359b99f9c6fa8a8&ei=75)

Enjoy!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on March 13, 2024, 05:46:17 PMWhere do Igor and Quickie rank among the all-time Ranger goalie tandems in team history? For those of you with a little more history under your belt than I do (NOTE: I started following the Rangers in 1978-79), the choice is obvious. But see who else made the top five in the following article:

New York Rangers Top Goalie Tandems Ranked (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/new-york-rangers-top-goalie-tandems-ranked-after-jonathan-quick-contract-extension/ar-BB1jQaDj?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=28dd0afcbc8647029359b99f9c6fa8a8&ei=75)

Enjoy!

Peace!

Without looking at it, they are by far the best.  However, they won't have the run that Beezer-Richter had together in terms of longevity (Igor and Quick are better than both of them).  People get nostalgic for Giacomin, so I am sure he and Gilles Villemeure (his autograph is like a work of art, btw).  However, have spoken to a few people whose opinion I trust that were watching back then and all have said Giacomin was a bit overrated and was outplayed by Cheevers in 72. 

edit: just looked.  In terms of pure talent, it is far and away Igor and Quick.  Again, longevity as Rangers will hurt them on these lists.

Thought last night was a huge win.  Igor with a 2nd straight shutout.  However, thought overall the team played very well defensively.  Had a few moments where the teams went back and forth and the defense was lost.  But, that was an exception. 

Quote from: coggs on March 13, 2024, 06:02:29 PMThought last night was a huge win.  Igor with a 2nd straight shutout.  However, thought overall the team played very well defensively.  Had a few moments where the teams went back and forth and the defense was lost.  But, that was an exception. 

I agree. Shesty was superb, but so was the D. Great team effort.

And I would say despite only getting one goal, the offense did a pretty solid job in this game considering the opponent. Obviously you can never call a one goal game a great offensive game, but they created plenty of quality chances against a team that historically has given them fits and choked them up in the neutral zone etc.

The way this team is playing overall right now and the goaltending their getting really make me think sky is the limit. Obviously, there are other top notch teams out there (like the Canes), and you can never feel that confident going into the playoffs, no matter what your record is (see the Bruins last year), but if the Shesty we have been seeing for the past month or so is the Shesty we are going to have throughout the postseason, I would not put any cap on how far this team might be able to go.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 13, 2024, 06:30:01 PMI agree. Shesty was superb, but so was the D. Great team effort.

And I would say despite only getting one goal, the offense did a pretty solid job in this game considering the opponent. Obviously you can never call a one goal game a great offensive game, but they created plenty of quality chances against a team that historically has given them fits and choked them up in the neutral zone etc.

The way this team is playing overall right now and the goaltending their getting really make me think sky is the limit. Obviously, there are other top notch teams out there (like the Canes), and you can never feel that confident going into the playoffs, no matter what your record is (see the Bruins last year), but if the Shesty we have been seeing for the past month or so is the Shesty we are going to have throughout the postseason, I would not put any cap on how far this team might be able to go.

The one thing I like is when the Rangers play out of division / out of conference teams to see how they measure up. In recent weeks, they more than acquitted themselves against a tough Toronto team on the road, even though they lost in a shootout. The Colorado OT win was a thing of beauty and we'll see their rubber match on the 28th.

Next week's schedule is a dream for measuring up with the best as it starts with all-world goalie Conner Hellebuyck, offensive threats Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers on their #1 line, their recent acquisition of Tyler Toffoli, who is reunited with former King Alex Iafallo, is expected to fit in the second line. This game is going to be nearly as ferocious as the Canes' game was and the Jets are flying high at the moment, with Dallas stunned last night, and have a chance to draw even for first place in the Central with a win tonight against Nashville.

Two nights later it's off to Bean-town for one final duel with the Bruins who will be looking for respect after losing two to the Rangers this season and, more importantly, to try and keep pace with Florida. Too bad this one couldn't have been pushed to a Saturday game!

Alas, the Rangers will have to console themselves with Florida on Saturday, March 23rd for one final crack at the seemingly invincible force, especially in third periods where they have just flexed their muscle and blown up their opponents, and try to make a statement before, perhaps, a semifinal series down the Road to the Stanley Cup.

The week following will involve their final road trip out to these here parts in the Mountain Time Zone but we'll cover them in due time.

The bottom line: Tampa is a good immediate threat; always a tough team which plays 60 full minutes, their goalie has had a down year post-surgery but he and the team haven't thrown the towel in and should present a stiff challenge to Laviolette's boys tomorrow night. Fortunately, now that Daylight Savings Time has pushed Arizona three hours back from Eastern Daylight Time, I'll get the game at 4 PM local (Mountain Standard Time). It's awesome to wrap up work early and get home to the ESPN+ stream that's an hour into the game. You can't beat it!

One final revenge game for 2021-22!

Peace!

Terrible loss tonight. Just a total collapse after a completely dominant first period. They got completely owned by Point. A painful game to watch. I hope they can shake that one off because that was pretty bad for the final 40 minutes.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 14, 2024, 10:25:50 PMTerrible loss tonight. Just a total collapse after a completely dominant first period. They got completely owned by Point. A painful game to watch. I hope they can shake that one off because that was pretty bad for the final 40 minutes.

It seems like they went to sleep yet again against Tampa.  There's a team you should hope the Rangers avoid in round one.

I'm gonna leave this one for files58 because the tone of the game changed once the Bolts went physical, got into the Rangers' heads once the "Duke" started taking over the game and, even after they grabbed the lead back at 3-2, Tampa out-worked them and beat Igor through crossing passes to Point and that one to Stamkos completely uncovered.

It was the re-enactment of the semifinal round 2021-22 all over again. What's worse is the Rangers come out of that one beat up a bit and missed a golden chance to pull within two of Florida for the President's Trophy as Carolina inexplicably blanked the Panthers 4-0 last night ... bizarre!

But the fact is that this loss pulls Carolina back within four and, if they manage to pull ahead of the Rangers to steal the division, guess who would be coming to the Garden for round one? Probably a good thing there's still nearly a month of hockey to play.

Another back-to-back weekend coming up with division rivals in the crosshairs. At Pitt Saturday matinee, Isles on Sunday.

Peace!

They stopped skating. Extremely critical error by Bredzinski directly led to Tampa's first goal, and changed the game. It's been said the most important goal in a hockey game is the third goal. Bredzinski put the puck in the center of the ice instead of just along the boards, the safe play. You just can't make those mistakes. That's why I consider him not to be a good player, he's had brain farts before. That's why despite all his hard work he's really just a good Minor League player. Point like last night at times has All-World performances, he's a terrific player. Kutcherov is Kutcherov. However Tampa plays the game within the game. A number of Rangers seemed to get hit with shots last night, innocently looking, but none the less. You don't win cups without pushing things to the limit of what's allowed. That attitude comes hand in hand with winning. It's part of the cliché heart of a champion. They still have their championship core which makes them a tough, scary opponent in a seven game series. One mis-play changed the game, can't have it happen. It's always the little details. 

Quote from: files58 on March 15, 2024, 10:22:14 AMThey stopped skating. <B>Extremely critical error by Bredzinski directly led to Tampa's first goal, and changed the game. It's been said the most important goal in a hockey game is the third goal. Bredzinski put the puck in the center of the ice instead of just along the boards, the safe play. You just can't make those mistakes. That's why I consider him not to be a good player, he's had brain farts before. That's why despite all his hard work he's really just a good Minor League player.</B> Point like last night at times has All-World performances, he's a terrific player. Kutcherov is Kutcherov. However Tampa plays the game within the game. A number of Rangers seemed to get hit with shots last night, innocently looking, but none the less. You don't win cups without pushing things to the limit of what's allowed. That attitude comes hand in hand with winning. It's part of the cliché heart of a champion. They still have their championship core which makes them a tough, scary opponent in a seven game series. One mis-play changed the game, can't have it happen. It's always the little details. 

You correctly called out what I unconsciously repressed because I screamed at my TV after Brodzinski inexplicably made two dumb plays with the second, as you summarized very well, completely changed the course of the game. Just an inexcusable play and what's ironic is that, as a soccer coach for a bunch of nine to eleven year old kids, I stress and train them on the same concept and, once in a while, they'll pull a "Brodzinski" (NOTE: not intended to be a Polish joke even though I'm pure-bred Polish) and, after the other team scores, I'll call them over to me, they're hanging their head, I'm smiling at them, I pat them on the back and ask them what happened. I'll then ask what could they have done to avoid that situation. Light bulb goes on, I send them back in, game goes on. Brodzinski probably got a lot worse from Laviolette.

They received a wake-up call last night. Now is the time to get it together. But it won't get any easier with the two division rivals coming up this weekend, and some of the best NHL teams waiting for them next week. As I said a couple of weeks ago, if they make it out of March in first place in the Metro, it will be well deserved.

Peace!

Well, the Rangers' defense struggled again today against Pittsburgh, but an all-out performance by Quickie should result in them picking his tab up tonight for yet another outstanding performance in goal. The offense, meanwhile, featured the Breadman on a five-point tear (two goals, three assists, and a near hat-trick completing open net shot which missed by inches) and a dominating Power Play in a 7-4 victory which sets up tomorrow's back-alley brawl against the Isles (who lost in OT to Ottawa and Patrick Roy looked like he was getting ready to put on a sweater and play tomorrow in his disgust!).

Following the victory, the battle of Florida commenced and it appears the Bolts have woke from the dead to put their in-state rivals on their back ends with a 4-0 first period lead with Vasilevskiy starting to look like that impenetrable goaltender from Tampa's glory years, making 47 saves in leading the Bolts to a 5-3 triumph over the Panthers which dropped them to second in the Atlantic as Boston edged Philadelphia today to jump ahead of them at 95 points but at 69 games played. Florida is at 94 points with 68 games played and the Rangers are tied with Vancouver for third in the NHL at 92 points with 67 games played apiece.

Looking ahead after the Islanders tomorrow, a critical game in the Garden against the high-flying Winnipeg Jets who are tied at the top of the Central Division along with Colorado, who have won five on the trot and whom the Rangers will visit on March 28th. Both these games are statement matchups with the Jets having one of the best #1 lines in the league and, arguably, the best goalie in the league with Connor Hellebuyck. The Avs, up in Mile High Denver, Colorado,  is a beautiful match-up of two teams with speed and scoring prowess who would make an ideal Stanley Cup Final (NOTE: in my humble opinion). Between these two games, however, lie two more games with the best two teams in the Atlantic: Boston in Beantown and Florida one more time at the Garden. The Rangers have taken two already from the Bruins and the final match will be huge for both teams. Two days later, the Panthers come to town a tad wounded after getting blanked by Carolina and punched in the jaw by Tampa. Will Trouba be back in time for this big game? Rempe certainly will and he's been missed the last couple of games. Getting both back will be crucial going into the post-season.

The Rangers' fight for top seed in the Metro, the Eastern Conference and the President's Cup will look clearer in the next two weeks. But it is also worth watching the fight for the Wild Card slots as well. Tampa is pushing their chips to the center of the table and making their move now. Detroit is barely hanging on and finally won today to snap a seven-game losing streak. The Isles are just on the outside looking in and know tomorrow's Rangers' game would do them wonders for the fight. Washington is starting to wake out of its slumber right now. So, it's time to turn it up and flex some muscle. The Rangers will more than have their opportunity to do just that over the next two weeks, then reload and fire again with the division rivals making up the balance of their regular season. We're halfway through March and they're still at the top of the Metro and in the hunt for the President's Trophy. It's not the end-all, but it's been one entertaining season to date with the opportunity to do something this club hasn't done in a long time.

It starts tomorrow morning (NOTE: here in Arizona, anyway) with their backyard rivals.

Peace!

joy your balance.

I think the Rangers really missed Trouba this week - for the first time since his injury. I'm looking forward to having him back.

The pass from Tro to bread across the crease was outstanding. I simply loved that. Fox took his goal very well too.

I agree that Rempe being back will add a bit of grit and hopefully he's learned to keep his elbows down.

Whilst the D looked shakey last night, I thought the offense, and the PP in particular looked good. This has been a hard run for the Rangers with 5 games in 7 days, so if they can get 2 pts this afternoon that's a great return.

One last thought - I think Roslovic has gotten better each game, he's a fast skater but I have to admit, I've hardly noticed Wennberg on the ice. I know his getting far fewer minutes than he was in Seattle and hopefully he's still adjusting but I'd expect a little more than 1 SOG and 3 hits from your 3rd line centre. Hopefully he picks up soon.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on March 17, 2024, 08:48:05 AMjoy your balance.

I think the Rangers really missed Trouba this week - for the first time since his injury. I'm looking forward to having him back.

The pass from Tro to bread across the crease was outstanding. I simply loved that. Fox took his goal very well too.

I agree that Rempe being back will add a bit of grit and hopefully he's learned to keep his elbows down.

Whilst the D looked shakey last night, I thought the offense, and the PP in particular looked good. This has been a hard run for the Rangers with 5 games in 7 days, so if they can get 2 pts this afternoon that's a great return.

One last thought - I think Roslovic has gotten better each game, he's a fast skater but I have to admit, I've hardly noticed Wennberg on the ice. I know his getting far fewer minutes than he was in Seattle and hopefully he's still adjusting but I'd expect a little more than 1 SOG and 3 hits from your 3rd line centre. Hopefully he picks up soon.

