Quote from: jgrangers2 on May 12, 2024, 10:31:22 AMThe series has been chippy since game 1. Rempe won't change that and the idea of a deterrent is an old school hockey trope that needs to die. He also can't skate with this team and would be a liability when on the ice. There's a reason he played just 4 minutes of a game that went over 80.
I'd argue that yesterday might have been their best game at evens in this series. If not for some bad early turnovers and a bad penalty late, this series might be over. Also, the Trouba discussion has to happen sooner rather than later. He's been on the ice for something like the last 7 goals against. We could legitimately see a guy get handed the cup by Bettman and bought out a month later.
In game 4, yes he played around 5 mins, but his average ice time throughout the post season is 6.21. Brodzniski played 8.41 last night - you're not scrapping around finding large minutes to replace either one.
However, I do think Carolina have attempted to take more liberties without him in the line-up, there were a number of boarderline incidences last night he could he have kept in check, plus you had Vesey dropping the gloves in Game 3. I don't think that crap occurs with him in the line-up. Furthermore, he's taken 8 PIMs in the post season, again not a disproportionate amount in my view.
My final point to starting him, over Brodzniski only, is the buzz he brings to the home ice crowd - I think that's worth it.
Of course, just my two pennies.
With or without him - I firmly expect them to close tomorrow night.
Edit - Agree on Trouba. Absolutely a liability when he's not in the box for errant penalties. It's certainly the rangers biggest question mark right now but I don't see a change happening.