Good morning and good inputs!

Yes, Trocheck's pass to Breadman was all-world, but I think the Z-mans power play goal may have even topped that one. When this team unleashes passes like that, and turns them into scores, it must be mind-blowing for the opponent.

Agree with you 100% given last weekend was a back-to-back as is this weekend. It's every other day from here-on out.

I've noticed that Laviolette has tried Wennberg in different matchups during the Tampa game, but he's still working penalty killing and third line. Once in a while, he'll get a turn with the first or second lines. He's a role player for now, but he's doing what we need him to do as a center, extra wingman, and special teams player. Roslovic, on the other hand, loves playing for this team and you can see it in his skating. It was nice to see the team gather around him for his first goal as a Ranger the other day in Tampa.

They'll get Rempe back for the Jets game. Trouba, not so sure yet.

Peace!

Lame move by the NHL to give Rempe four games instead of three. They should have wanted him back for the Isles game today. Ok, I'm biased, but this would be the perfect game for him to be coming back for.

I still don't even know what Trouba's injury even is, other than the usual vague "lower body" injury stuff. I have no idea when he's coming back, except that they're optimistic they'll have him for the playoffs, which is still several weeks away. I wish we had a bit more transparency.

I actually thought Quick played very well yesterday, despite allowing four goals. None of the goals were really on him, and he made some very nice saves. I do agree the D was a bit subpar in this game, but overall I thought we looked good. Both teams played well I thought.

Carolina continues to win and has a higher goal differential on the year than we do. Our win there was huge last week, but we have no room for complacency if we want to win this division. You know the Isles are going to show up today. We need another big effort. I know the schedule and lack of rest time is tough right now, but this is go time.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 17, 2024, 10:05:26 AMLame move by the NHL to give Rempe four games instead of three. They should have wanted him back for the Isles game today. Ok, I'm biased, but this would be the perfect game for him to be coming back for.

I still don't even know what Trouba's injury even is, other than the usual vague "lower body" injury stuff. I have no idea when he's coming back, except that they're optimistic they'll have him for the playoffs, which is still several weeks away. I wish we had a bit more transparency.

I actually thought Quick played very well yesterday, despite allowing four goals. None of the goals were really on him, and he made some very nice saves. I do agree the D was a bit subpar in this game, but overall I thought we looked good. Both teams played well I thought.

Carolina continues to win and has a higher goal differential on the year than we do. Our win there was huge last week, but we have no room for complacency if we want to win this division. You know the Isles are going to show up today. We need another big effort. I know the schedule and lack of rest time is tough right now, but this is go time.

I'll log my thoughts as the Rangers finish taking care of business against the Islanders.

The Trouba injury was a mystery from the moment we learned about it. But I think he now has incentive to work himself back sooner now that Lindgren's knee/MCL will likely ensure he will be done for the foreseeable future pending good fortune.

Quickie's performance yesterday, and Igor's performance today, continue to demonstrate why the Rangers have arguably the best goalie tandem in the NHL which is a point in their success so far this season.

Today's game plan was to play it simple, and it started that way and was working until the short-handed goal by Horvat gave the Isles a shot in the arm and the lead at the end of the first. But when the Rangers turned it on, to start the second, with the sequence that resulted in Z-man's goal in the first 30 seconds set the tone for everything which followed. It was good to see the goals spread out among the players today with Cuylle and Brodzinski scoring and another from Kakko. That these second and third line players continue to score will be needed against the powerhouse teams the Rangers will face over the next two weeks.

So, it's on to Powerhouse Week #1. Winnipeg on Tuesday, will be their second of a five game road trip for them. Hopefully Columbus takes it to them today. Tough matchup but should be a playoff atmosphere at the Garden; Hellebuyck vs. Shesterkin, battle of two of the best in the league.

Peace!

I'm glad we took care of business against an inferior opponent today, and there were definitely some good performances worthy of mention, but this was really bittersweet as the Lindgren injury is a huge concern. I think he may be the most underappreciated player on the team. We're not the same without him.

The one positive is that unlike in some recent past years, we have pretty good defensive depth this year. Zac Jones has developed into a pretty nice player, our 6th D spot is no longer a weak link (Gustaffson is good), and we have Chad Ruhewedel from the trade. Still though, this loss sucks if it's as serious an injury as I'm worried it might be. Hoping for the best and that it's just a bad sprain and it's a 2-3 week thing. I fear worse than that though.

Athletic article on the current situation:


Ryan Lindgren injury overshadows Rangers' great effort in win over Islanders



By Arthur Staple
42m ago


NEW YORK — As the New York Rangers have piled up the wins since the All-Star break — they're now 15-3-1 since the start of February — they've been a curious team. They still have some of the most elite talent in the league and that talent is still performing at a high level, but the Rangers haven't defended well.

Coming into Sunday's game with the New York Islanders, the Rangers ranked 29th in the league in expected goals against at five-on-five in February and March. During December and January, when the Rangers had an 11-12-2 record, they ranked 16th in the league in xGA. It's been the Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick show, for the most part, during this terrific stretch.

But they were very good defensively on Sunday, even after suffering a potentially huge loss when Ryan Lindgren had to be helped off the ice in the second period following a collision with Jean-Gabriel Pageau in the Rangers end.

Lindgren is as tough as they come in this league and he's usually able to recover, whether it's a stick to the face or something more serious. He memorably returned from a high-ankle sprain in just eight days, coming back into the lineup when the Rangers were down 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. He didn't miss a game the rest of the way even though he was clearly compromised.

Perhaps he can recover from this nasty-looking leg injury. Peter Laviolette would only say Lindgren was "being evaluated" and there is just over a month until the playoffs begin. But for a defense corps already missing Jacob Trouba for at least another week, losing Lindgren would be a big blow.

If the Rangers can defend the way they did on Sunday, they can withstand the Lindgren loss for a while. The Rangers didn't just defend in their own end — they were up the ice turning pucks over and rolling through shifts that didn't see their end of the ice. They've been one of the worst teams defending the rush all season and gave up hardly anything in that area on Sunday; rather they stuck to Laviolette's 1-3-1 structure better than they have for a while now, even using the tight neutral zone to turn the play back on the Isles when Lindgren sent Will Cuylle in for a second-period goal.

Laviolette made a tweak to his bottom six, swapping Jonny Brodzinski and Will Cuylle to create a matchup-checking line of Cuylle-Barclay Goodrow–Jimmy Vesey and a third line with Kaapo Kakko, Alex Wennberg and Brodzinski. That third line contributed two goals, one from Brodzinski on a deflection and one from Kakko on a strong play off the wall; both were crucial, with Brodzinski's breaking a 2-2 tie and Kakko's giving the Rangers a 4-2 lead in the third.

Chad Ruhwedel will almost surely make his Rangers debut on Tuesday against the Jets. Perhaps the need for a left-shot defenseman feels a bit stronger now with Lindgren's potential absence, but the trade market yielded what it could on deadline day; Erik Gustafsson would move back to the left, presumably with Fox, while Zac Jones and Ruhwedel would form a third pair, at least until Trouba is ready to return.

The Rangers finished a gauntlet of six games in eight-plus days at 5-1-0. They are still buoyed by their goalie tandem — Shesterkin's outing on Sunday put him at a .941 save percentage in 13 starts since his extended All-Star break and Quick isn't too far behind at .919. Artemi Panarin is on a mission for his first 40-goal and 100-point season. Fox has quietly put together a resume that should still have him in the top five of Norris Trophy voting despite missing 10 games in November. Mika Zibanejad is starting to heat up, at even strength no less.

Now they may be down a key defenseman. They have handled everything thrown at them this season as they march toward a possible Metro Division title and a hoped-for lengthy playoff run. If they can defend the way they did on Sunday, better than they have at almost any time in the last six weeks, it's hard to call them anything but a Stanley Cup contender.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 17, 2024, 06:07:35 PMAthletic article on the current situation:


Ryan Lindgren injury overshadows Rangers' great effort in win over Islanders



By Arthur Staple
42m ago


NEW YORK — As the New York Rangers have piled up the wins since the All-Star break — they're now 15-3-1 since the start of February — they've been a curious team. They still have some of the most elite talent in the league and that talent is still performing at a high level, but the Rangers haven't defended well.

Coming into Sunday's game with the New York Islanders, the Rangers ranked 29th in the league in expected goals against at five-on-five in February and March. During December and January, when the Rangers had an 11-12-2 record, they ranked 16th in the league in xGA. It's been the Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick show, for the most part, during this terrific stretch.

But they were very good defensively on Sunday, even after suffering a potentially huge loss when Ryan Lindgren had to be helped off the ice in the second period following a collision with Jean-Gabriel Pageau in the Rangers end.

Lindgren is as tough as they come in this league and he's usually able to recover, whether it's a stick to the face or something more serious. He memorably returned from a high-ankle sprain in just eight days, coming back into the lineup when the Rangers were down 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. He didn't miss a game the rest of the way even though he was clearly compromised.

Perhaps he can recover from this nasty-looking leg injury. Peter Laviolette would only say Lindgren was "being evaluated" and there is just over a month until the playoffs begin. But for a defense corps already missing Jacob Trouba for at least another week, losing Lindgren would be a big blow.

If the Rangers can defend the way they did on Sunday, they can withstand the Lindgren loss for a while. The Rangers didn't just defend in their own end — they were up the ice turning pucks over and rolling through shifts that didn't see their end of the ice. They've been one of the worst teams defending the rush all season and gave up hardly anything in that area on Sunday; rather they stuck to Laviolette's 1-3-1 structure better than they have for a while now, even using the tight neutral zone to turn the play back on the Isles when Lindgren sent Will Cuylle in for a second-period goal.

Laviolette made a tweak to his bottom six, swapping Jonny Brodzinski and Will Cuylle to create a matchup-checking line of Cuylle-Barclay Goodrow–Jimmy Vesey and a third line with Kaapo Kakko, Alex Wennberg and Brodzinski. That third line contributed two goals, one from Brodzinski on a deflection and one from Kakko on a strong play off the wall; both were crucial, with Brodzinski's breaking a 2-2 tie and Kakko's giving the Rangers a 4-2 lead in the third.

Chad Ruhwedel will almost surely make his Rangers debut on Tuesday against the Jets. Perhaps the need for a left-shot defenseman feels a bit stronger now with Lindgren's potential absence, but the trade market yielded what it could on deadline day; Erik Gustafsson would move back to the left, presumably with Fox, while Zac Jones and Ruhwedel would form a third pair, at least until Trouba is ready to return.

The Rangers finished a gauntlet of six games in eight-plus days at 5-1-0. They are still buoyed by their goalie tandem — Shesterkin's outing on Sunday put him at a .941 save percentage in 13 starts since his extended All-Star break and Quick isn't too far behind at .919. Artemi Panarin is on a mission for his first 40-goal and 100-point season. Fox has quietly put together a resume that should still have him in the top five of Norris Trophy voting despite missing 10 games in November. Mika Zibanejad is starting to heat up, at even strength no less.

Now they may be down a key defenseman. They have handled everything thrown at them this season as they march toward a possible Metro Division title and a hoped-for lengthy playoff run. If they can defend the way they did on Sunday, better than they have at almost any time in the last six weeks, it's hard to call them anything but a Stanley Cup contender.

Are we surprised that the Rangers are hush-hush about the extent of his knee injury this morning? Given the way he twisted his knee, as he went down, it's either the ACL or MCL and we have to hope it was just a sprain vs. a tear or, worse, a rupture.

Keeping my ear to the grindstone for news but it does look like Chad Ruhwedel will get his opportunity now. He'll have his work cut out for him but this is the time and place for unsung heroes to step up when the bell is rung.

Getting antsy already about the three big matchups this week!

Peace!

I'm surprised we haven't gotten a definitive diagnosis on Lindgren yet.

The optimist in me says this is good news, or, at least, not the worst news. If he tore his ACL, I don't see any reason to be cloak and dagger about it. He's obviously done for the season and the playoffs, if that is the injury, no ifs ands or butts. I know Lindgren is tough but nobody comes back from an ACL in two months. Not even close.

The reason to be quiet about it, as I see it, is if it's not a tear but some sort of a sprain, and they want to get a realistic prognosis before going public.

When an athlete has an ACL tear, you almost always for sure know within 24 hours. In fact, they usually have a good idea before the player has even had an MRI. You usually see headlines like "The Browns fear the worst with Nick Chubb", etc. We haven't seen anything like that here.

Don't get me wrong - I don't think we'll see Lindgren on the ice for a while. Very possibly for the rest of this season and the entirety of the playoffs. But I don't see why they would withhold telling the media/public if he tore his ACL. What would be the point of that?

BOOM!!

https://twitter.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1769832913107841057

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 18, 2024, 07:12:16 PMBOOM!!

https://twitter.com/MollieeWalkerr/status/1769832913107841057

So, it sounds like it was a sprain. Man, he is one tough son-of-a-gun! When the blade of his skate locked his foot into the ice, and the knee twisted/hyper-extended as he went down, it was not a good look at all. It's probably swollen but good and some minor tears to the ligament; rehab and recovery with a pro sports doctor, trainer and the best equipment available (e.g. hyperbaric chambers) will accelerate his recovery time but you're talking two to four weeks, depending on the extent of the swelling.

Thank you for posting as it's very good news. What's not so good is that the proverbial "next man up" has got their hands full tomorrow with the opponent's ridiculously hot #1 and #2 lines which were reinforced at the end of the trade deadline. The papers have talked about Rangers' depth; tomorrow will be a litmus test for certain.

Peace!

As they showed the first replay of Lindgren going down, I instantly thought of the Potvin hit on Ulf Nilsson as the Rangers started looking toward the 79 playoffs.

An otherwise hit of no regard leaving the ranger flat on the ice only to be helped off

Glad the news was so good.

The upcoming three game tilt is off the charts. 

I am excited to see how the team matches up, even with missing Lindgren and Trouba.

Quote from: babywhales on March 19, 2024, 10:01:59 AMAs they showed the first replay of Lindgren going down, I instantly thought of the Potvin hit on Ulf Nilsson as the Rangers started looking toward the 79 playoffs.

An otherwise hit of no regard leaving the ranger flat on the ice only to be helped off

Glad the news was so good.

The upcoming three game tilt is off the charts. 

I am excited to see how the team matches up, even with missing Lindgren and Trouba.

Don't remind me of Ulfie going down. Had that play never occurred, he and my man Anders Hedberg would have given Montreal a tougher time in the finals and, perhaps, the Rangers would have been more dynamic in the early 80s. His career was cut short by the injury and eventually so did Hedberg's. Both teamed up with Bobby Hull in Winnipeg, during the WHA era, and were the deadliest line in all of hockey at the time. That line, alone, was responsible for back to back AVCO Cups and Hull tried to join the Rangers for a brief reunion in the pre-season of 1981, but glory days had long passed him by.

With Winnipeg coming into the Garden tonight, I always think back to their history and am grateful that they signed Nilsson and Hedberg from Sweden and brought them to North America. It's a small tie to the Rangers for which I will always tip my hat to them, and occasionally wear my vintage 1970s throwback Hedberg Winnipeg Jets jersey. But not for tonight! I had the third jersey customized for old #15 and I'm wearing that tonight in support of the Blueshirts.

Peace!

And Hellebuyck does it again on the big stage in out-dueling Igor. Once the first goal went in, they went to work in shutting down the Rangers, but giving them a power play was a mistake and the Rangers tied it up. But the Jets scored on their own power play and further extended the lead when they continues to smother the Rangers' attack.

But credit Hellebuyck for shutting down the Rangers and adding to his Vezina Trophy credentials. They are going to be a tough draw in the playoffs.

Peace!

That guy Hellebuyuck is a menace!  Against mere mortals the Rangers would have jumped ahead in that first period but against this freak...not so much.  Not a terrible performance, though the late penalty was a bit of a bummer, but they held their own and created plenty of chances just couldn't get it past that goalie.

Quote from: Gmo11 on March 20, 2024, 10:09:02 AMThat guy Hellebuyuck is a menace!  Against mere mortals the Rangers would have jumped ahead in that first period but against this freak...not so much.  Not a terrible performance, though the late penalty was a bit of a bummer, but they held their own and created plenty of chances just couldn't get it past that goalie.

Last season, it was very early on (October?) where Winnipeg came into the Garden and Hellebuyck was doing cartwheels and stopped everything in sight. He ended up with an unheard of 52 (if I remember correctly) saves and left the Rangers completely stymied as the Jets stole the win that day. Since then, I've kept tabs on the Jets and they have shored up their #1 and #2 lines and can match up with anyone in the league if their goalie continues to play like he did last night. In spite of all of that, the Rangers were a few inches away from tying the game in the end.

Most Pro Hockey new coverage today just loved the matchup and thought the first two periods were playoff-calibur hockey on display. The Rangers didn't let anyone down last night. They played one of the league's best and hung in there. Now they have to shake it off and get ready for Boston who is gunning for them.

Peace!

Okay so I've never coached a minute of a hockey game, and I can't skate so the following is based on observation, and 50+ years of watching hockey. Lav should make an alteration to their own zone breakout. The opp is now pressuring our deemen quickly with two forecheckers, Tampa did it, and Winn. did it last night. The Rangers need to move the puck forward quicker, quicker decisions. No passing laterally between deemen, and no going back behind the net. This creates opportunity for errors, and leads to being pinned in their own zone. Just get the damn puck out of the zone. I know Lav likes the puck possession game, but sometimes....
Miller misses Trouba, he's making brain fart plays in both the dee and offensive zones. Too many risky xice passes, and he's not the only one. The puck must be kept in front, and going forward, drop passes are becoming dangerous. Especially against these good teams. Finally, and I may catch some hell for this, but every once in a while use the puck as a weapon. Tampa did it a few times the other day. They hit Lindbergh, and Laffy who were in a direct line, whereas the Rangers look to move to find a lane to shoot. It's part of the f/u attitude that Tampa has from their Cup winning days. It's what makes them very dangerous. The will part of winning a Cup. Look I want the opp to haveto keep their heads' up while taking a piss in their locker rooms between periods. Pressure, pressure, take the rules to their very limit, and add a little gray area sometimes, more pressure. There are a bunch of really good teams, Rangers among them. The team that gets some puck luck, and displays the most WILL will hoist the chalice.

Quote from: files58 on March 20, 2024, 01:53:26 PMOkay so I've never coached a minute of a hockey game, and I can't skate so the following is based on observation, and 50+ years of watching hockey. Lav should make an alteration to their own zone breakout. The opp is now pressuring our deemen quickly with two forecheckers, Tampa did it, and Winn. did it last night. The Rangers need to move the puck forward quicker, quicker decisions. No passing laterally between deemen, and no going back behind the net. This creates opportunity for errors, and leads to being pinned in their own zone. Just get the damn puck out of the zone. I know Lav likes the puck possession game, but sometimes....
Miller misses Trouba, he's making brain fart plays in both the dee and offensive zones. Too many risky xice passes, and he's not the only one. The puck must be kept in front, and going forward, drop passes are becoming dangerous. Especially against these good teams. Finally, and I may catch some hell for this, but every once in a while use the puck as a weapon. Tampa did it a few times the other day. They hit Lindbergh, and Laffy who were in a direct line, whereas the Rangers look to move to find a lane to shoot. It's part of the f/u attitude that Tampa has from their Cup winning days. It's what makes them very dangerous. The will part of winning a Cup. Look I want the opp to haveto keep their heads' up while taking a piss in their locker rooms between periods. Pressure, pressure, take the rules to their very limit, and add a little gray area sometimes, more pressure. There are a bunch of really good teams, Rangers among them. The team that gets some puck luck, and displays the most WILL will hoist the chalice.

Your post has merit with me and I yelled at Miller on more than one occasion last night to stop being cute playing around with the puck in his defensive zone and move it out. But, there he was, playing keep-away from the Jet forwards who got wise early and, to your point, started smothering him and his defensive teammates into turning it over and creating heat in front of Igor. That he was able to match Hellebuyck save for save was only going to last so long and, sure enough, the first one went in.

People might have forgotten that the Rangers completed their historic five-game clean sweep of their Western Canadian hosts, back in October, with a stunning OT win in Winnipeg's building. You don't think those guys came in last night with that in the back of their minds, with thoughts of pulling off their own road trip sweep of the Northeast? Last night's game was monumental to them in many ways and we all witnessed what Vezina Trophy-level play is all about, with no disrespect to Igor. I've kept watch on Connor Hellebuyck and he started the season slow but is now playing at the top of his game, as he demonstrated last night. It wouldn't have mattered had Trouba been in the lineup. In the last two outings at the Garden, he has put on clinics which have left the Rangers stunned.

It's on to Boston and, as strange as it sounds, is a must-win game as they do not want to face Florida after dropping two in a row. They last played in their building in mid December and walked out a winner in OT. It should be another good one.

Peace!

At this point I just want everyone healthy for the playoffs. I'm not saying I don't care at all about seeding, but it's not nearly as important to me as it is to have everyone healthy. Ideally I hope Lindgren and Trouba are both back with at least 5-6 regular season games yet to get everything cohesive again, but frankly as long as they're ready for game one of the first series and as long as everyone is healthy, I'm fine. I know this team can compete with anyone when it's all hands on deck. They've already proven that to me. But if these current injuries linger and turn into issues that push into the playoffs, that will concern me. Being down our top two defensive defensemen is a problem.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 20, 2024, 08:16:32 PMAt this point I just want everyone healthy for the playoffs. I'm not saying I don't care at all about seeding, but it's not nearly as important to me as it is to have everyone healthy. Ideally I hope Lindgren and Trouba are both back with at least 5-6 regular season games yet to get everything cohesive again, but frankly as long as they're ready for game one of the first series and as long as everyone is healthy, I'm fine. I know this team can compete with anyone when it's all hands on deck. They've already proven that to me. But if these current injuries linger and turn into issues that push into the playoffs, that will concern me. Being down our top two defensive defensemen is a problem.

Honestly, think I would rather be home for games 3 and 4 than 1 and 2.  This isn't 1985 where a team can make the play-offs with 70 points.  Every team in the play-offs is going to be good.  Not sure home-ice means anything anymore.

Those are both good points, i.e. health, particularly the defense, and the Rangers able to win on the road, especially in Carolina. They're also going to try and reinforce their ability to win in Boston tonight. That's one reason I'd call it a must-win game.

It would be good if they get one win this week and I penciled Boston as their best chance for two points.

This isn't our 1985-86 Rangers, agreed. But Beezer sure carried that group far and dueled with the guy who reminds me of the intense dude behind the Isles bench these days.

Peace!

Quote from: coggs on March 21, 2024, 08:23:14 AMHonestly, think I would rather be home for games 3 and 4 than 1 and 2.  This isn't 1985 where a team can make the play-offs with 70 points.  Every team in the play-offs is going to be good.  Not sure home-ice means anything anymore.

Wouldn't you want home ice for game 7's?

Quote from: babywhales on March 21, 2024, 09:01:03 AMWouldn't you want home ice for game 7's?

I would, yes. But I wouldn't rush back crucial players from injury in the regular season for the purpose of trying to up my seed. I'd make sure they were fully healed before having them play a single regular season game.

Once in the playoffs, different story.

Quote from: babywhales on March 21, 2024, 09:01:03 AMWouldn't you want home ice for game 7's?

Honestly, think it is overrated as not that many series go 7.

I'm sure game 7 home teams over the long haul are better than .500, but we need to keep in mind that by definition any team playing at home in game 7 was the better regular season team than the visitor, so probably the better team period in most cases. I'd need to see a material edge to be convinced it's a big deal. Anecdotally it feels like it matters. But I'd need to see the data.

Either way, overrated or not, I wouldn't rush anyone back in the regular season for the purpose of jockeying for seeding. I don't think that's a smart move.

Good bounce back win tonight.  Looking forward to Saturday Night.

Great win. Big season sweep of Boston. Thought we looked great tonight. Bruins were a bit off but we had a great game plan and really executed tonight.

Had a good feel about the Rangers' chances in this one, and it was wise of Laviolette to put Quickie in goal tonight and he didn't let us down.

The Rangers had all the answers tonight and it didn't get much better with a strong defensive performance, great goaltending and the hat trick from the Breadman to seal the deal.

Getting Rempe back on the ice was a psychological lift. Quickie's victory ties him for most wins by a US born goalie (391). Foxy scoring again was huge. Jones and Scneider have played very well in the absence of Trouba and Lindgren. Even Miller played a heck of a game tonight. They all took Pastrňák out of the Boston attack and should be given a collective star for the game.

It was a must-win and they got it. They needed it more so for confidence than for keeping pace with Carolina who continues to win. Interestingly, Florida got blanked again; this time by red hot Nashville 3-0. Also, of interest, the Winnipeg Jets played the Devils tonight with their backup goalie and proceeded to get whipped by the Devils 4-1. So much for their quest to sweep the Northeast!

Can the Rangers find the winning formula against the Panthers on Saturday night?

Peace!

They played excellent defense that 3rd period and this despite missing two of their top 4 defensemen.  I wasn't thrilled with their parking the bus effort for most of the period but to their credit they got it done.  Quick stood tall but the defense in front of him to me was the big story.  There were not a ton of high quality chances late in the game despite the fact that they were sitting on a precious 1 goal lead most of that time. 

And oh what a season from Panarin! Another hatty! That's 3 on the season after having I believe 4 in his career coming into this year.

Quote from: Gmo11 on March 22, 2024, 10:21:22 AMThey played excellent defense that 3rd period and this despite missing two of their top 4 defensemen.  I wasn't thrilled with their parking the bus effort for most of the period but to their credit they got it done.  Quick stood tall but the defense in front of him to me was the big story.  There were not a ton of high quality chances late in the game despite the fact that they were sitting on a precious 1 goal lead most of that time. 

And oh what a season from Panarin! Another hatty! That's 3 on the season after having I believe 4 in his career coming into this year.

Seeing Ranger hats hit the Boston ice is a treat and a half we rarely get to see. What's more is that the team is making a conscious effort to give him every chance possible to score goals and, with that in mind, 50 is probably within reach now.

I know we have debated the pros and cons of the Rangers finishing first in the Metro, the Eastern Conference and the NHL for the President's Trophy. There are two factors which come into play in this whole thing: the Bolts and the Canes. In other words, the last thing the Rangers would want is to draw Tampa in the first round. The second is that by letting Carolina win the Metro, the Rangers have proven they can win consistently in their building and, for the Canes, it's the same psychology with the Rangers as the Rangers with the Bolts?

Confused?

The Post's article talks this subject in detail which hits multiple "what if" scenarios. Had the Rangers just beaten Tampa, we probably wouldn't even think about this right now. But read for yourself and query your thoughts:

There are Rangers benefits to a runner-up Metro finish (https://nypost.com/2024/03/21/sports/there-are-rangers-benefits-to-a-runner-up-metro-finish/)

Peace!

Here is a Game 7 history for the NHL

Red Highlight represents road teams winning game 7.   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NHL_game_sevens

Without calculating it looks fairly even though.

Makes sense as home is in regular season is 54.5 and 54.9 in playoffs.

Big win over Florida.  The game had a playoff feel.  I don't really care so much about the President's Trophy but top seed in the East would be a huge plus.

Huge, huge win against a team that has had our number this year and looked like they had it again tonight. Panarin is on fire. Fox is playing great. Trochek is having a huge year. LaFreniere is a different player this year. Kreider rock solid as always. Zibs has picked his game up in the second half of the season. Best record in the league right now. I know all that matters is the playoffs, but I'd still rather have a great regular season than not.

After that National TV treat, all I can say is they finally hung tough and made their breaks to get not only the two points, but a psychological win over a team they very possibly could meet down the road.

What do you want to talk about? The Breadman's two goals? Troxheck's three assists? The Rangers exploding in the second period? Rempe taking on the Florida goons? Trocheck's miraculous save in overtime on the goal line? Igor turning away the final penalty shot to secure the win? The fact the Rangers are back on top of the NHL with this huge win?

Just a dramatic contest that felt like a playoff game. Both teams were missing their top defensemen; however both defenses played very well.

To get two wins this week was a huge accomplishment. This coming week won't be any easier. Philadelphia at the Garden on Tuesday will be a brawl. Then the final multi-game road trip of the regular season to Denver on Thursday to visit the Avs, which will be another battle of the best in the league (NOTE: Colorado is hot right now). Next Saturday will be a test against a team which has struggled all year, the Arizona Coyotes, in what could be a trap game. I'll be taking my family to Mullet Arena and we'll be sitting just under Sam and Joe so we'll try to make some noise on the air.

Great night of hockey tonight!

Peace!

Tues and Thurs will be tough, particularly Thursday. I'd like to think with a couple days rest and no travel we can beat Philly at home, but we'll see. At Avalanche will be tough of course. After that, the schedule softens up noticeably for the balance of the season. Doesn't mean we won't get caught off guard by an inferior team, but if we maintain the level of play that we've been putting out for the last few weeks, we should be ok.

Going into this two game stretch at Boston and against these guys, I would have happily locked in two points. And I would have been very happy with three. The fact that we managed to get four with Trouba and Lindgren out is superb.

You never know with games down the stretch but with the exception of Colorado the remaining schedule is pretty soft.  It will finish up as a great regular season.  One of their best ever but we all know the playoffs are all that will matter.

Thursday night's game in Denver. Rangers at the Avs. Now, forget that game is a regular season match.

Imagine, just for that night, if you will:

Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals with the Rangers a chance to win it all (NOTE: after winning the President's Trophy and winning 15 in the playoffs).

SIDE NOTE: the Rangers have taken the last two from the Avs and have earned five of six points in their last three matchups. But Colorado is currently riding an eight game winning streak.

It's my ultimate dream Stanley Cup Final matchup. As important and as great a win last night's triumph over Florida was, this is the NHL's marquee interconference matchup. Go into their building and their fans are equally as parochial as Ranger fans (NOTE: except a few Blueshirts will find their way in just like they always do across the land).

That's the huge game this week. Saturday's game in Tempe, AZ is going to be lights' out for myself in that my family and will see the boys live, up close and personal in the tiny 5,000 seat Mullett Arena where the AZ Coyotes play. This will be my first time at a live game in 24 years so we'll be bringing the Ranger jerseys and the noise!

Still have a fair amount of hockey to be played. Get the last long road trip out of the way and, with the exception of Detroit, and a visit to Long Island, the Rangers are home the rest of the way. If they can get two of three this week, that should sit well for the final countdown. Pull off all three and they might have the fast track to the President's Trophy. For now, just beat the Broadway Bullies.

Peace!

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 24, 2024, 07:48:08 AMTues and Thurs will be tough, particularly Thursday.

Flyers and Avs fans are also thinking the games are going to be tough. 

All I keep hearing (not on here) is how they can't beat this team and that team, yet they keep winning.  17-4-1 since all-star break?  I mean, I guess if they were good they would have won all 22 and outscored the opponents around 110-0 over the stretch.

Quote from: coggs on March 25, 2024, 12:59:39 PMFlyers and Avs fans are also thinking the games are going to be tough. 

All I keep hearing (not on here) is how they can't beat this team and that team, yet they keep winning.  17-4-1 since all-star break?  I mean, I guess if they were good they would have won all 22 and outscored the opponents around 110-0 over the stretch.

I get your point, but none of that applies to me.

I think some fans out there are skeptical about our postseason chances because (1) Bread's game seems to decline very noticeably in the playoffs, and (2) the team was pretty good last year and they lost in the first round.

I'm optimistic because I think this is probably the best all around team we've had since the 90s, but I understand why some are less so.

Quote from: coggs on March 25, 2024, 12:59:39 PMFlyers and Avs fans are also thinking the games are going to be tough. 

All I keep hearing (not on here) is how they can't beat this team and that team, yet they keep winning.  17-4-1 since all-star break?  I mean, I guess if they were good they would have won all 22 and outscored the opponents around 110-0 over the stretch.

This is the final week of playing an opponent who is one of the best in the league (i.e. @ Colorado who have won nine on the trot). When you tally everything up, the Rangers are currently #1 in the NHL with 47 wins and 98 points in 71 games played. Two inspiring wins against two of the best in the East, a division rival tomorrow, a potential Stanley Cup Final preview on Thursday, you all get to look in the stands for me on Saturday in Tempe, AZ ... what the heck more do fans want???

This has been an exciting season and the team is playing strong in the final week of March. Remember my prediction if they're still sitting at the top come April 1st ... no April fool here!

Peace!

Rangers win a game I don't think they deserved to win, and I didn't expect to win the way the game was going, but they beat the Flyers 6-5 in overtime on Fox's goal 36 seconds into the over.  To add some icing on the cake, both the Panthers and the Hurricanes lost.

Glad we found a way. Shesty was off tonight. I wonder if they were looking ahead to Colorado. Definitely not our best performance, but good teams find ways to win. Opposite of how the Giants find ways to lose.

They should've done something different tonight and given the 3rd star to head coach for his 800 win.

Rangers usually are on point with this stuff. Would've meant a lot to him and I'm sure his players would've thoroughly enjoyed that

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 26, 2024, 10:05:19 PMGlad we found a way. Shesty was off tonight. I wonder if they were looking ahead to Colorado. Definitely not our best performance, but good teams find ways to win. Opposite of how the Giants find ways to lose.

What a hell of a competitive game tonight! Props to the Flyers for coming to play with a purpose. They made the Rangers earn every goal tonight and Igor had one goal where he was caught asleep at the wheel but, by and large, he was left naked between the sticks while the defense caved in around him.

So, the Breadman gets his century, Laviolette gets his 800th, the Rangers earn their 100th point and their third consecutive playoff appearance. Oh yes, as nb587 said, the Rangers put distance between themselves and their challengers in the Metro, the Eastern Conference and the President's Trophy. It's time to head out this way for a date with Colorado for the Stanley Cup Finals preview on Thursday. It doesn't get any better than this!

Peace!

What a wild 3rd period!  Don't often see a 2-1 game going into the 3rd end up at 6-5 but that's exactly what happened as each team traded haymakers for most of that period.  Not a ton of defense being played either way and a couple of flukey goals helped but the Rangers hung on to become the first team to clinch a playoff spot.

Defensive zone play in the 3rd was atrocious, but considering they are down three defensemen, likely not a shock that things might be catching up with them and Igor's ability to always bail them out.  That they keep finding ways to win though is huge.  As is the walking wounded coming back soon to fortify the defense.

Didn't see the whole game but from what I did see, the Flyers capitalized more on bad defense than bad goaltending. 

Quote from: nb587 on March 27, 2024, 06:19:18 PMDidn't see the whole game but from what I did see, the Flyers capitalized more on bad defense than bad goaltending. 

We had some bad giveaways, and that was certainly part of the goals allowed story, but Shesty wasn't making the big saves in this game that he has been in other games in February and March, in which I would classify his play as elite or near-elite. That wasn't the case last night. I'm not worried about it at all, but I think he'd be the first to say he didn't have his best night. Same goes for the D.

The fact that we overcame all of that and still won is a testament to the heart, competitiveness, and winning culture this team has.

Since its inception in 1985-86, only 8 winners of the Presidents Trophy have gone on to win the Cup, the last being the 2012-13 Blackhawks.  I for one would not be upset if NYR didn't it this year.  I also avoid walking under ladders, stepping on cracks in the sidewalk and all black cats 🐈�⬛

Going into tonight's NHL marquee matchup in Denver, Boston fell to Tampa last night which is a story unto itself. The Bruins are either imploding or going into a shell and waiting for the playoffs. But this Tampa team is making one of the loudest statements in the league right now. That win over the Rangers was their catalyst and they continue to roll. Carolina hosts the Red Wings while Florida hosts the Isles. Later tonight, the Canucks and Stars play a huge contest. Great hockey all around tonight! Rangers-Avs starts 6:00 PM MST here. The race for the Eastern Conference is on; however, if the Rangers can pull off the more than difficult task of taking down the Avs tonight, and find a way to stay focused against an Arizona team on Saturday that is physical and is playing their kids who are showing lots of moxie right now, their destiny is all in front of them.

Enjoy tonight's game!!! I'm already amped up!

Stop MacKinnon in his tracks and may the Breadman step up and continue his magical season.

Peace!

I watched Tampa/Boston. The Bolts are just showing their championship mettle. The questions for the Rangers(and other teams) are how much do you want it, and how far are you willing to go the get what you want. I know how far I would go if playing or coaching. There is a game within the game that the fans don't readily see due to the speed, and the camera follows the puck. There are more Cup capable teams this year than I can ever remember. The NHL playoffs i/m/o has always been the best professional tournament. This year should be outstanding. Tampa is two points behind Toronto(game in hand). The Leafs play the Caps tonite who are a point behind Philly, and Wash has two games in hand. Would love to see Tampa jump ahead of Tor. and have them play Florida in RD 1. There will be no softees in this year's tournament. 

Quote from: files58 on March 28, 2024, 10:58:20 AMI watched Tampa/Boston. The Bolts are just showing their championship mettle. The questions for the Rangers(and other teams) are how much do you want it, and how far are you willing to go the get what you want. I know how far I would go if playing or coaching. There is a game within the game that the fans don't readily see due to the speed, and the camera follows the puck. There are more Cup capable teams this year than I can ever remember. The NHL playoffs i/m/o has always been the best professional tournament. This year should be outstanding. Tampa is two points behind Toronto(game in hand). The Leafs play the Caps tonite who are a point behind Philly, and Wash has two games in hand. Would love to see Tampa jump ahead of Tor. and have them play Florida in RD 1. There will be no softees in this year's tournament. 

You nailed it! Tampa's stock is going up, Toronto looks like they're starting to fade so that may very well come to pass if Washington can win a few. Tampa-Florida opening round? Sign me up for that! Grudge match southern style! The Rangers probably owe them a fruit basket for softening up Florida a bit for the Rangers' 4-3 shootout win.

You will be in your glory this playoff for old-fashioned, hard-nosed hockey. In that spirit, is Laviolette keeping Rempe chained in the basement only to unleash him on Tampa and any other opponent in the Rangers' way this post-season?

Peace!

Rempe is there to pound defensemen in a potential 7 game, or for how long a series goes. He will also stand in front of the net and act like a large hanging blanket. Don't be surprised if a gets a garbage goal of two unless some wily coach like Cooper sets up a situation where he could get suspended again. Cooper is a master tactician/strategist who knows how to take things to the limit. You don't win multiple Cups without stretching the rules. We have a coach that despite his mild manner of speaking knows what needs to be done. Any, and all hockey etiquette(if there is such a thing) needs to be thrown out by every team. Kudos to this year's eventual Cup winner. They will have survived WW1 like trench warfare.

Quote from: files58 on March 28, 2024, 01:26:58 PMKudos to this year's eventual Cup winner. They will have survived WW1 like trench warfare.

That statement ought to be branded on NHL.com when the playoffs begin. We're not there yet and it won't be quiet out here on the Western Front tonight or on Saturday afternoon, as you'll observe in the bizarre Arizona State hockey arena.

Cooper has definitely pulled out his book of tactics to get his team in position. If they're the ones waiting for the winner out of the Metro, your banner above is going to take on greater meaning.

Peace!

Another great win for the Rangers.  An awesome regular season continues but it's Stanley Cup or bust at this point.

Oh my God!!! I need to take extra blood pressure meds after all that!!!

Tell me you wouldn't want to see Trocheck score the winning shootout goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final which gives the Rangers the Cup after 30 years.

Tonight's game did not disappoint all the buildup and excitement coming into it. Seeing Ironman Lindgren back in there again was inspirational. Also, his timing was perfect with three defenders getting whacked and missing time tonight. In spite of that, they shut down MacKinnon completely and ended his consecutive point streak. That was no small accomplishment and should be lauded for allowing only two for the entire game.

Both Igor and Giorgiev were great in goal tonight. This was the fourth consecutive game these teams settled matters in either overtime or shootout.

You know Carolina, who blanked Detroit 4-0 tonight, is shaking their head after looking at this result. Same goes with Boston while Florida dropped their game to the Islanders.

What an impressive performance tonight by Laviolette's boys. But here's the reality. They're headed my way now to a team that's not making the playoffs for like the eighth year in a row, is playing its young players who are carefree right now. But they are playing their best hockey all season as well. The Rangers are going to find themselves in a dogfight if they don't get on top of them early and often. Just your regular trap game ready to trip them up if they're not ready.

But for tonight, it was a classy win against a classy opponent. I truly hope these two meet again in the Stanley Cup Final down the road. Every time they play, their talent and skill make for a great game which never disappoints.

Peace!

I watched the game this morning as the 1am start was too late for me. I thought they played well. The first frame was cagey and tight but at no stage did I think the Rangers were overwhelmed.

The Avs were very fortunate to tie it up at 2-2. I thought the Rangers were deserving of the win.

The injuries are mounting up though and this is beginning to concern me a little. I think that's the only thing that's stopping them. I know Ruhwedal and Miller returned but Fox didn't.

Igor was immense. I know there's a lot of concern about who the Rangers will play in RD1, especially with the streaking Lightening but there will be good teams eliminated in RD1. Like someone said above, this might be the best playoffs for years.

LGR!

It was an 8pm puck drop here in Sconin, the late start saved me as I got back from the rink for the start of the second.
My 13 yr old son is a goalie and a huge Igor fan last nights 40 shot, 2 goal effort was phenomenal and had him glued  to the set. The way Igor tracked Rantanen to the right while butterfly pushing during the shoot out was sick, completely took him out of the play!!!!  Just beautiful. The breakout pass from Igor to Panarin for the breakaway was ridiculous and just one of the many high-quality opportunities they couldn't capitalize on.   Hoping Igor carries this momentum into the offseason.

That being said Georgie was impressive as well. Granted taking significantly less shots, he was putting on a show of his own.   Im happy for him, but wish he saved those nights for other teams.

Not only was Lindgren back but he got a ton of time on the ice and with plenty of time left in the season he should hopefully be looking back to normal hitting the playoffs. 

Let's get Trouba back and hope Gustafsson can get back on his skates healthy before the playoffs.

I was happy to just see the game with my boy, but thrilled by what we were treated to.

Incredible win. I didn't make it to the third period last night, but I got the extended highlights today. They outshot us substantially, but we had tons of quality chances. Both goalies played very well.

I love our prowess in shootouts now. We used to stink at them.

Schedule gets more forgiving now. I really want the one seed in the East. Much better to get someone like the Capitals in the first round than someone dangerous like Tampa.

Definitely was a statement game, last night, but tomorrow afternoon's contest is going to be a dogfight.

Arizona beat the tar out of red hot Nashville 8-4, ending their 18-game consecutive point streak, and there's a little buzz around the area here that hasn't existed in the nearly three years I've lived here.

The kids are making hockey fun again in the Valley of the Sun. Logan Cooley received the hats from the stands at "The Mullett" for his first hat trick. Another youngster, following in his dad's footsteps, is Josh Doan, who has scored the first two goals of his career in consecutive games (NOTE: his dad is Shane Doan). But their recognized star remains Clayton Keller who leads the team in scoring.

We'll probably see Karel Vejmelka, the backup goalie, on Satuday. Regular starter, Connor Ingram, was between the pipes in last night's huge win.

Arizona is 6-4 in their last 10, and are riding a two (2) game winning streak having beaten Columbus and Nashville this week.

The Rangers defeated Arizona at the Garden 2-1 very early into this season.

I'll be wearing Rod Gilbert's #7 in white. My daughter will be wearing Mike Richter's #35 Stanley Cup patch blue jersey, and my wife is TBD but she loves the third jersey this year so she may be sporting my Anders Hedberg #15 in this year's third jersey ... awesome look!

We'll try and shout during the game over Sam and Joe so you can hear us. We are sitting directly under their booth.

Peace!

Folks, we just arrived. Get ready as this arena is going to be loaded with Blueshirts!

Madison Square Garden West!

Enjoy the game!

Pre-Game at the Mullett.

Stopped by to say hi to Sam and Joe. We're to the right of them so when the MSG camera pans to the right, the lumatic wearing Rod Gilbert's #7 is yours truly. Meanwhile, the Ranger fans continue to pile in.

Arizona is sticking with Connor Ingram while Quickie starts for the Rangers.

Electric atmosphere here. Only about 5,000 seats but standing capacity in the upper deck behind each goal. This is a Ranger-dominant crowd, so far.

Get ready to hear us, Ranger fans 'cause we plan to send our boys back home with plenty of good Mexican food, nightlife and a huge win!

Peace!

End of first period, Rangers up 1-0.

Great to see Trouba out there. Looks like he's feeling his way on the ice as he gets used to the speed of the game again. Miller and Jones are both controlling the play back there but Lindgren is the General and you feel his presence in this smaller building. I'm not sure I've ever appreciated that about him but I guess you have to be up close and "feel" the action on the ice. I love what Foxy does as far as transitioning from defender to offensive attacker, but Lindgren is the clear "Alpha Dog" on the Rangers' defense; that's the aura I'm feeling 10 seats away from the glass.

Laffy's goal exemplifies just how much he's come along this season and is now showing some consistency in hitting the top corners of the goal. Just a beautiful shot we were lucky to see it from the perfect angle behind him.

Karel Vejmelka is the goalie for Arizona, not Ingram ... misread an erroneous report. He's been damn lucky it isn't 3-0 right now.

Quickie, on the other hand, is flat-out determined to get the all-time record tonight. I'm telling you, seeing his acrobatics live is more than a treat, it is a blessing.

Players taking the ice for period two. More to come!

Peace!

Enjoy Pal, I'm currently enjoying a decent timed game for UK fans.

Loving Laf getting amongst the goals. Rangers sound loud there.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on March 30, 2024, 07:31:00 PMEnjoy Pal, I'm currently enjoying a decent timed game for UK fans.

Loving Laf getting amongst the goals. Rangers sound loud there.

Thank you, my friend. The Coyotes turned it up and their three goals
we're born of great individual skill (Keller, Bjugstad), but the Rangers' D looked on their heels in a number of Coyote counterattacks, but also they were sneaking numbers right in front of Quickie with no Ranger accounting for them. There are only so many of these that Quickie can save before the inevitable happens.

So, here we are at the dogfight I indicated would likely occur. The Rangers need to score early and keep them on their heels. They will have a hard time with this team if they fall behind in the third.

Let's see how it plays out.

Peace!

P.S. We are screaming loud!

Well, the Rangers did exactly what they needed to do and score early and often to build the cushion they'd need to withstand the Coyote pups' comeback in the third.

It was the Wild West for a bit until the very end. The place went nuts when Laffy got the hat trick. Well, you saw the number of hats on the ice. That might have been more than any other hat trick  scored this year.

But Quickie getting the record was special and we all screamed "Quickie" at the end of the game.

We send the Rangers home winners.

Peace, from Arizona!

Crazy how it was basically a home game for the Rangers. Didn't even feel like a 70/30 split their way. Felt like 90/10. Wild. That has to be embarrassing for the home team.

5 pt night for Lafreniere with 3 g(25) 2a. I remember at one point during season when AL had the dubious distinction of being among the leaders in most quality chances missed. He easily could have been a 30 goal scorer. NYR top six is one of the best and hopefully the D gets healthier as the season winds down

Speaking of the defense @kartanoman nailed it during warmups when he labeled Lindgren as the General /alpha dog of the team. In some respects he reminds me of this generation's Dan Girardi

Quote from: Rosehill Jimmy on March 30, 2024, 09:18:03 PM5 pt night for Lafreniere with 3 g(25) 2a. I remember at one point during season when AL had the dubious distinction of being among the leaders in most quality chances missed. He easily could have been a 30 goal scorer. NYR top six is one of the best and hopefully the D gets healthier as the season winds down

Speaking of the defense @kartanoman nailed it during warmups when he labeled Lindgren as the General /alpha dog of the team. In some respects he reminds me of this generation's Dan Girardi

Bang on comparison.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 30, 2024, 09:07:31 PMCrazy how it was basically a home game for the Rangers. Didn't even feel like a 70/30 split their way. Felt like 90/10. Wild. That has to be embarrassing for the home team.

I'm going to find a way to post some of my photos from our day today and the most telling statement was the very first photo as we looked out the parking garage at the front facade of the Mullett Arena building. Every queue to get in was easily 90/10 Rangers fans.

I encouraged every Blueshirter around me to turn the building into MSG West, and it does me good to hear we didn't disappoint. I am going to watch the MSG broadcast tonight and, maybe tomorrow, go through the Coyotes broadcast from our local Phoenix channel. When we departed from our seats, I could have sworn I heard the local commentators mutter in amazement how they've never before seen another team's fans invade their building like they did today. I'm no spring chicken anymore, but I can yell and scream as loud as the craziest Ranger fans are capable of. Two young men had a blast with me by their side in getting our row jacked up. You know how the cameras running around the stands capture the fans on the main jumbo-tron, or whatever they call it these days. I caught one of them getting ready to aim in our general direction and started waving at him to focus on us, which he did! So, we all lit the screen up, including my wife and daughter, and that just got us more jacked up. I don't think I had a better time at a sporting event in all my life; the Giant comeback against the Cardinals last year was pretty close, though!

Of course, after the win, we all left the building screaming "Let's Go, Rangers!" To say the Blueshirts, and their fans, left an impression today would be quite the understatement.

Full credit to the Coyote pups for hanging in there and making a game of it. I don't know if you follow their story, but it is a really sad one in that their owner has tried, without success, to find a parcel of land to develop an NHL-level facility for the Coyotes while, at the same time, fighting not go bankrupt. Sources indicate he plans to bid on a parcel of land in North Phoenix in June. If he's not successful, then the team may end up relocating to Houston or Salt Lake City. I hope they can stay here because their young kids are talented and can build a base on which to grow an exciting team which can become competitive consistently in the near future.

But the long road trips are over for the Rangers and they have demonstrated a prowess to make the plays when it counts most in a game. The gauntlets are over. The Rangers will not only head into April in first place in the Metro, but in the Eastern Conference and in the NHL. Pole position is in their control.

This team believes in each other and that, too, can be felt when you watch them close up. I've gained so much insight from watching our Blueshirts today, seeing the entire ice and what doesn't get shown on camera, and tapping into the personalities and working relationships of the players as they play and interact with each other and the opponent. I walked away with genuine amazement at how fast they are, how precise their passes are when skating at full speed, and the eyes they have in the back of their head from all their hard work in practice. These are amazing athletes!

Today, I came full circle when my father, in March of 1979, took me to Madison Square Garden for my first live Ranger game. I was weeks away from turning 10 years old. 45 years later, I brought my daughter to her first Ranger game, a couple of weeks before she turns 10 years old. Somewhere far away, I can see in my mind, feel in my heart, my father smiling looking over both of us. That 1979 game was magical for me, as it was for the Rangers who rode the wave to the Stanley Cup Finals that year. Will this season end up in that final destination except, perhaps, the final outcome will be different?

Peace!

Before Lafreniere's first game, found a sour ale from Quebec in a beer distributor on SI.  Sours are not my thing, but figured, "Why not?  It is from Quebec, let's start the era."  They were $21 each, so bought 3.  Had one that night.  One after his first goal.  Was saving the last for his first hat trick.  Since it was not capped, it was corked, must have lost a little of the pressure over time so it was a little flat.  But, finally drank it last night.

Quote from: coggs on March 31, 2024, 06:53:50 PMBefore Lafreniere's first game, found a sour ale from Quebec in a beer distributor on SI.  Sours are not my thing, but figured, "Why not?  It is from Quebec, let's start the era."  They were $21 each, so bought 3.  Had one that night.  One after his first goal.  Was saving the last for his first hat trick.  Since it was not capped, it was corked, must have lost a little of the pressure over time so it was a little flat.  But, finally drank it last night.

I did that years ago, between the Giants' two Super Bowls of the Tom Coughlin era, with a Guinness Extra Stout I never opened because I was saving it for next year's (2008) Super Bowl which never came to pass. I then proceeded to move four (4) times from then (Alabama) until finally opening it in San Antonio in early 2012. By then, you could tar your driveway with it but who cared? I'm grateful no visits to the hospital ensued.

Peace!

So, we made it through the gauntlet still up on the whole bunch. If this was a horse race we'd be up by a long neck inside the eighth pole, and lasting with just a couple of taps. Still I don't know how good this team is. Reference Bruins Spring 23'. There are a bunch of very good teams. These Rangers are a resilient bunch. Fast start, slump, righted ship, key injuries at different points in the season. They find a way. And if they play their checking game to blanket level they can beat anyone. The key is playing a lock down checking game backstopped by a top goalie. Don't depend on Shesty, but he's there. Like the Brodeur Devils. Panarin will need to start playing in the slot, lower down. Get playoff ready, his hands, loose pucks, down low. #13 knows how to score those goals, and he's starting to snipe. We need another line to score. Kakko, scoring some dirty goals, and showing a shot. Would like to see some shots between the dots. Defense is fine, especially if Miller cuts down on his not smart plays. The Garden needs to have a throaty roar, like the one at Giants Stadium in 86'.

I would say March proved that there is no team in the league that is clearly better than us. I wouldn't have said that about us in recent years. Last year I thought we were good but a cut below the top four or five teams in the league. I don't feel that way this year. Having said that, I also don't really think we're visibly better than the top other four or five teams in the league this year. It's going to come down to health, conditioning, goaltending, and puck luck.

We got our asses beat big time tonight. Whoooooah baby was that a stinker from start to finish.

We were frankly due for one of these. I'm not reading into it too much. If it turns into a thing, then that's another story, but this was just an uncharacteristic bad game. It happens, even to the best teams.

Poor effort and a deserving loss at home. 

Sorry about those extra habaneros we sent them home with from AZ. Eat too many and you're  :sick: for a few days. Just make sure they have a toilet and their family and friends spend a night away until everything's passed, and they'll be fine for Wednesday.

Peace!

A dud no doubt.  Crap effort, with too many turnovers to count, horrible breakouts, 1:1 battles had no intensity.....  too much to dwell on really

Laviolette puts a real premium on rebounding after 1 lose, some of his speeches are real solid.  The team tends to react to him as the Rangers have only failed to break a losing streak after a 1st loss on 6 occasions all season (4x 2 games, 1x 3 games in a row, 1x 4 games in arow)

Onto the Devils tomorrow, hoping for a big rebound game.

Last night I asked my friend, "Did they put grease on their blades tonight instead of wax?"  Oh well, start another winning streak tomorrow.

Been a while since I've seen an all line fight off the the first face off

Missed the opening drop of the gloves

Tuned in 1/2 way through second and rangers were in the process of giving up 2 goals in 2 shots

Played a solid third, Kreider's goal was sweet

pulled it out, grabbed the  2 points

Not sure how first half of game played out though

Pretty wild to play what was essentially the full game with just 4 defensemen.  Fox had one of his poorer outings with numerous turnovers (one led to a breakaway) and getting beat a few times to the outside. Perhaps fatigue was a factor. Then again his shot/pass to Kreider for the game winner was a thing of beauty

3 point lead on Dallas and Bruins with 6 to play.  Funny that they find themselves in a dogfight for President Trophy with 4 more wins than the others. 

Quote from: Rosehill Jimmy on April 03, 2024, 10:55:54 PMPretty wild to play what was essentially the full game with just 4 defensemen.  Fox had one of his poorer outings with numerous turnovers (one led to a breakaway) and getting beat a few times to the outside. Perhaps fatigue was a factor. Then again his shot/pass to Kreider for the game winner was a thing of beauty

3 point lead on Dallas and Bruins with 6 to play.  Funny that they find themselves in a dogfight for President Trophy with 4 more wins than the others. 

Stars won last night, so they have 105.  I wouldn't call it a dogfight.  Not sure anyone really cares about the President's Trophy.  Do think they want the top-seed in East over Boston, though.  Other division winner will get a much tought first round match-up.  Then again, Boston fans thought they were getting an easier match-up last year.

As for the opening face-off fight, I couldn't think of a better tactic to get the Rangers mentally past the Pittsburgh loss the other day.

It wasn't their best but, then again, it didn't have to be. They got the two points so keep moving forward.

Peace!

I thought they were a bit sloppy in places but it's nice to see the role players contributing. I thought Culle had a very decent game.

I actually missed the game last night despite being home. The mrs convinced me to watch a movie instead, and I figured we'd be done by no later than the second intermission but we ended up getting delayed and I basically missed it. Text flow from various friends of mine reflected what Ed posted above -- kind of a mixed bag performance, but obviously a nice end result and very encouraging contributions from the non-usual players.

As Ed noted, Cuylle is worth mentioning. I quite like this young player and would note that the season he has had this year was superior to the rookie seasons of either Kakko or LaFreniere. I don't see him ever being any sort of elite offensive player, but I could see him being a "good" offensive player who gives you an excellent two way game with plenty of physicality.

So... looking at the standings:

Three points up in the conference (even number of games played)

Three points up in the league, but Dallas has a game in hand.


Islanders had a big night last night with the Caps, Wings, and Flyers all losing. A Rangers/Islanders opening round series would be tremendously fun. And it hasn't happened since our Cup year.

I watched the game last night half asleep after a busy work week.

Cuylle's good night was trumped by Goodrow's big scoring spree and Kreider knocking the winner in on the power play.

That was a desperate Red Wings team out there playing for their faint playoff hopes. That was a difficult enough challenge for the Rangers on top of the fact that they struggle when playing in Detroit; they lost their earlier matchup here. So, this was another statement win for the Rangers.

One more week in the books and they are still in pole position. What more can you ask for?

Peace!

Nice home win tonight against a soft opponent. Kind of a weird game. Rangers completely dominated the first period but found themselves down 1-0 going into the intermission. I wasn't worried at all at that point and knew if they just kept doing what they were doing they'd be fine. Broadly that's what eventually happened, although Montreal did make it interesting for a couple minutes when they cut a 3-1 lead to 3-2 with about 6 minutes left. That was mildly unsettling, but the Rangers obviously asserted themselves after that and took care of business.

Shame Panarin missed that empty-netter as I want him to get 50 goals. Laffy could get 30 potentially though (has 27 now), which would be pretty cool.

Nice solid win. On to the Islanders on Tuesday.

I'm not sure the young Canadians were soft, per se. Scrappy, high risk, mistake-prone, maybe more in line. All that and a hot goaltender made it a game into the third period.

Just like the guys at the MSG sports desk indicated between the periods, the Rangers just needed to stay steady the course and the breaks would eventually come their way. It took the power play to kick them in gear, but the puck started hitting the net.

But credit the kids up north who got it back to 3-2 and made it a game until Mika Z-man put his second in for the two goal lead late in the game.

Well, the Rangers now have a league-leading 110 points and their magic number is three (3), as in wins. The President's Trophy is theirs if they win three of their four remaining games. The most any other team in the league can earn is 115 points so 116 will take it.

Tuesday's visit to the Island will be the most difficult of the four games; however, if the Rangers truly deserve to be called best in the NHL, they ought to be the best in the NY Metro area, right? With that, let's see what Tuesday brings.

Final week of what's been a magical season to date.

Peace!

I'm very hopeful for a Rangers win vs the Islanders.  But, on my experience, when a  good team is the more desperate team against another good team less desperate, the more desperate team wins.  The Islanders are a good team and have alot more on the line and are more desperate

Well, we knew it was going to be a battle and the game didn't disappoint from that standpoint.

It was unfortunate the Rangers gave those three goals up in the first period which ultimately held up in the end. But it was nice seeing them use the power play to get back in the game.

Lots of beat-up players a cause for concern today. Kreider got a slapshot to his groinor midsection but returned to score the first goal for the Rangers. Lindgren the Bionic Man got his skate caught in the edge of the boards, but the Z-man's collision at Center Ice, and possible concussion, impacted the end of this game and perhaps the next two or three depending how serious his condition is.

The Rangers had a buffer to lose a game and still keep pole position. With Carolina upending Boston today, the Rangers are now three points clear of both teams for the Eastern Conference. As I type this, Dallas is leading Buffalo 3-2 in the third period. If they hold on to win, the Rangers' grasp on pole position is down to a solitary point.  Three games left to play and all at the Garden. Stay healthy and win them all for the President's Trophy. They've come this far and it would be a shame to lose it now.

Philly up on Thursday.

Peace!

Disappointed, but I'm not surprised. And that's not a knock on our team. I just had a feeling this would be tough.

Ugly first period but the Rangers pretty much dominated the last 40. Sucky result but, at this point,t he key is staying healthy and gearing up for the playoffs. Hope Mika's injury isn't a long-term issue.

Brutal performance tonight. Giving up the one seed in the East would be an ugly way to end an otherwise brilliant regular season.

The last few games they are skating as if on Wollman Rink, and not The Garden.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on April 11, 2024, 10:04:31 PMBrutal performance tonight. Giving up the one seed in the East would be an ugly way to end an otherwise brilliant regular season.

Ahh...what was it the great Tom Coughlin used to drill into his troops....FINISH

No way Rempe should not dress from here on out.

Quote from: Giant Obsession on April 12, 2024, 06:36:50 AMAhh...what was it the great Tom Coughlin used to drill into his troops....FINISH

No way Rempe should not dress from here on out.

Lavoilette, if you are reading this, pay attention!

They can thank their luck stars, as in Dallas, that their old nemesis Connor Hellebuyck did them a favor last night as he and the Winnipeg Jets blanked the Dallas Stars three-nil to allow the Rangers the tenuous one-point lead for what now appears to be a reluctant chase for the President's Trophy; the shine of an otherwise magical season thrown now into question marks. But, then again, the invincible Bolts were upended by Ottawa in an overtime shootout. So, maybe this kind of thing shouldn't be surprising?

So, if Ranger opponents are going stuff four defenders in front of their goalie to literally give the Rangers no chance to score, then out-hustle them on the other end, this season will come to a close faster than Boston's last year unless, as mentioned above, they put some meat out there to break up that mini-diamond formation around the goal and get some quality shots.

They've got a reprieve last night and have Saturday's matinee to turn the tide on the Isles. I would expect them to come out with fire and, after Laviolette reads this thread, we'll see Rempe take care of business following proceedings on the Isle the other day, followed by an inspired Ranger performance.

Peace!

"So, if Ranger opponents are going stuff four defenders in front of their goalie to literally give the Rangers no chance to score,"

More simple solution, fire the puck. Let's see how much a stomach the opposition has when they're ducks at an amusement park game. The Rangers should have a contest how many teeth they can land on the ice. IT'S TIME TO PLAY WE HAVE ONE GOAL AND THAT'S THE STANLEY CUP, AND WE DON'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT YOUR WELFARE ON THE WAY TO THAT GOAL. That's the attitude needed starting tomorrow. When approaching the Blue Line or Center for a dump in whiz the puck by the Dman's ears. PLAY EFFING ANGRY HOCKEY. Some open ice body checks would be nice. It's Attila the Hun time on ice. 

ALARMING FACT

which fills me with playoff dread.

In even man 5 0n 5 situations the Jeers have scored the same number of goals as their opponents.

Relying on PP situations to win games like balancing on a knife edge.

I have no idea what went on last night but somebody better be alarmed.

now for some FANTASTIC NEWS

Filip Chytil has been medically cleared and skated today at morning practice.

Rangers still being cautious but this is a great sign for him and our long term.

If this and a return to the lineup of Rempe and last TWO games at home doesn't ramp this team up, then I give up.

Quote from: Giant Obsession on April 12, 2024, 01:25:24 PMnow for some FANTASTIC NEWS

Filip Chytil has been medically cleared and skated today at morning practice.

Rangers still being cautious but this is a great sign for him and our long term.

If this and a return to the lineup of Rempe and last TWO games at home doesn't ramp this team up, then I give up.

I agree.

Further,

I will get sick to my stomach if Carolina goes all the way after the Rangers last pitched a shutout against them, in their own building, and left their fans completely puzzled. We need to see that four more times!

Make Patrick Roy eat the rest of his upper lip, his nose and the rest of his head tomorrow morning! Send him home  with a can of the whoop-a$$ stuck out of his back end! Enough of this guy, already!

Game-on!

Seems like an awful lot of anxiety here about a team that is currently number one in the league in points and wins.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on April 12, 2024, 05:19:50 PMSeems like an awful lot of anxiety here about a team that is currently number one in the league in points and wins.

ONE CUP in 83 years, we are well past anxiety.

The Presidents Cup...nice, but who rally gives a damn.

THE CUP is the goal from the first day of training camp.

Total lethargy in Game 80 at home kind of breeds anxiety.

You want high-end drama? ✔️

You want gut check response? ✔️

You want your team to show resilience after being dogged all game? ✔️

You want two points when you question whether or not you really deserve it?

They got it done!

The rivalry is back. The Breadman came through when it mattered most. Z-man looked like his normal self again. Foxy continues to be awesome. Lindgren quietly goes about his role as Alpha Dog of the defense. Igor was ... Igor, IGOR!!! The Penalty Kill team was simply amazing!

Part of me hoped Rempe would come out and drop the gloves. That Laviolette kept the team disciplined and focused, "on a business trip," as Ray Ferraro stated so keenly, made the win more impressive to me.

Roy got his boys up for this game and go home with a point. Not the worst outcome for the Islanders, by any means, but I'm sure his team also walked away with confidence with their chances should their first round playoff opponent be the Rangers.

So, 81 games down and the Ottawa Senators come to the Garden on Monday to close out the regular season. The Rangers will go into the game in the NHL's pole position. Dare I mention that Ottawa has historically been a Ranger headache. Here's the quintessential "man bites dog" scenario: Ottawa beats the Rangers in season finale, denying them the President's Trophy, #1 seed in the entire NHL playoffs, #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and the Metro Division Championship.

No check the box on that one! Go Octopii, beat the Dallas Stars! Pittsburgh vs. Boston ... the Pens are hot and may give them a whooping anyway. Canes at the Hawks tomorrow? Uhhh ... Go Rangers, just beat the Senators Monday night, simple as that.

Peace!

Isles looked faster,sharper mostly. Sorokin was on his game. 5 on 5's weren't a highlight, but they grinded it out. Igor stood on his head several times. It was playoff hockey-esque.

A potential Rangers/Isles opening series will not be easy. They are working their butts off and it shows.

Quote from: spiderblue43 on April 13, 2024, 04:57:10 PMIsles looked faster,sharper mostly. Sorokin was on his game. 5 on 5's weren't a highlight, but they grinded it out. Igor stood on his head several times. It was playoff hockey-esque.

A potential Rangers/Isles opening series will not be easy. They are working their butts off and it shows.

I would agree that nothing should be thought of as "easy", although just out of curiosity, which likely playoff-bound opponent(s) in the East would you prefer to face than the Islanders?

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on April 13, 2024, 06:44:38 PMI would agree that nothing should be thought of as "easy", although just out of curiosity, which likely playoff-bound opponent(s) in the East would you prefer to face than the Islanders?

Detroit, to be honest. But Pittsburgh will have the final say in that matter as they play the Bruins right now.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on April 13, 2024, 09:26:20 PMDetroit, to be honest. But Pittsburgh will have the final say in that matter as they play the Bruins right now.

Peace!

Well, Boston spoke louder tonight but Detroit spoke the loudest in putting themselves back in the run for the #8 seed. So, be careful what I wish for???

In unrelated action, what the heck are Hellebuyck and the Jets drinking to blank the Avs while putting a seven on their scoresheet in Denver today? They are becoming a team nobody wants to play right now.

Great Saturday of hockey!

Peace!

The way I look at it is if we can't beat our first round opponent (a 7 or 8 seed) with home ice advantage, then something is wrong and we weren't going anywhere in the first place. So I'm not going to get too stressed about which team it is.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on April 14, 2024, 06:43:01 AMThe way I look at it is if we can't beat our first round opponent (a 7 or 8 seed) with home ice advantage, then something is wrong and we weren't going anywhere in the first place. So I'm not going to get too stressed about which team it is.

As should be the case.

In unrelated playoff-impacting hockey, a sad ending to a team which has put together a nice run to close out their season. I, for one, am disappointed and sad to see them leave town:

Sources - Coyotes players told team is relocating to Utah (https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39931044/arizona-coyotes-players-informed-team-relocation-utah)

Hockey has had nearly three decades to take root here and it simply hasn't been successful. The team, the head coach and players deserve far better than what they've been given and, so, it was the right decision for them to go to a place where they will be welcomed and have a chance to take root, grow and achieve far more than what they could under all the constraints here in Phoenix. Mullet Arena was a unique, surreal experience to take in an NHL game, with the Rangers, no less, but with a 4,600 seat capacity, the players have to sacrifice, the revenue stream isn't there and the owner came to grips and did the right thing by making it known his intention to sell.

For a lot of reasons I want the Rangers to go all the way, to say I was able to see them up close and personal in Phoenix would be perhaps the most important of all.

To the Coyotes, I wish them well in SLC under their new team name and uniform and may their young kids develop to challenge and dominate the west one day. In a bit of irony, they took down the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 last night in overtime; a testimony to their resilience and a tip of my hat to them with all the respect in the world for going on with the job in front of them.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on April 14, 2024, 02:34:00 PMAs should be the case.

In unrelated playoff-impacting hockey, a sad ending to a team which has put together a nice run to close out their season. I, for one, am disappointed and sad to see them leave town:

Sources - Coyotes players told team is relocating to Utah (https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39931044/arizona-coyotes-players-informed-team-relocation-utah)

Hockey has had nearly three decades to take root here and it simply hasn't been successful. The team, the head coach and players deserve far better than what they've been given and, so, it was the right decision for them to go to a place where they will be welcomed and have a chance to take root, grow and achieve far more than what they could under all the constraints here in Phoenix. Mullet Arena was a unique, surreal experience to take in an NHL game, with the Rangers, no less, but with a 4,600 seat capacity, the players have to sacrifice, the revenue stream isn't there and the owner came to grips and did the right thing by making it known his intention to sell.

For a lot of reasons I want the Rangers to go all the way, to say I was able to see them up close and personal in Phoenix would be perhaps the most important of all.

To the Coyotes, I wish them well in SLC under their new team name and uniform and may their young kids develop to challenge and dominate the west one day. In a bit of irony, they took down the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 last night in overtime; a testimony to their resilience and a tip of my hat to them with all the respect in the world for going on with the job in front of them.

Peace!

I really feel for you losing them.  Back in 1976 when I graduated college one of the great things was I was going to have time finlly to see more virginia Squire games (the ABA).

Alas the merger and a very underfunded, but way more entertaining League got gobbled up (4 teams out of remaining 9) by the NBA and there goes my dream.  No more Dr. J, George Gervin and Charlie Scott vs. Zelmo beaty, Willie Wise and the perennial power Utah Stars and other fine young talented teams which the NBA pilfered.  The Aba was a great idea just woefully underfunded.  If the ABA had been Lamar Hunts idea with his penchant for a solid plan it would have been a different story.  I still miss the Squires almost 50 years later.   SLC is getting a good young up and coming franchise.

I do not care who they play in 1st round.  1) 7th-8th seed nowadays is not the same as 1985 when the 4th place teams had 60 points.   2) There isn't a team in the league they can't beat, doesn't mean they WILL win everything.  But, this team is better than a lot of fans want to give them credit.  3) Assuming the Rangers win tonight, I THINK it will be detroit.  They have a home and home with Montreal while Washington has Boston and philly. 

Quote from: coggs on April 15, 2024, 09:08:06 AMI do not care who they play in 1st round.  1) 7th-8th seed nowadays is not the same as 1985 when the 4th place teams had 60 points.   2) There isn't a team in the league they can't beat, doesn't mean they WILL win everything.  But, this team is better than a lot of fans want to give them credit.  3) Assuming the Rangers win tonight, I THINK it will be detroit.  They have a home and home with Montreal while Washington has Boston and philly. 

That's about the size of it, and credit to those desperate teams emptying their tank trying to get in.

1985-86 and the Beezer, what a run! Stopped nearly everything in his path until the head coach behind the Isles' bench outperformed him and stone-walled the Rangers in the semis. There are about three or four goalies in the playoffs who can do that to Rangers in this playoffs. Let's just say we should be grateful that Hellebuyck is in the Western Conference as he is on fire right now. Vasi in Tampa is always going to be tough, Lindgren in Washington is a wall when he's on and the Isles have acquitted themselves nicely with both of their goalies. Andersen in Carolina is another but the Rangers seem to find ways to score on him.

Anyway, game 82 tonight. Get the deed done, close this phase of the season, rest a few days and get ready for round one, game one at the Garden. This is what it's all about.

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on April 14, 2024, 02:34:00 PMAs should be the case.

In unrelated playoff-impacting hockey, a sad ending to a team which has put together a nice run to close out their season. I, for one, am disappointed and sad to see them leave town:

Sources - Coyotes players told team is relocating to Utah (https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39931044/arizona-coyotes-players-informed-team-relocation-utah)

Hockey has had nearly three decades to take root here and it simply hasn't been successful. The team, the head coach and players deserve far better than what they've been given and, so, it was the right decision for them to go to a place where they will be welcomed and have a chance to take root, grow and achieve far more than what they could under all the constraints here in Phoenix. Mullet Arena was a unique, surreal experience to take in an NHL game, with the Rangers, no less, but with a 4,600 seat capacity, the players have to sacrifice, the revenue stream isn't there and the owner came to grips and did the right thing by making it known his intention to sell.

For a lot of reasons I want the Rangers to go all the way, to say I was able to see them up close and personal in Phoenix would be perhaps the most important of all.

To the Coyotes, I wish them well in SLC under their new team name and uniform and may their young kids develop to challenge and dominate the west one day. In a bit of irony, they took down the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 last night in overtime; a testimony to their resilience and a tip of my hat to them with all the respect in the world for going on with the job in front of them.

Peace!

Elliot Friedman spoke about this on Saturday Headlines for HNIC.  Said what is going to be announced is the league buying the Yotes from Murelo.  League selling to Smith and moving to Utah.  HOWEVER, there will be some stipulation that if Murelo can secure land and build a suitable arena, he will be able to bring back the Coyotes.  Apparently, will be a 5-year window.  Now, I understand why the talk about Atlanta getting another team is gaining so much traction.  Remember, the Thrashers were a different situation.  New arena owners (not sure if they bought Hawks, Thrashers, arena at once, or just the arena and/or hawks) did not want thrashers in the arena and they had nowhere to play.  So, atlanta and a possibly coyotes 2.0 as one expansion.  Also talk of the Fertita's now having strong interest in a team in Houston.  In the past he said he would allow a team to use the arena, but had no interest in owning an nhl team himself.

I see Chytil is involved in the morning skate.

Will stay up this evening to see if we can round off the season with the Presidents's Trophy.

Job done. Home ice advantage throughout.

What a regular season they've had.

Now onto the part that matters.

LGR.

Excellent performance tonight to cap off a memorable regular season. Just as importantly, everyone is pretty much healthy.

As Ed said, now to the part that matters!

Well done tonight! Business taken care of, President's Trophy earned, Metro Division Championship earned,  #1 seed earned, rest earned until Saturday.

Great regular season! Onto the playoffs where it looks like Washington or Detroit.

Peace!

They didn't screw it up!

One thing I think the NHL gets wrong is the tie-breaker.  If at the end of the regular season, 2 teams are tied and 1 will make the play-offs and one is out, they should play a game for the last spot.  Let the team holding the "tie-breaker" host the game.  If they are tied for seeding where both are in, or they are tied for lottery placement then use the tie-breaker.  If Detroit and Washington both win tonight, they should be playing a game in Washington on Thursday or Friday for the last spot.

Quote from: coggs on April 16, 2024, 08:21:41 AMThey didn't screw it up!

One thing I think the NHL gets wrong is the tie-breaker.  If at the end of the regular season, 2 teams are tied and 1 will make the play-offs and one is out, they should play a game for the last spot.  Let the team holding the "tie-breaker" host the game.  If they are tied for seeding where both are in, or they are tied for lottery placement then use the tie-breaker.  If Detroit and Washington both win tonight, they should be playing a game in Washington on Thursday or Friday for the last spot.

Love that idea.  And the NHL gives teams a couple days off before the playoffs start anyway so that would then put the 8 seed at a bit of a disadvantage not having that extra day off but that's what you get for not winning the spot outright. I actually wouldn't mind it if they adopted an NBA style plan where the 8th and 9th seeds always play a play in game regardless of record. 

Quote from: Gmo11 on April 16, 2024, 09:37:25 AMLove that idea.  And the NHL gives teams a couple days off before the playoffs start anyway so that would then put the 8 seed at a bit of a disadvantage not having that extra day off but that's what you get for not winning the spot outright. I actually wouldn't mind it if they adopted an NBA style plan where the 8th and 9th seeds always play a play in game regardless of record. 

I don't watch the NBA, and don't want the NHL to expand the play-offs.  But, do like HOW the NBA does this play-in round where the loser of the 7-8 game gets a 2nd chance.

Caps top Flyers to snag last WC spot and face Blueshirts in first round. While watching Caps celebrate I noticed that Dylan McIlrath was part of the pile.  Much ballyhooed first round choice of Rangers about 15 years ago who never came close to living up to the billing

Capital.

I hate the Capitals.

A plus is they are the team that had just canned our HC, so he better have the blueshirts breathing fire.

Does anyone know when the schedule is released. I need to start planning next week so I can avoid early meetings with the inevitable 3-4am finish.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on April 17, 2024, 04:05:27 AMDoes anyone know when the schedule is released. I need to start planning next week so I can avoid early meetings with the inevitable 3-4am finish.

Tickets went on sale earlier today for the Caps - Rangers series with Game one (1) believed to start on Sunday, April 21. The official playoff schedule is supposed to officially be released tomorrow, I believe.

Stay tuned for more!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on April 17, 2024, 07:10:00 PMTickets went on sale earlier today for the Caps - Rangers series with Game one (1) believed to start on Sunday, April 21. The official playoff schedule is supposed to officially be released tomorrow, I believe.

Stay tuned for more!

Peace!

Re tickets:

Last year I put I think $300 down on the Rangers to win the ECF. I forget what odds I got exactly, but I calculated the hypothetical take on a win to be about enough (or close) to get at least serviceable seats at MSG for one Cup game, should they be lucky enough to make it. Of course they didn't, which was too bad, but I still thought that was a decent enough way to play the situation. I don't like pissing away $300 any more than the next guy, but it's not the end of the world, either.

This year it's different. They're only 4-1 to win the ECF, which isn't much of a payout. I'm not even bothering at those odds. If they make the finals and I want to go, I'll probably just have to pay up. Not ideal, but it will be hard to pass up that opportunity. I could hit up business contacts, but I don't like owing people favors, which would definitely be the case if I had someone take me to a Rangers Cup finals game at MSG on the arm. Tough.

Right now I'm not worried about any of the above though. If they are lucky enough to get that far, I'll consider my options then.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on April 17, 2024, 08:38:18 PMRe tickets:

Last year I put I think $300 down on the Rangers to win the ECF. I forget what odds I got exactly, but I calculated the hypothetical take on a win to be about enough (or close) to get at least serviceable seats at MSG for one Cup game, should they be lucky enough to make it. Of course they didn't, which was too bad, but I still thought that was a decent enough way to play the situation. I don't like pissing away $300 any more than the next guy, but it's not the end of the world, either.

This year it's different. They're only 4-1 to win the ECF, which isn't much of a payout. I'm not even bothering at those odds. If they make the finals and I want to go, I'll probably just have to pay up. Not ideal, but it will be hard to pass up that opportunity. I could hit up business contacts, but I don't like owing people favors, which would definitely be the case if I had someone take me to a Rangers Cup finals game at MSG on the arm. Tough.

Right now I'm not worried about any of the above though. If they are lucky enough to get that far, I'll consider my options then.

Slightly more value in England. They are 15/2

Game one is Sunday afternoon

I'm pumped. Cannot wait for this evening.

Rangers in 5.

16 wins to go.

LGR.

Rock solid first game. We still have a long, long way to go, but you have to like how things got started today. It was pretty businesslike and decisive.

A couple quick thoughts (in no order):

(1) Defensemen did very well as a group in this game. Just rock solid play throughout. No odd man rushes and very few quality chances.

(2) I loved that our fourth line were the three stars of the game. All three of them played very well, and this is such a departure from Rangers teams of the recent past, where the bottom six was such a liability.

(3) I already mentioned the fourth line, but Rempe deserves a special mention. The energy he brings and the way he ignites both the fans and his teammates is really palpable. Lavvy loves him, and I don't blame him.

(4) While the game belonged to the fourth line and the D, our offensive stars all contributed. Laffy had a huge hit that set up the second goal, Bread had a goal and was moving the puck well, Krides had the goal to ice the game, Mika had the pass on that goal right on the tape, Tro was good on the dot and had some quality chances, etc. I thought they all played fine.

(5) Really no notable weak spots. Shesty wasn't really tested but he looked solid. Hard to point the finger at anything. I though the refs were a bit ticky-tack with the calls, but that impacted both teams if we're being fair about it.


I'm going on Tuesday night. I can't wait. May have to buy a Rempe jersey!

Excellent recount, Jeff.

Superb stuff. As you say, very business like.

Roll on Tuesday. I've already instructed my Mrs to take a nap so she can be awake at 0000. We will be sat in the same positions.

Let's go. 15 wins to go. This is a special group.

Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on April 21, 2024, 06:21:44 PMExcellent recount, Jeff.

Superb stuff. As you say, very business like.

Roll on Tuesday. I've already instructed my Mrs to take a nap so she can be awake at 0000. We will be sat in the same positions.

Let's go. 15 wins to go. This is a special group.

Excellent, Ed!

I'll speak for myself, but I am pretty certain everyone here appreciates your passion for this team and commitment to watching them play despite the challenges of doing so on that side of the pond. Having lived there myself for several years, I can directly attest to the difficulty of doing so.

Needless to say, going the distance is extremely hard. A lot has to go your way. But I agree with you that this is a special group, and they're also healthy and playing well right now.

All they need to do is worry about winning the next game. Heads down, work hard, and just take care of business. Play each game like you're on the brink of elimination, whether you are or not.

LGR!

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on April 21, 2024, 06:15:11 PMRock solid first game. We still have a long, long way to go, but you have to like how things got started today. It was pretty businesslike and decisive.

A couple quick thoughts (in no order):

(1) Defensemen did very well as a group in this game. Just rock solid play throughout. No odd man rushes and very few quality chances.

(2) I loved that our fourth line were the three stars of the game. All three of them played very well, and this is such a departure from Rangers teams of the recent past, where the bottom six was such a liability.

(3) I already mentioned the fourth line, but Rempe deserves a special mention. The energy he brings and the way he ignites both the fans and his teammates is really palpable. Lavvy loves him, and I don't blame him.

(4) While the game belonged to the fourth line and the D, our offensive stars all contributed. Laffy had a huge hit that set up the second goal, Bread had a goal and was moving the puck well, Krides had the goal to ice the game, Mika had the pass on that goal right on the tape, Tro was good on the dot and had some quality chances, etc. I thought they all played fine.

(5) Really no notable weak spots. Shesty wasn't really tested but he looked solid. Hard to point the finger at anything. I though the refs were a bit ticky-tack with the calls, but that impacted both teams if we're being fair about it.


I'm going on Tuesday night. I can't wait. May have to buy a Rempe jersey!

Good summary and I see it much the same way. Some other thoughts:

1. Kreider covering Ovechkin, as Ray Ferraro highlighted near the end of the game, may have been one of the most important chess strategies implemented by Laviolette to start this series. Take away their thunder and get them on their heels with physical play and speed.

2. Once they stunned Charlie, with the beautiful play leading to Rempe's goal, the whole Caps' team looked overwhelmed and seemed to cave in. Two minutes and change yielding three goals. That will be a focal point for them in Game Two (2) to eliminate.

3. I haven't seen this Rangers' team ever get into another team's head as they did today. It was fascinating for me to watch a team previously used to out-physically beating the Rangers in the past get it handed to them in spades. Somewhere, files58 is smiling after watching this one.

One down, three to go and will the Rangers see a more physical Caps team take the ice for game two?

Peace!

"Somewhere, files58 is smiling after watching this one."

I missed the first half of the game, and picked it up at 3-1. I know it's the playoffs because my yelling at the screen to "get it out" had some extra on it. Must keep the puck in front of you at all times if possible. I've watched a good number of non-Ranger games. I've noticed that the Rangers are not the only team that gets in trouble when in their defensive zone they pass backwards, and/or laterally between defensemen, or they are not decisive with the puck. That's my peeve whether it's a Ranger game or other, just get it out. Anyway as mentioned by others good start, long way to go. The Caps in Game 2 will crowd the net, and pound the dee. Sooner rather than later Wilson needs to take some form of hockey abuse. An errant shot to the mouth or cheek is my preference. A discreet slash to the boot would do as well. The Caps will mug it up in Game 2. Lavy knows this. Alot depends how things are called by refs. Carlson played almost half the game. He needs to be pounded some, wear him out. It's going to get nasty, the Caps know that's the only way they can win.

With the way Washington looked today, there's little excuse for this series to go more than 5 games and that's only if Lindgren can still one for Washington. That team is mediocre at best. Of all the teams fighting for that last spot, they were probably the best draw for us.

Well, it never pays to even passively root for the fishsticks.  Just hoping they can extend Carolina maybe 1 or 2 games and voila, they forget the game is 60 minutes long.

I guess best hope is they can steal one at home.

https://x.com/dominick_renna/status/1782935947266375786

Those last 2+ minutes were wild.  Numerous chances to clear the puck and couldn't do it. D pair (Trouba and Schneider?) we're on for the entire time and running on fumes at the end.

I expect Caps to come out blazing in game 3 so NYR better be prepared for the onslaught. For all intents and purposes the season will be on the line for Washington

Just got back home a little while ago. Good, exciting game, but I would only say we played well in spurts. There were definitely segments of the game that we weren't all that great. I'm glad about the result, but there were a lot of things to clean up. Nice little break until Friday now.

Energy at MSG was great.

We all knew the Caps were coming out laser focused and, to come away with one goal in the opening minutes may have seemed to ignite a spark; however, it was not to be.

Ovechkin held to one official shot on goal, in two games, and his turnover on the power play which the Rangers turned into a short-handed goal, was the play of the year, to date. Put a dagger in the Caps' venerable star and make Charlie's head spin as the Rangers pass the puck to toy with him before putting him out of his misery. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Great game, great result! Now, get at least one of the two in their building, but a sweep would be a dream but a tough ask since the Caps are tough in their own building.

In other action, that Florida-Tampa game last night was another amazing affair in going to overtime. Also "Georgie" bounced back for the Avs, after yielding seven in game one against the Jets, to outduel Hellebuyck, Conner and company to grab control of the series as it headsto Denver. Will the Leafs take it to Boston tonight? Just a great lineup of hockey every single night to watch!

Peace!

Quote from: kartanoman on April 24, 2024, 10:56:00 AMWe all knew the Caps were coming out laser focused and, to come away with one goal in the opening minutes may have seemed to ignite a spark; however, it was not to be.

Ovechkin held to one official shot on goal, in two games, and his turnover on the power play which the Rangers turned into a short-handed goal, was the play of the year, to date. Put a dagger in the Caps' venerable star and make Charlie's head spin as the Rangers pass the puck to toy with him before putting him out of his misery. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Great game, great result! Now, get at least one of the two in their building, but a sweep would be a dream but a tough ask since the Caps are tough in their own building.

In other action, that Florida-Tampa game last night was another amazing affair in going to overtime. Also "Georgie" bounced back for the Avs, after yielding seven in game one against the Jets, to outduel Hellebuyck, Conner and company to grab control of the series as it headsto Denver. Will the Leafs take it to Boston tonight? Just a great lineup of hockey every single night to watch!

Peace!

Good point about the Caps being tough in their building. I will admit I hadn't noticed that. They were 22-12-7 at home and 18-19-4 on the road. That's a pretty stark contrast. They had only one more regulation/OT loss at home all year than we did.

3rd goal against was on Wennberg.  Can't lose the puck there.  The wild 2 minutes at the end was on Igor.  After an icing he caught a shot off the faceoff.  Should have taken the whistle to allow the Rangers to change.  Instead, played the puck, and then couldn't get it out for 2 minutes.

Quote from: coggs on April 24, 2024, 07:06:49 PM3rd goal against was on Wennberg.  Can't lose the puck there.  The wild 2 minutes at the end was on Igor.  After an icing he caught a shot off the faceoff.  Should have taken the whistle to allow the Rangers to change.  Instead, played the puck, and then couldn't get it out for 2 minutes.

Agreed.  It was curious in real time what exactly he was thinking but to his credit he stood tall those last two minutes and didn't allow that tying goal. 

I absolutely LOVED Panarin's borderline hit to Oshie. Last season's Panarin would never do that. That was payback for the non-call high stick. The hit shows his determination, and the confidence that his team has his back. Speaks alot. The Caps tomorrow are going to come out of the gate like a quarter horse. It's going to be nasty. CLEAR THE PUCK, just dump it out. Catch them with odd man rushes. Before this is over I see Cuylle mixing it up with Wilson.

Quote from: files58 on April 25, 2024, 10:39:41 AMI absolutely LOVED Panarin's borderline hit to Oshie. Last season's Panarin would never do that. That was payback for the non-call high stick. The hit shows his determination, and the confidence that his team has his back. Speaks alot. The Caps tomorrow are going to come out of the gate like a quarter horse. It's going to be nasty. CLEAR THE PUCK, just dump it out. Catch them with odd man rushes. Before this is over I see Cuylle mixing it up with Wilson.

Oshie f'd around and found out.  He has always been a dirtbag on the ice.  Just goes unnoticed because he is not as bad as Wilson.

Right then, lads. Let's have it.

I got engaged this past Tuesday, we've been celebrating since. We are off to a Greek Island tomorrow so I have a cab in 4.5 hours. My approach of drinking through it and not napping ought to garner a reward.

Let's go 3 nil up but be prepared for the massive early Caps push.

LGR!

Well, game three started off with concern when Igor let in that early first period goal. But we need not have worried as our Rangers were up to the task and Igor became an unstoppable wall. For Kreider to provide the equalizer in undera minute, after the Caps' score, changed the course of the game. The short-handed goal, which was a thing of beauty, shoved a knife into the Caps.

We can talk about Rempe's physical play, Igor back to his magical playoff form, excellent defense and overall patience and discipline which proved the difference in the Rangers earning win #3 on the road.

Getting the third win was also important as Carolina is also up 3-0 in their series with the Isles.

Sunday, can they close it out?

Peace!

The only negatives were too many penalties although a couple were weak calls.  Also, Panarin again held without a shot.  They overall will need more shooting and less passing against Carolina.

Quote from: Messiah717 on April 27, 2024, 01:01:39 PMThe only negatives were too many penalties although a couple were weak calls.  Also, Panarin again held without a shot.  They overall will need more shooting and less passing against Carolina.

As evidenced by the Carolina - Isles game today, never look ahead when there's still business to take care of in front of you.

Let's get the Rangers over the hump tomorrow, first and foremost.

Panarin has assisted a couple of huge goals in this series. But the Z-man and Trocheck are on fire right now. Breadman will get his goals. If he doesn't, he'll help his teammates get that score.

Just remember the Rangers took two of three from Carolina this this season; lest you forget that classic 1-0 shutout in Raleigh.

Game four tomorrow 5 PM Arizona time!

Peace!